Brunch of Fun with the Board

Despite the rain, nothing could dampen the mood at the Annual Alumni Meeting and Brunch of Fun with the Board, held on Sunday, June 10 at The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia.

As is tradition at the Alumni Meeting, the Alumni Association’s 2018 Special Recognition Award was presented in recognition to an individual’s or organization’s contribution to Salus University, their profession or their community. This year it was given to Susan C. Oleszewski OD ’76, MA, FAAO.  

After nearly four decades at the Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO) and Salus, it was only fitting that Dr. Oleszewski, or “Dr. O” as she is more affectionately known, was honored for her contributions. During her tenure, she has served in a variety of didactic, clinical and administrative capacities, and in each role she served the University with dedication, passion, and distinction. Starting out as a classroom and clinical instructor, Dr. O continually assumed more and more responsibilities. In 2005, she was named vice president for Patient Care Services, during which she shepherded the more than $11 million dollar renovation of The Eye Institute (TEI), completed in 2012. The following year, she was appointed as the University’s chief of staff and most recently served as the vice president for Institutional Advancement and Community Relations. Among her many accomplishments, Dr. O founded the Looking Out for Kids (LOFK) initiative. She was the central figure in raising over $600,000 to support vision care and eyeglasses for economically disadvantaged children in Philadelphia and its surrounding communities. “I can think of no one more deserving of the Special Recognition Award from the Alumni Association of Salus University than Dr. Susan Oleszewski,” said Thomas L. Lewis, OD ’70, PhD, Salus president emeritus and PCO professor. “For 40 years she has served PCO and Salus University with distinction.” Many faculty members and alumni came out to support Dr. O. After receiving the recognition and plaque, Dr. O said, “I have always considered PCO/Salus my professional family. It was a wonderful environment to grow professionally, I will always be grateful for that.” She also wished her colleagues to have just as much of a nurturing and fun of an environment at the institution that she had.

Also during the family-friendly event, attendees were treated to a day of camaraderie and fun which also included an educational experience.  Martin Pienkowski, PhD, associate professor in the University’s Osborne College of Audiology, presentation on Neural Prostheses: Towards Restoring Sensory and Motor Functions for Individuals Who are Deaf, Blind, or Paralyzed included highlights on innovations in vision, hearing, and motor prosthetics. It was during the official meeting that the Salus Cares Raffle Drawing (formerly the “I” Care Raffle)was held. The winners who took home cash prizes were: Arnold Bierman, OD; William Chang,OD; Philip Gerson, OD; Donald & Carol Gleklen; Kalsey Kurtanich; Katherine Rispoli, OD; Jenna Sembrat; Dawn Stratchko; and Daniel J. Tulman, OD. The sold out raffle raised $30,000, bringing the total raised since its inception 33 years ago to over $822,000.

Also during the meeting, new board members were elected and welcomed: Rita R. Chaiken, AuD; Michelle J. Ciancia, AuD; John A. Collini, OD; Jason D.L. Hendrix, OD; Blaine A. Littlefield, OD, FCOVD, FAAO; and Zachary D. Saunders, MSOT, OTR/L. There were also two resolutions of commendations of board members: Dennis H. Lyons, OD, FAAO who served on the Alumni Association Board for ten years and served as President; and Kenneth W. Savitski, OD who served on the Alumni Association Board for twelve years and has also served as Past President.           

All in all, it was another successful meeting with the chance for alumni to see one another and have fun by experiencing the exhibits as well.