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Alumni News

Join a network of more than 14,000 leaders in the Health Sciences field. The mission of the Alumni Association is to develop and enhance the involvement of the University’s alumni and future alumni in supporting the mission and goals of the University and its Colleges. Read more about our association, our alumni and how you can get involved.

Recent Posts

Where Are They Now: Rachel O’Brien, MS ‘23, CCC-SLP, Speech-Language Pathology

Andrea Tyszka Named Director of the Occupational Therapy Doctoral Program

Alumni Spotlight: Emily E. McMahan, AuD ‘13, Showcases the Value of an Osborne Audiology Education

Where Are They Now: Veronica Baez, MS ‘23, Speech-Language Pathology

Optometry Alum Honored with Exam Room Dedication at The Eye Institute

Where Are They Now: Kelley Morris, MS, CCC-SLP ‘17

Where Are They Now: Sophie Wollman, MS ‘23

Full Circle Journey: PCO Alum, Dr. Ibironke, Steps Into Dean Role  

Remembering I. William Collins, OD ‘47, Dedicated PCO Supporter

Dominica Dzakah, OD ‘25, Wins Second Poston Leadership Scholarship

From Student to Doctor: Life and Learning at The Eye Institute

Dr. Josephine Ibironke Appointed Dean of the Pennsylvania College of Optometry

Salus Community Bids a Fond Farewell to Dr. Mittelman

Minnesota Moments: PCO Students and Alumni Unite at Optometry’s Meeting 2025

Honoring the Best and Brightest: Alumni Association Celebrates Outstanding Achievers

Where Are They Now: Amber Schafer, MS ‘18

Charles Baus, OD ‘02: 2025 Special Recognition Award

Emily McMahan, AuD ‘13: George S. Osborne College of Audiology Alumna of the Year

Samuel Farrand, MS ‘17: Speech-Language Pathology Alumnus of the Year 

Zachary Saunders, MSOT ‘17: 2025 Occupational Therapy Alumnus of the Year

Where Are They Now: Mauli Chothani, MSOT ‘20

Where Are They Now: Ashley Kinton, MSOT ‘20

Inna Lazar, OD ‘15: Eye Care Influencer Extraordinaire 

Where Are They Now: Kiersten Nice, MSOT ‘21

PCO Grad Named No. 1 Eyecare Influencer of 2025

Where Are They Now: Sara Ostrowski, MSOT ‘20

Audiology Reflections: Emily McMahan, AuD ‘13

Schott Family Optometry Legacy: Small Town Quality Eye Care 

Where Are They Now: Olivia Gorski, MSOT ‘21

Dr. Alton Williams: One of PCO’s Biggest Advocates

PCO/Salus Alum Accepts Accolades for Lions International

Match Day 2025: History Repeats Itself a Generation Later

Dr. David Meltzer Named Interim Vice President of Clinical Operations

Harold Wiener, OD ’50: Remembered as a Vision Therapy Pioneer

Women’s History Month: Remembering Georgianna Lorrayne Nottage, OD ‘46

The Heartwarming Aspects of Being a Cardiac Physician Assistant 

Valentine’s Day 2025: From Best Friends to Something Much More 

Class Notes & In Memoriam

Where Are They Now: Kurt Moody, OD ‘83, FAAO  

Alumni Association President's Message Fall 2024

From President Mittelman: Embracing a New Chapter

Where Are They Now: Mrinal Jha, AuD '23

Wendy Batista, OD '10

Dr. Jonette Owen Named George S. Osborne Award Winner by Pennsylvania Academy of Audiology

