Centennial
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.
At the Centennial Gala Celebration on April 27, 2019, additional alumni, faculty, and friends will be honored.
Dr. Lawrence Fitch, son of PCO founder Albert Fitch, served as the second President of the College from 1960 to 1972. During his presidency, Dr. Fitch oversaw a major expansion of facilities, enrollment, and heightened college prestige , raising the level of activity and influence of PCO. He was a member of the College Board of Trustees from 1948 to 1960 and was Professor of Optometry and Dean of the College prior to his term as president. He served as President of the American Academy of Optometry from 1959 to 1961, the fourth PCO alumnus to hold that position. He was instrumental in making the College the first independent health professions institution to receive regional accreditation. During his presidency, the College received its initial financial support from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, becoming the first and only independent school or college of optometry to receive this type of state funding. Dr. Fitch received the Alumnus of the Year Award in 1964 and the Alumni Special Recognition Award in 1979.
