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Signing days are a staple of athletic commitments at institutions across the country, but three Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO) at Salus University alumni wanted to extend signing days from beyond athletics, into a celebration to encourage academic excellence.
Darryl Glover OD ‘11, co-founder, Essence Johnson OD ‘10, chief visionary officer and Jacobi Cleaver OD ‘11, chief program officer of the Black Eyecare Perspective (BEP) began a signing day for the organization’s Pre-Optometry Club members who have gained acceptance into a school or college of optometry, as well as recognize any student who will be entering optometry school the following academic year.
The signing day was hosted virtually on April 23, 2024, and offered students the opportunity to announce the optometry school they plan to attend in the fall, watch congratulatory videos from their family and friends, and celebrate their accomplishments.
BEP is an organization dedicated to increasing Black representation in optometry by creating a pipeline for Black students into the profession, cultivating and fostering lifelong relationships between Black eyecare professionals and the eyecare industry.
PCO had two incoming students participate in the signing day, Joshua Simpo and Kynton Grays.
“We want our students to be celebrated, and our signing day has been a huge hit,” said Dr. Johnson. “Hopefully signing day will move beyond just a BEP project and become an industry initiative for students to announce which school they will be going to.”
The event concluded with a keynote speech by Carla Calizaire, PhD, vice president of North American sales for Johnson & Johnson Vision.
“I am both delighted and honored to share this moment with you. It is truly a privilege to be here celebrating this tremendous accomplishment…This moment represents a culmination of experiences throughout your lifetime up until now. And, all of the hard work over decades that has gotten you here,” said Dr. Calizaire. “The statistics are not always on our side but look at you. Look at the future. You are the ones that countless little kids will one day look up to because they see you, they know that they can do it too.”