New Interim Optometry Dean Ready to Move the Program Forward

Historic Commencement: They'll Be No Forgetting the Class of 2024

University Named a 2024 Diversity Award Winner

Interim Dean for the Pennsylvania College of Optometry Announced

Where Are They Now: David Baptiste, OD '96

Robert Vanderyajt, OD ‘83

Audiology Alum Selected for Rare Air Force Role

Jeffrey Weaver, OD ‘85

Where Are They Now: Frank Wartinger, AuD ‘11

University Development Day Highlighted Faculty Achievements

Riya Paranthan, OD ‘14, is New Alumni Association President

Diane Adamczyk, OD ‘85

A Banner Day: Salus Flies the Drexel Flag for the First Time  

Allison Wethey, MMS ‘19

Daniel Hoffman, OD ‘24, Resident ‘25, Named 2024 William Feinbloom Low Vision Award Winner

Alvah Cayton IV, OD ‘08

Johnnie Bass, AuD ‘05

Summer Enrichment Program Prepares Students for the Rigors of Grad School  

Amanda Legge, OD ‘12: 2024 Special Recognition Alumna of the Year Award

Nikhil Bansal, OD ‘20, Joins Optometry Faculty

Audiology Alumna of the Year 2022: Kimberly M. Cavitt, AuD ’05

Howard Stromwasser, OD ‘74

Brian Urban, AuD ‘06: 2024 Audiology Alumni of the Year Award

Blindness and Low Vision Studies Alumna of the Year 2024: Carlton Anne Cook Walker, MEd ‘11

