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Alumni News

Join a network of more than 14,000 leaders in the Health Sciences field. The mission of the Alumni Association is to develop and enhance the involvement of the University’s alumni and future alumni in supporting the mission and goals of the University and its Colleges. Read more about our association, our alumni and how you can get involved.

Recent Posts

New Interim Optometry Dean Ready to Move the Program Forward 

Historic Commencement: They’ll Be No Forgetting the Class of 2024

University Named a 2024 Diversity Award Winner

Interim Dean for the Pennsylvania College of Optometry Announced

Where Are They Now: David Baptiste, OD ‘96 

Robert Vanderyajt, OD ‘83

Audiology Alum Selected for Rare Air Force Role

Jeffrey Weaver, OD ‘85

Where Are They Now: Frank Wartinger, AuD ‘11

University Development Day Highlighted Faculty Achievements

Riya Paranthan, OD ‘14, is New Alumni Association President

Diane Adamczyk, OD ‘85

A Banner Day: Salus Flies the Drexel Flag for the First Time  

Allison Wethey, MMS ‘19

Daniel Hoffman, OD ‘24, Resident ‘25, Named 2024 William Feinbloom Low Vision Award Winner

Alvah Cayton IV, OD ‘08

Johnnie Bass, AuD ‘05

Summer Enrichment Program Prepares Students for the Rigors of Grad School  

Amanda Legge, OD ‘12: 2024 Special Recognition Alumna of the Year Award

Nikhil Bansal, OD ‘20, Joins Optometry Faculty

Audiology Alumna of the Year 2022: Kimberly M. Cavitt, AuD ’05

Howard Stromwasser, OD ‘74

Brian Urban, AuD ‘06: 2024 Audiology Alumni of the Year Award

Blindness and Low Vision Studies Alumna of the Year 2024: Carlton Anne Cook Walker, MEd ‘11

