Incoming Alumni Association President: Amanda Marchegiani, AuD '10

As an alumna, Amanda Marchegiani, AuD '10, believes she and others can help define Salus University's future.

"Our experiences can inspire the next Salus generation who face a future that is more challenging and more unique than any other in recent memory," said Dr. Marchegiani.

This belief influenced her decision to take on the leadership role as the incoming president of the University's Alumni Association, effective July 2020.

"We are excited to welcome Dr. Marchegiani in her new role as president of the Salus Alumni Association," said Jacqueline Patterson, MPA, vice president of Institutional Advancement and Community Relations. "Her relentless attention to detail and zeal for Salus University will build on the past leadership of the association."

Patterson mentioned the large alumni base who care and want to volunteer their time to see Salus students succeed.

"We are looking forward to building student-alumni connections, the diversity of the association and increasing engagement in community service," she said. "This is what it's all about - building a sense of community."

Dr. Marchegiani is a clinical educator in the University's Osborne College of Audiology (OCA). She works with first-year audiology students in their audiometric principles clinical skills lab during the fall and spring semesters. She takes over for outgoing president David Friess, OD '02, FAAO whose term was for two years.

"We are thankful for Dr. Friess and the Alumni Association for its work during the University's Pennsylvania College of Optometry's 100th anniversary to support student scholarships, upgrading facilities, and our mission work in the midst of these extraordinary and challenging times," said Patterson. "An active alumni association is vital to the success of Salus University now and for the next 100 years."

Dr. Machegiani cites former Alumni Association board member, Tomi Browne, AuD '04, who served on the alumni board from 2006 through 2012, as a mentor who always emphasized the importance of the Alumni Association's role to the University.

"Tomi was incredibly influential in my decision to join the board in 2011, to remain on, and increase my involvement in the years since. She is the consummate educator - inspiring and dedicated," said Dr. Marchegiani.

In the coming year, a main focus for the Alumni Association will be to continue to build the University community by developing and maintaining both personal and professional connections.

"Now, more than ever, is a pivotal moment to shape the future of Salus through our active participation," said Dr. Marchegiani. "A key portion of our Alumni Association's mission is to develop and enhance the involvement of the University's current and future alumni. Collectively, our diverse backgrounds can enhance the offerings of our University as a whole."

That being said, she takes this opportunity to invite alumni to consider being a Salus ambassador, to serve on the alumni board, to attend alumni events - virtually and in-person, and stay connected. Alumni can communicate with the Alumni Association through the Salus website and social media channels. Dr. Marchegiani encourages alumni to regularly share their ideas, updates and feedback.

"I feel I have always worked most effectively as a part of a team and look forward to partnering with the board and all interested alum as we solidify our vision, advance our goals, and establish a connected university experience for all in this upcoming year," she said.