Centennial
President’s Medal Recipients
Many people have been part of the proud history of the Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO) and Salus University. Alumni, faculty, and friends of the College helped establish PCO as a pioneer and leader in the field of optometric education and the profession of optometry. The following people - highlighted on Medal Mondays - were honored on May 20, 1995 at the 75th Anniversary Gala Celebration for their outstanding contributions to the College and the field of optometry and vision care.
During the weekend of the Centennial Gala Celebration, additional alumni, faculty, and friends were honored.
Harold Simmerman, OD ’30, D.Sc. (Hon.) ’72, FAAO
Dr. Simmerman joined the Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO) faculty in 1932 and served as professor of Ocular Pathology and Optometric Practice until his retirement in 1968 when he was named professor emeritus. He was dean of the College in 1969 and 1970. During his 36 year tenure, he taught many courses in the curriculum and authored numerous papers and the textbook, Field Studies. He was the second PCO alumnus to hold the office of president of the American Academy of Optometry (AAO) from 1951 to 1953. Dr. Simmerman chaired the AAO membership committee for over 25 years and served on the New Jersey Board of Optometric Examiners. He received the Alumnus of the Year Award in 1968.
