All in the Family: Legacy Students Series, Part 3

Salus University has more than 14,000 alumni, including recorded legacies. You are a part of a legacy family if you and your parent, grandparent, sibling, cousin, aunt, uncle or spouse attended or currently attend Salus. If you are a legacy, we would love to hear from you. Submit your story here.

For many legacy students and their families, attending Salus felt inevitable. Although each student has a unique reason for choosing the University, they share a common pride in making a Salus education part of their family tradition.

For graduates like Priyanka Patel, OD ‘20, and Roheena Malik, OD ‘20, legacy family members are much younger pioneers among the same generation, offering a solid support system as they worked toward their degrees. The University’s Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO) has even been the place where graduates like Stephanie Reitter, OD ‘20, met their matches – finding a shared vision of their futures in the optometry profession.

Life is a journey with many highs and lows and if an individual does not have the right support system, it can seem impossible. As I embarked on this journey four years ago, the endless love and support that I received from my cousin and Salus PCO graduate, Divya Patel, OD ‘13, helped guide me in becoming a strong and confident new doctor. Her leadership provided me with the framework to identify and pursue optometry, develop my skills and encourage exceptional care to all patients.

Helping others isn’t just a part of our legacy—it is woven into the fabric of Salus. I am exceptionally honored to be a part of the Salus PCO tradition as a legacy family member, and I hope to be a friend, mentor and colleague to future generations as we strive for excellence within our career and community.
-Dr. Priyanka Patel

To be a part of the Salus University tradition as a legacy family member impacts my sister, Nimrah Malik, OD ‘13, and I positively. Through optometry school, my sister has guided me, offered me insight, and encouraged me to work and love what I do. Whether it was academic or career related, she has been my mentor for developing skills in school, studying patient cases and encouraging me on my path to success. I shared the extraordinary achievement of graduating from Salus PCO with my sister alongside me, and I hope that our legacy echoes in our commitment to excellence in the optometry field.
-Dr. Roheena Malik

Salus PCO is where I met my husband, Brian D'Allura, OD '19. We enjoy working in the same field and discussing treatment and management of cases we encounter. I believe the dynamic pushes both of us to constantly expand our knowledge base and become better practitioners. I couldn't imagine not being in the same field! It's just one of the many things we share a passion for and have in common. I'm grateful to have met a like-minded individual at Salus and that we both have the opportunity to help people improve the quality of their lives with better vision. I'm sure we will try to convince our future kids to pursue this career as well! And, of course, to apply at Salus!
-Dr. Stephanie Reitter