Fourth of July: Week of July 5th

Students, Faculty, Residents, Staff, Alumni, Board Members and Friends,

I’m sending this update out a couple of days early since I’ve missed the last couple of weeks and we have the 4^th of July holiday tomorrow. It’s good to be back in the saddle after taking a couple of weeks off. 

I’d like to welcome our incoming PCO Accelerated Scholars students who started their orientation this week and also our incoming optometric Residents. This year’s Resident class represents one of our largest and the most academically diverse group we’ve had with graduates from many fantastic optometric programs from across the country represented.  It was great to meet all of you!

Many of our students have started taking their mid-term exams this week which has made for a really quiet campus.  The summer semester will be over before we know it!

I’ve been asked to remind all of our students that the second floor of the Learning Resource Center is considered the “quiet” floor.  If folks need to discuss things in groups, please use the first floor or the networking rooms as opposed to having discussions upstairs.

Last month, the Philadelphia International Airport unveiled their newest year-longexhibit titled, “Philadelphia: A Global Medical HUB Since the 1700s”. The new display was created to celebrate the region’s historical medical firsts from Colonial America to today’s world-renowned reputation. In the display, Salus University’s Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO) is acknowledged for being the first school in the U.S. to offer a 4-year Doctor of Optometry degree. Split into a then-and-now format, the other part of the display describes PCO’s transition to Salus University and its expansion to what we are - and what we provide today. Check it out in Terminal A-East on your next trip! You can also read more about it at salus.edu/PHL.

On June 13th we lost one of our oldest and highly accomplished alumni, Dr. Morey Powell, who passed away at the age of 104. Read more at http://salus.edu/morey-powell.

Next Tuesday, Dr. Mary Jo Thomas will be presenting her Thesis Defense titled, “Breast Cancer Among African American Females with Type 2 Diabetes at The Eye Institute of the Pennsylvania College of Optometry” in W400 at 1pm. - 3pm. We hope you will stop by and support Dr. Thomas.

As I mentioned, tomorrow is Independence Day. Like many of you, I hope to spend part of this 4th of July holiday celebrating our nation’s birthday with family and friends. For me, this holiday just doesn’t seem complete without picnics, parades, fireworks, and the John Phillip Sousa marches many of us listened to since childhood.  As much as we each enjoy the traditions, our nation’s Independence Day is, most of all, an opportunity to reflect on the true meaning of being an American. The Declaration of Independence makes it clear that being an American is about much more than the place we call home. It’s a deeply felt commitment to higher principles: liberty, equality, opportunity, and self-governance.  As health care providers, it also inspires the spirit of caring and respect for others – even if they don’t see the world the same way we do. As we approach this year’s holiday, please take some time to reflect on all the positive things we have in the United States that have enriched our lives and have given us the opportunities to help enrich the lives of others.

Have a wonderful 4^th of July and upcoming weekend. Stay safe, have fun, use lots of sunscreen, stay hydrated and come back ready to hit the deck running next week!Mike