National Optometric Association Conference Took Over Philadelphia

Audiology Alumna of the Year 2020: Kathryn Dowd, AuD ‘08

Optometry Learning Experience Draws Increased Interest from Participants

Optometry Student Finishes Fourth in National Quiz Bowl

Edward Melman, OD ‘81

Hearing the Echoes of Excellence: 25 Years of Osborne Audiology

Q&A with Drexel President John Fry

Speech Language Pathology 2024 Alumna of the Year: Lauren Bevan, MS ‘17

In Memoriam: Spring 2024

Class Notes: Spring 2024

Alumni Association President’s Message

Evan Schulz, MMS ‘19: 2024 Physician Assistant Alumni of the Year Award

From President Mittelman: Celebrating Our Achievements

Where Are They Now: Lauren DeAngelo, MSOT ‘23

Audiology Alumna of the Year 2023: Amanda Marchegiani, AuD ’10

25 Stories for 25 Years: Greg Butcher, AuD ‘19

Benjamin Lane, OD ‘58

Where Are They Now: Connor Warren, MSOT ‘19

Presidential Medals, Alumni of the Year Awards Presented to Distinguished Group

Celebrating the Class of 2024 at the Ninth Annual Residents' Day

Conference Round-Up: Spring 2024

Audiology Alumna of the Year 2021: Jonette B. Owen, AuD ‘03

Stephen Rudnick, OD ‘71

Where Are They Now: Amber Fessler, OTD ‘20

Presidential Medal of Honor 2024: Paul B. Freeman, OD ‘74

Drexel President Fry to Graduates: Character and Integrity Still Matter

Presidential Medal of Honor 2024: Rita Chaiken, AuD ‘03

Presidential Medal of Honor 2024: Jim Saviola, OD ‘85

Commencement 2024: Through Adversity Comes Strength — Dr. Rajan’s PhD Journey

Dr. Mittelman Accepts Inaugural Aerospace Optometry Award Named in His Honor

Where Are They Now: Alicia Reiser, OTD ‘18

Connie Chronister, OD ‘86, MS ‘86, Resident ‘87

Where Are They Now: Alexander Paluzzi, MSOT ‘21

Alumnus of the Year: 2016 Edition - Dr. Kathy Foltner

Hearing the Echoes of Excellence: 25 Years of Osborne Audiology

Where Are They Now: Emily Hamilton, MSOT ‘21

Surpin, Dr. Artis Retire from Board of Trustees

Young Alumni: Jonathan Zobek, MEd ‘22

Where Are They Now: Alyson McFadden, MSOT ‘22

Where Are They Now: Sultana Abdur-Raheem, MS ‘23

Day in the Life of a Blindness and Low Vision Studies Professional

Young Alumni: Payton Burke, AuD ‘21

Young Alumni: Mikenzie Mikkelson, MMS '21

Where Are They Now: Max Manson, MS ‘19

In Memoriam: Dr. Algernon Phillips

Young Alumni: Abigail Possinger, AuD ‘22

Young Alumni: Nikol Davidson, MS ‘22

Where Are They Now: Emily Jollota, MS ‘17, OTR/L

Young Alumni: Katelyn Maffei, MEd ‘21, VRT

Counterculture of the 1960s Provided PCO Grad Some Unique Experiences

Young Alumni: Jonah Casella, OD ‘22

Message from President Mittelman, Fall 2023

Looking Out For Kids Gala Honors Founder Dr. Susan Oleszewski

Where Are They Now: Robert Fitzgerald, MS ’99, Orientation and Mobility

Inside the Life of Optometry Dean: Dr. Melissa Trego

Class Notes: Fall 2023

In Memoriam: Fall 2023

Alumni Association President's Message Fall 2023

PCO/Salus Alum Receives Theia Award for Mentoring

University Honors Presidential Medal of Honor, Alumni Association Awardees

Where Are They Now: Alfred Mwamba, AuD '14

Friday's Fun Faculty Facts: Part II

2023 Presidential Medal of Honor Awardee: Henry Greene, OD ‘74, FAAO

Biomed Student Receives Highest Award from Nigerian Optometric Association

Where Are They Now: Ashley (Senss) Joyce, MMS ‘20

Where Are They Now: Gabrielle Verrillo, MS ‘21

Where Are They Now: John Elkhoury, MMS ‘18

Class of 2023 Ready to Make its Impact on the World

Where Are They Now: Sam Farrand, MS ‘17

Dr. Susan Oleszewski is the 2023 Looking Out for Kids Lighthouse Award Winner

Where Are They Now: Megan Schafer, MS ‘20

Alumni Association Public Service Award: Dr. David W. Friess

Where Are They Now: Yasmin Battat, AuD ‘09

Alumni Association Awardee: Victoria Wong, MMS ‘16

Renowned PCO Optometrist Publishes Third Edition of Iconic Textbook

Speech-Language Pathology Alumna of the Year: Carleen Dumas, MS ‘18

2023 BLVS Alumna of the Year: Lindsay Lee, MEd ‘19

Post-bacc Program Prepares Students for Salus, Other Universities as Well

Class Notes: Spring 2023

In Memoriam: Spring 2023

2023 Albert Fitch Memorial Alumnus of the Year: Mark Boas, OD ‘86

Biomedicine Program Celebrates First Decade of Success

