Centennial
President’s Medal Recipients
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.
During the weekend of the Centennial Gala Celebration, additional alumni, faculty, and friends were honored.
Theodore J. Wentka, OD ‘52
(1918 – 1997)
Dr. Wentka made significant contributions to optometry as a life-member of the International Association of Lions Clubs and Chairman of the Aberdeen, Md. Sight Conservation Committee. He was recognized by local, district, national, and international Lions organizations for his dedication to the service of Lionism. He was instrumental in forming the Northeastern Optometric Society in Maryland and served as the organization’s secretary for a number of years. In 1987, Wentka Hall, an on-campus student apartment building, was named in honor of Dr. Wentka’s long-standing interest in and financial support of the Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO). He presented PCO with a substantial financial gift, which it used in the move to the Elkins Park campus, where a photo of him and his wife hangs today. He passed away at the age of 79 on January 3, 1997.