National Optometric Association Conference Took Over Philadelphia

Audiology Alumna of the Year 2020: Kathryn Dowd, AuD ‘08

Optometry Learning Experience Draws Increased Interest from Participants

Optometry Student Finishes Fourth in National Quiz Bowl

Edward Melman, OD ‘81

Hearing the Echoes of Excellence: 25 Years of Osborne Audiology

Q&A with Drexel President John Fry

Speech Language Pathology 2024 Alumna of the Year: Lauren Bevan, MS ‘17

In Memoriam: Spring 2024

Class Notes: Spring 2024

Alumni Association President’s Message

Evan Schulz, MMS ‘19: 2024 Physician Assistant Alumni of the Year Award

From President Mittelman: Celebrating Our Achievements

Where Are They Now: Lauren DeAngelo, MSOT ‘23

Audiology Alumna of the Year 2023: Amanda Marchegiani, AuD ’10

25 Stories for 25 Years: Greg Butcher, AuD ‘19

Benjamin Lane, OD ‘58

Where Are They Now: Connor Warren, MSOT ‘19

Presidential Medals, Alumni of the Year Awards Presented to Distinguished Group

Celebrating the Class of 2024 at the Ninth Annual Residents' Day

Conference Round-Up: Spring 2024

Audiology Alumna of the Year 2021: Jonette B. Owen, AuD ‘03

Stephen Rudnick, OD ‘71

Where Are They Now: Amber Fessler, OTD ‘20

Presidential Medal of Honor 2024: Paul B. Freeman, OD ‘74

Drexel President Fry to Graduates: Character and Integrity Still Matter

Presidential Medal of Honor 2024: Rita Chaiken, AuD ‘03

Presidential Medal of Honor 2024: Jim Saviola, OD ‘85

Commencement 2024: Through Adversity Comes Strength — Dr. Rajan’s PhD Journey

Dr. Mittelman Accepts Inaugural Aerospace Optometry Award Named in His Honor

Where Are They Now: Alicia Reiser, OTD ‘18

Connie Chronister, OD ‘86, MS ‘86, Resident ‘87

Where Are They Now: Alexander Paluzzi, MSOT ‘21

Alumnus of the Year: 2016 Edition - Dr. Kathy Foltner

Hearing the Echoes of Excellence: 25 Years of Osborne Audiology

Where Are They Now: Emily Hamilton, MSOT ‘21

Surpin, Dr. Artis Retire from Board of Trustees

Young Alumni: Jonathan Zobek, MEd ‘22

Where Are They Now: Alyson McFadden, MSOT ‘22

Where Are They Now: Sultana Abdur-Raheem, MS ‘23

Day in the Life of a Blindness and Low Vision Studies Professional

Young Alumni: Payton Burke, AuD ‘21

Young Alumni: Mikenzie Mikkelson, MMS '21

Where Are They Now: Max Manson, MS ‘19

In Memoriam: Dr. Algernon Phillips

Young Alumni: Abigail Possinger, AuD ‘22

Young Alumni: Nikol Davidson, MS ‘22

Where Are They Now: Emily Jollota, MS ‘17, OTR/L

Young Alumni: Katelyn Maffei, MEd ‘21, VRT

Counterculture of the 1960s Provided PCO Grad Some Unique Experiences

Young Alumni: Jonah Casella, OD ‘22

Message from President Mittelman, Fall 2023

Looking Out For Kids Gala Honors Founder Dr. Susan Oleszewski

Where Are They Now: Robert Fitzgerald, MS ’99, Orientation and Mobility

Inside the Life of Optometry Dean: Dr. Melissa Trego

Class Notes: Fall 2023

In Memoriam: Fall 2023

Alumni Association President's Message Fall 2023

PCO/Salus Alum Receives Theia Award for Mentoring

University Honors Presidential Medal of Honor, Alumni Association Awardees

Where Are They Now: Alfred Mwamba, AuD '14

Friday's Fun Faculty Facts: Part II

Biomed Student Receives Highest Award from Nigerian Optometric Association

Where Are They Now: Gabrielle Verrillo, MS ‘21

Where Are They Now: John Elkhoury, MMS ‘18

Class of 2023 Ready to Make its Impact on the World

Where Are They Now: Sam Farrand, MS ‘17

Dr. Susan Oleszewski is the 2023 Looking Out for Kids Lighthouse Award Winner

Where Are They Now: Megan Schafer, MS ‘20

Alumni Association Public Service Award: Dr. David W. Friess

Where Are They Now: Yasmin Battat, AuD ‘09

Alumni Association Awardee: Victoria Wong, MMS ‘16

Renowned PCO Optometrist Publishes Third Edition of Iconic Textbook

Speech-Language Pathology Alumna of the Year: Carleen Dumas, MS ‘18

2023 BLVS Alumna of the Year: Lindsay Lee, MEd ‘19

Post-bacc Program Prepares Students for Salus, Other Universities as Well

Class Notes: Spring 2023

In Memoriam: Spring 2023

2023 Albert Fitch Memorial Alumnus of the Year: Mark Boas, OD ‘86

Biomedicine Program Celebrates First Decade of Success

Where Are They Now: Grace Gawron, MS ‘18

World Hearing Day: Audiology Alum Helps Musicians Safely Turn it Up

Where Are They Now: Alta Fried, MSOT ‘14

Physician Assistant Assessment of Adult-Onset ADHD

Physician Assistant Alum Tackled Alzheimer’s Disease Capstone Project

#SalusSoulmates: Valentine’s Day Edition

Where Are They Now: Michelle Mikviman, MS’ 21

Role of the DICE: Department Has A Long and Distinguished History

Class Notes: Fall 2022

In Memoriam: Fall 2022

Your Career Should Rest on a Three-Legged Stool

Thank You for Investing in Our Students

A Number of Exciting Things Happening at Salus

Where Are They Now: Healey Miller, MSOT ‘21, ‘23OTD

The Stars Come Out for 15th Annual Kids Fundraiser

Faculty Focus: Betsy O’Donnell, MS ‘86, COMS, CLVT, TVI

Commencement a Day of Pride, Relief for Class of 2022

The Stars Came Out to the University's Annual Recognition Reception

Presidential Medal of Honor 2022 Awardee: Professor Kovin Naidoo

Optometry Residency Class of 2023: Dr. Samuel Kim

Presidential Medal of Honor 2022 Awardee: Dr. Robert Bittel

Optometry Residency Class of 2023: Dr. Nicholas Puzzella

Presidential Medal of Honor 2022 Awardee: Melissa Padilla

Where Are They Now: Lisa Wallace-Davis, OD '92

American Heritage Donates $25,000 to Big Red Bus

Where Are They Now: Max Saeger, MS ‘19

Sal's Shorts: First Adaptive Sports Day; Practicing Wellness

Two Optometry Residents Named Blaustein Award Winners

Audiology Grad More Prepared Now to do Even Bigger Things

Naomi Sussman Scholarship Established to Help BLVS Students

O&M Student Making a Big Impact in Her Home Country

Remembering Melissa Padilla

Commencement Gets Back to Face-to-Face at the Kimmel

OTI Director Successfully Navigates Challenging Road to PhD

Sal's Shorts: Admiral Michelle Howard to Keynote; Springfest Brings Salus Community Together

