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The Presidential Medal of Honor is bestowed upon those who have made contributions to their profession and for their service to Salus University.
Girija Sundar, PhDTitle: Assistant professor, Osborne College of Audiology
Education: MPhil/PhD, City University of New York, 1996-2004; BA/MS William Patterson University, Wayne, New Jersey, 1976-1977.
Role at Salus University: Director of Distance Education, Osborne College of Audiology (OCA); assistant professor, OCA.
The quote: “There is no end point, and the fact that the University has acknowledged and applauds this process is both inspiring and challenging at the same time. Now, I have to find ways to live up to the spirit of this award.”
Sarah Appel, OD '79, FAAOTitle: Professor, Pennsylvania College of Optometry
Education: Douglass College of Rutgers University, BA 1975; Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO), BS, OD, 1979; Residency in Low Vision Rehabilitation, PCO 1981.
Role at Salus University: Director of Pediatric Low Vision Services; co-director of the Special Populations Assessment and Rehabilitation Center.
The quote: “As a faculty member of both of these illustrious institutions (PCO and Salus) and a member of the remarkable William Feinbloom Vision Rehabilitation Center staff, I have had the opportunity to positively impact on my patients’ health and welfare, teach and mentor wonderful students and residents and contribute to the field of low vision rehabilitation. For that, I will be forever grateful.”
John J. Fitzgerald III, DO, FACOGTitle: Associate professor, College of Health Sciences, Education and Rehabilitation
Education: Resident, Obstetrics and Gynecology, four years, Temple University; Intern, JKF Memorial Hospital; DO, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine; BA in Biology, Lasalle University.
Role at Salus University: Assistant director in the Physician Assistant Studies Program (PA); director of clinical education, PA program; medical director, PA program; associate professor, PA program.
The quote: “I was overwhelmed a bit because I know some of the people who have gotten this award in the past. And it’s rather an elite crowd, so I was happy to be part of it.”
Reade Fahs, MBATitle: Chief Executive Officer, National Vision Inc., the third largest retailer in the U.S., since 2003
Education: Bachelor of Arts in English and American Literature from Harvard University.
Role at Salus University: A Salus University Board of Trustees member since 2017 who currently serves on the Institutional Advancement Committee and the Institutional Policy & Curriculum Committee.
The quote: “I have loved my experience at Salus. I think it's helped me understand the concerns, desires and empathy of not just optometrists, but all of the different types of medical professionals that we train at Salus.”
