2021 Recap With President Mittelman

After navigating the challenges of the last year and a half, Salus University’s staff, faculty, and students have demonstrated innovation, adaptability, and forward thinking that allowed us to not only survive, but thrive. I’m very happy to share a few exciting areas of growth and good news with you!

After several years of research, planning, and development, we are ready to launch our new Orthotics and Prosthetics (O&P) Program within the College of Health Sciences, Education and Rehabilitation. Chad Duncan, PhD, CRC, CPO will serve as the director of the program. Dr. Duncan joined the Salus team earlier this fall after a successful tenure at Northwestern University’s P&O program — the longest-standing O&P program in the nation. Along with James Konopack, PhD, dean of CHER, Dr. Duncan has been spearheading efforts to develop an innovative curriculum, interview and attract world-class faculty, recruit motivated students, and forge campus and community relationships that will make our program one of the best in the nation.

Salus’ Board of Directors honors Jo Surpin’s 20+ years of service on our Board, including 14 years as Board Chair. Jo’s visionary leadership has helped Salus to navigate countless hills and valleys, and her unwavering dedication to our mission has been nothing short of inspirational. Jo will remain on the Board, but the position of Chair will now be filled by Rebecca Delia, Senior Vice President of FSL Public Finance. Rebecca is a staunch advocate for women’s leadership and diversity, and brings energy, expertise, and experience to the position that will further advance our mission.

This fall, we honored our 2021 Presidential Medal of Honor Awardees and Alumni Association Awardees at our Annual Recognition Reception. Our 2021 Presidential Medal of Honor Awardees are:

• Sarah Appel, OD ’79, Resident ’81

• Reade Fahs, MBA

• John J. Fitzgerald, III, DO, FACOG

• Girija Sundar, PhD

Our 2021 Alumni Association Awardees are: 

• Physician Assistant Alumnus of the Year: Scott Geller, MS, MMS ’16, PA-C 

• Albert Fitch Memorial Alumnus of the Year: Mitchell J. Fink, OD ’69, FAAO

• Blindness and Low Vision Studies Alumna of the Year: Jule Ann Lieberman, MS ’13

• Audiology Alumna of the Year: Jonette Owen, MS, AuD ’03

• Public Service Award: Lisa R. Stottlemyer, OD ’98, FAA0 

• Special Recognition Award: Elizabeth Tonkery, OD, MPH ’13, Resident ’09

Importantly, we are especially excited to revive the Robert E. Horne Summer Enrichment Program, which worked to improve the matriculation, attrition, and graduation rates of over 700 people of color (Black/African American, Indigenous, and other non-white ethnicities) during its run from 1976 to 2015. This program has demonstrated tremendous benefits to the University, the field of healthcare practitioners, and the larger community, and we are very glad to reinstate it this year. This summer, we welcomed our newest cohort of students of color who received over 100 hours of educational content, peer and faculty mentoring, and skill-building seminars to prepare them for the rigors of optometry school.

As we continue to navigate the ever-changing pandemic, we continue to put our people — our staff, faculty, students, and especially you, our dedicated and inspiring alumni — first. Thank you for everything you do to support our mission and our community. Together, we can continue to grow even stronger!

Michael H. Mittelman, OD ’80, MPH, MBA, FAAO, FACHE