Where Are They Now: Grace Gawron, MS ‘18

World Hearing Day: Audiology Alum Helps Musicians Safely Turn it Up

Where Are They Now: Alta Fried, MSOT ‘14

Physician Assistant Assessment of Adult-Onset ADHD

Physician Assistant Alum Tackled Alzheimer’s Disease Capstone Project

#SalusSoulmates: Valentine’s Day Edition

Off-Campus Resident Feature: Dr. Kirsten Winter

Where Are They Now: Michelle Mikviman, MS’ 21

Role of the DICE: Department Has A Long and Distinguished History

Class Notes: Fall 2022

In Memoriam: Fall 2022

Your Career Should Rest on a Three-Legged Stool

Thank You for Investing in Our Students

A Number of Exciting Things Happening at Salus

Where Are They Now: Healey Miller, MSOT ‘21, ‘23OTD

The Stars Come Out for 15th Annual Kids Fundraiser

Faculty Focus: Betsy O’Donnell, MS ‘86, COMS, CLVT, TVI

Commencement a Day of Pride, Relief for Class of 2022

The Stars Came Out to the University's Annual Recognition Reception

Presidential Medal of Honor 2022 Awardee: Professor Kovin Naidoo

Presidential Medal of Honor 2022 Awardee: Dr. Michael DePaolis

Presidential Medal of Honor 2022 Awardee: Dr. Neil Draisin

Optometry Residency Class of 2023: Dr. Samuel Kim

Presidential Medal of Honor 2022 Awardee: Dr. Robert Bittel

Optometry Residency Class of 2023: Dr. Nicholas Puzzella

Presidential Medal of Honor 2022 Awardee: Melissa Padilla

Where Are They Now: Lisa Wallace-Davis, OD '92

American Heritage Donates $25,000 to Big Red Bus

Where Are They Now: Max Saeger, MS ‘19

Sal's Shorts: First Adaptive Sports Day; Practicing Wellness

Two Optometry Residents Named Blaustein Award Winners

Audiology Grad More Prepared Now to do Even Bigger Things

Naomi Sussman Scholarship Established to Help BLVS Students

O&M Student Making a Big Impact in Her Home Country

Remembering Melissa Padilla

Commencement Gets Back to Face-to-Face at the Kimmel

OTI Director Successfully Navigates Challenging Road to PhD

Sal's Shorts: Admiral Michelle Howard to Keynote; Springfest Brings Salus Community Together

PCO Honors Dr. Verma With Plaque Dedication, Reception

Where Are They Now: Nathalie Miller, MSOT ‘20

Salus University, STAAR Surgical Launch Project MyVision

Alumni Association President’s Message - Spring 2022

PCO/Salus Faculty Member Living Boyhood Dream with Hockey Team

2022 Alumni Association Awardees

Admiral Michelle Howard to Keynote Spring Commencement

In Memoriam: Spring 2022

PCO Alum Picks Up His Pickleball Game

Retiring Audiologist Robert DiSogra Made His Mark on OCA

Where Are They Now: Andrew Welsh, MSOT ‘20, OTR/L

Former PCO Faculty Member Dr. Lawrence Ragone Passes

Ukraine Adoption Odyssey Has Been Challenging, Dangerous for PCO/Salus Alum

Where Are They Now: Allison Bicskei, MSOT ‘16, OTR/L, LSVT

Dr. Rachel Brackley Named New Externship Director

Hear From the Accelerated Scholars OD Program Alumni

Where Are They Now: Kaylin Magosin, MSOT ‘20

Why Are Residency Programs Important? Accelerated Scholars Residents Discuss

OT Students Learn How They Can Help Refugee Children

The Ex Files: Accelerated OD Program’s Externships

Where Are they Now: Michael Krueger, MSOT ‘15

Where Are They Now: Michael Baertschi, PhD ‘15

Where Are They Now: Kristin Kaplewicz, MSOT ‘20

Sal’s Shorts: It’s the Climb; Peer Support; A Passion Project

PCO Welcomes Dr. Fiza Tariq

Alumni Association President’s Message

Faculty Focus: Dr. Jeffrey Nyman

PCO Alum Helps Effort to Teach Blind Children to Play Tennis

Sal’s Shorts: A Throwback Special

2021 Recap: How Alumni Can Make an Impact

Dr. Killen Named Director of On-Campus Residency Programs

Dr. Verma to Retire After Half a Century of Excellence

Sal’s Shorts: As Seen on TikTok; Reunited (and It Feels So Good)

Meet the Cast of The College Tour: Dr. Mohit Batra

SLP Q&A: A Rewarding Externship Experience

Presidential Medal of Honor: Dr. John Fitzgerald

Presidential Medal of Honor: Reade Fahs

Presidential Medal of Honor: Dr. Sarah Appel

Presidential Medal, Alumni Association Award Winners Recognized

Resident Class of 2022: Dr. Wayne Tan

SLP Q&A: From Externship to Clinical Fellowship, Part 2

Distinguished Alum Dr. I. William Collins Establishes Contact Lens Scholarship

Legacy Scholarship Helps Audiology Students

Faculty Focus: Dr. Korey Patrizi