Optometry
General News
Her parents have always joked about how effortlessly Grace Hamburg ‘29O&P makes friends. So, it came as no surprise when, just five hours into Orientation Week at Drexel University’s Elkins Park campus, she texted them to share she had already found her circle of classmates.
“I’ve only known these people for two days now and I already feel super-close to them,” said Hamburg, of Woodbury, New Jersey, who earned her undergraduate degree in biomedical engineering from The College of New Jersey.
That’s exactly one of the main goals Drexel administration, faculty and staff wanted to accomplish – connecting the new students – during Orientation Week Aug. 10-14, 2026, at the Elkins Park campus, according to Katie Zamulinsky, EdD, associate vice president and dean of Student Life at Drexel.
“We know that it can be stressful to go to grad school, so we want the students to build a community with each other so that they have people to lean into and lean on,” said Dr. Zamulinsky, who has been participating in orientation activities at Drexel since 2006.
In addition to helping students build connections with one another, the University used the week to connect students with faculty and staff who can support and guide them throughout their time at Drexel. Students were introduced to resources available to help them succeed, and just as importantly, the week was designed to build their confidence as they enter their programs and reassure them that they can get help if needed.
“For me, it’s also about seeing the excitement and hope not only on the faces of the students but also on the faculty and staff,” said Dr. Zamulinsky. “We’re just so thrilled that they get to start this part of their lives here and that we get to be a part of it.”
And it’s been an effective approach, according to some entering students. Julie Matheny ‘30OD earned a bachelor’s degree in biology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a master’s degree in anatomy and physiology from North Carolina State University.
“Orientation has been really great. They’ve introduced us to a lot of different programs and things that are going on here,” said Matheny, who decided to pursue a Doctor of Optometry degree at the Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO) after working in an optometry clinic. “I’ve met a lot of new people this week, who are all really nice, from all different parts of the country, which is really exciting to learn where people are from and what’s brought them here. It’s been a really positive experience.”
Spencer Weigand ‘28PA decided to enter the Salus at Drexel University Physician Assistant (PA) Studies program after graduating from West Chester University in West Chester, Pennsylvania, with a degree in molecular and cellular biology. “I was stuck between laboratory sciences, like experiments and stuff, and medical science. I decided to go with medical science because you get a little bit more social interaction,” said Weigand. “I know I’m going into a good program here.”
The week kicked off with welcoming remarks from Drexel President Antonio Merlo, PhD; Executive Vice President and Nina Henderson Provost Paul Jensen, PhD; and deans from the colleges on the Elkins Park campus; program directors; and leaders from across the University.
Glenn Williams, PT, PhD, senior associate dean for Graduate Programs in the College of Nursing and Health Professions (CNHP) at Drexel, reminded the students to remember that they were chosen for graduate school, that they’re capable, that they belong and that they’re not alone in their journey.
“One of the greatest strengths of Drexel and the College of Nursing and Health Professions is its community,” said Dr. Williams. “We are a family. And I don’t say that lightly. Your faculty, advisors, program directors, professional staff, librarians, counselors, tutors and classmates – everyone wants to see you succeed.”
From there, students took part in a variety of activities designed to help them feel connected, informed, and prepared for the year ahead. The schedule included program-specific activities; presentations on the Counseling Center and Public Safety; speed sessions on various services, and a resource fair where students could relax, enjoy some treats and learn about all the services and support available. They also had the opportunity to pick up Drexel merchandise at a Rally House pop-up store; participate in the Osborne Audiology Otoscope Ceremony; and celebrate the PA program with a White Coat Ceremony at the end of the week.
Admissions welcomed 312 new students across all programs, according to Monica Scirrotto, director of Admissions at Elkins Park. The breakdown included:
Students were also welcomed into the post-baccalaureate program in health sciences and speech-language pathology.
President Merlo encouraged the new students to fully embrace all that the Drexel community has to offer. He emphasized that what sets Drexel apart is its commitment to learning by doing - students don’t have to choose between the two. At Drexel, they begin learning and doing on Day One.
“I believe that each of you has an opportunity to help shape the future, be part of the change as you progress through your studies. As you take your place in your field of study, you will improve mobility, restore independence, protect vision, enhance quality of life, and give individuals the opportunity to live fuller and healthier lives,” said Dr. Merlo. “What an amazing opportunity for impact, and how transformative what you do can be for the lives of others. The impact of your work will extend far beyond clinics and hospitals. It will touch families, communities, and generations of patients. This is both a tremendous responsibility, but it's also an extraordinary privilege.”
Dr. Jensen added that the students were entering professions – Optometry, Audiology, Speech-Language Pathology, Physician Assistant Studies, Blindness and Low Vision Studies, Occupational Therapy and Orthotics and Prosthetics – that need them.
“At a time when our communities are facing growing needs in healthcare and aging, it is so reassuring to see a room full of people like you entering these critically important professions,” said Dr. Jensen. “You are joining some of the most respected clinical training programs in the country, programs built on decades of excellence in preparing practitioners who go on to lead in fields where precision and compassion meet.”
Hamburg, who is starting her journey in the O&P program on the Elkins Park campus, said the merger of Salus University and Drexel University which was finalized in July 2025, made her realize how many opportunities could be available to students.
“I want to work in the Philadelphia area after graduation, and having the Drexel name attached to my degree is going to be a great door-opener,” she said.