PCO Honors Dr. Verma With Plaque Dedication, Reception

Where Are They Now: Nathalie Miller, MSOT ‘20

Salus University, STAAR Surgical Launch Project MyVision

Alumni Association President’s Message - Spring 2022

PCO/Salus Faculty Member Living Boyhood Dream with Hockey Team

2022 Alumni Association Awardees

Admiral Michelle Howard to Keynote Spring Commencement

In Memoriam: Spring 2022

PCO Alum Picks Up His Pickleball Game

Retiring Audiologist Robert DiSogra Made His Mark on OCA

Where Are They Now: Andrew Welsh, MSOT ‘20, OTR/L

Former PCO Faculty Member Dr. Lawrence Ragone Passes

Ukraine Adoption Odyssey Has Been Challenging, Dangerous for PCO/Salus Alum

Where Are They Now: Allison Bicskei, MSOT ‘16, OTR/L, LSVT

Dr. Rachel Brackley Named New Externship Director

Hear From the Accelerated Scholars OD Program Alumni

Where Are They Now: Kaylin Magosin, MSOT ‘20

Why Are Residency Programs Important? Accelerated Scholars Residents Discuss

OT Students Learn How They Can Help Refugee Children

The Ex Files: Accelerated OD Program’s Externships

Where Are they Now: Michael Krueger, MSOT ‘15

Where Are They Now: Michael Baertschi, PhD ‘15

Where Are They Now: Kristin Kaplewicz, MSOT ‘20

Sal’s Shorts: It’s the Climb; Peer Support; A Passion Project

PCO Welcomes Dr. Fiza Tariq

Alumni Association President’s Message

Faculty Focus: Dr. Jeffrey Nyman

PCO Alum Helps Effort to Teach Blind Children to Play Tennis

Sal’s Shorts: A Throwback Special

2021 Recap: How Alumni Can Make an Impact

Dr. Killen Named Director of On-Campus Residency Programs

Dr. Verma to Retire After Half a Century of Excellence

Sal’s Shorts: As Seen on TikTok; Reunited (and It Feels So Good)

Meet the Cast of The College Tour: Dr. Mohit Batra

SLP Q&A: A Rewarding Externship Experience

Presidential Medal of Honor: Dr. John Fitzgerald

Presidential Medal of Honor: Reade Fahs

Presidential Medal of Honor: Dr. Sarah Appel

Presidential Medal, Alumni Association Award Winners Recognized

Resident Class of 2022: Dr. Wayne Tan

SLP Q&A: From Externship to Clinical Fellowship, Part 2

Distinguished Alum Dr. I. William Collins Establishes Contact Lens Scholarship

Legacy Scholarship Helps Audiology Students

Faculty Focus: Dr. Korey Patrizi

SLP Q&A: From Externship to Clinical Fellowship, Part 1

Resident Class of 2022: Dr. Natalee Rackus

Faculty Focus: Dr. David Meltzer

Meet the Cast of The College Tour: Dr. Kelly Malloy

Where Are They Now: Dr. Tiffani Methvien

Faculty Focus: Dr. Bre Myers

Where Are They Now: Dr. Elizabeth Patterson

PCO/Salus Alums Want 13 Percent Black Representation - Part 3: Dr. Essence Johnson

Faculty Focus: Dr. Christin DeMoss

Where Are They Now: Dr. Frank Mai

2021 Alumni Association Awardees

PCO/Salus Alums Want 13 Percent Black Representation - Part 2: Dr. Jacobi Cleaver

Behind the Scenes at TEI: Dr. Andrew Meagher

Where Are They Now: Casey Heffelfinger, MS '20, CCC-SLP

Where Are They Now: Dr. Devin Williams

Simmerman Family Legacy: Eyewitness to The Evolution of Optometry

Dr. Edward Cordes: A Lifetime of Giving Back

Where Are They Now: Dr. Arieneh Tahmasian

Dr. Francine Pearlman-Storch: Four Decades of Teaching Excellence

Where Are They Now: Alexandra Kistner, MS ’17

Where Are They Now: Emily Swavely, MS ‘17

Where Are They Now: Amanda Kaufmann, MS ‘17

PCO/Salus Alums Want 13 Percent Black Representation - Part 1: Dr. Darryl Glover

Where Are They Now: Rachel Plavnik, MS ‘19

Gordon Family Legacy: Big Personalities, Big Successes

Speech-Language Pathology Q&A: Where Are They Now

Where Are They Now: Caitlin Panella, MS ‘18

Behind the Scenes at TEI: Dr. Alissa Coyne

From Head to Toe: PCO Alum Now a Children’s Author

Volleyball and Seinfeld Jokes Make a Perfect Love Story

Speech-Language Pathology Q&A: One-on-One with an Alum

Where Are They Now: Sara Reuss, MS '17

Where Are They Now: Dr. James Komornik

Behind the Scenes at TEI: Dr. Erin Kenny

Where Are They Now: Dr. In-Ae "Grace" Choi

Ryan Martzall, MMS ’20, Receives Navy Commission

Faculty Focus: Dr. Carlo Pelino

Where Are They Now: Cora Franze, MS ‘20

Speech-Language Pathology Q&A: Graduating During a Pandemic

Speech-Language Pathology Q&A: Business-Owning Alumni Hires Two Salus Grads

Faculty Focus: Dr. Chad Killen

Where Are They Now: Brittney Hamlett, MMS ‘17

Where Are They Now: Dr. Jenae Stiles

Where Are They Now: Dr. Jenna Fenton

Presidential Awards

Where Are They Now: Kelly Garcia, MS ‘19

Where Are They Now? Dr. Susan (Barnes) Gresham

Dr. Sponseller to be Published in Top OT Research Journal

Class of 2020 Battles Unprecedented Circumstances and Comes Out on Top

In Memoriam: Dr. Gilda Crozier