It’s a Black Tie (Optional) Affair: Celebrating a Century in Style this Weekend
In just two short days, Salus University's Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO) will be throwing the party of a century – quite literally.
A century ago, the then Pennsylvania State College of Optometry - the name was shortened in 1964 - set out to be a leader in optometric education. Now Salus University continues to be a leader in health science education, just like its founding College. So, on the evening of April 27, PCO will celebrate its 100th Anniversary with two days of activities culminating in the Centennial Gala at the Hilton Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing. (See more about our history)
Overlooking the Delaware River, guests will attend the cocktail reception in the Columbus Ballroom and the dinner/program in the Grand Ballroom. Guests will receive commemorative favors and those who stay at the Hilton will also receive welcome bags.
Emmy-winning NBC10 news anchor and reporter Rosemary Connors, who feels like a part of the Salus/PCO family, will co-host and serve as emcee for the evening, which will consist of dinner and dancing to Monte Carlo, a first class live band.
After the dinner program is over, there will be the Essilor Luxottica After Party that runs through 12:30 a.m.
The Gala is the cherry on top of a weekend full of celebrations. Starting Friday night, 35 prominent individuals will be awarded Presidential Medals of Honor at the Science History Institute to commemorate important milestones: 100 years of the founding of PCO and 10 years of the establishment of Salus University.
The new awardees will join a total of 77 of whom were previously recognized during the 75th anniversary of PCO with the PCO Presidential Medal of Honor. PCO staple Lorraine Lombardi, PhD, will honor the previous 75th awardees.
The newest medal recipients - 25 for PCO and 10 for Salus - were nominated by the University’s Centennial Committee and President. Each recipient was chosen for their significant contributions to their profession and/or for their service to the institution.
During the same Centennial Award Ceremony, five 2019 Alumni Awards will also be presented.
Events continue Saturday throughout the day as well: a free continuing education (CE) event starts at 8:30 a.m. There will also be campus tours of both the main campus, located in Elkins Park, Pa. and of The Eye Institute (TEI) Oak Lane, the University’s on-site clinical facility for the optometry program. Buses will available between the Elkins Park Campus and Oak Lane for those interested in attending both campuses. TEI’s Chestnut Hill and East Falls satellites will also be open.
Also at 10:00 a.m., the University's Pennsylvania Ear Institute (PEI) and Speech-Language Institute (SLI) clinical facilities will be holding a Community Open House with expert talks, screenings, and children’s activities. There will also be a VIP Open House for both PEI and SLI from 12:00 p.m. until 1:00 p.m. To commemorate the newest Presidential Medalists, the Presidential Medal of Honor Plaque will be unveiled on the walls of the Hafter Student Community Center complete with a champagne toast at 12:30 p.m.
For alumni, faculty, and students, it will be a weekend to remember the past century, cherish the present memories being made, and to look forward to the next.
We can't wait to celebrate with you!