Dear Students, Faculty, Residents, Staff, Alumni Board Members and Friends,
Monday, August 5, 2024
Week of August 5, 2024:
Monday, July 29, 2024
Week of July 29th:
Dear Students, Faculty, Residents, Staff, Alumni, former and current Board members and Friends,
Monday, July 22, 2024
Week of July 22nd, 2024
Dear Students, Faculty, Residents, Staff, Alumni, Board Members and Friends,
Good morning on this nice cool Friday! Nice to have that heatwave behind us. It’s been another busy week on our Salus at Drexel campus. Congratulations to Denis O’Brien on his appointment as Interim President. Sincere thanks to President John Fry for all he has done for Drexel over his 14-year tenure, and for his leadership of our integration into the University. Here are some other items that I hope you find interesting:
NEW AND IMPROVED: The ceremonial red ribbon was cut on the Mobile Unit for Healthcare Resources — also known as the MUHR Mobile — on June 26, 2024. Just as the “Big Red Bus” did before it, this mobile unit includes all the essential equipment needed to complete a comprehensive vision exam, as well as hearing and speech-language screenings for children in under-served communities in the Greater Philadelphia area. To read more, click here.
NATIONAL QUIZ BOWL: As the Pennsylvania College of Optometry's representative in the recent American Optometric Student Association’s (AOSA) Student Bowl XXXIII at Optometry’s Meeting in Nashville, Tennessee, Corey Ryan, PBHS ‘21, ‘25OD, wanted to have fun and make friends from other schools while competing. And, that’s exactly what he got. Click here to read more about the conference and Corey’s experience.
OLE EXPERIENCE: Nada Abdelkarim really loves her personal optometrist, Louise Colletti, OD ‘98, whom she’s seen her entire life and whom she calls the “sweetest, most kind woman” and “just awesome.” It’s not a huge surprise then that Nada strives to follow in Dr. Colletti’s footsteps. That notion was reinforced recently when she attended the Optometry Learning Experience (OLE) at the Pennsylvania College of Optometry at the end of June. To read more about this year’s OLE experience, click here.
FINAL THOUGHTS: The past few days have been filled with news following the attempted assassination of a past president and current presidential candidate. Since then, many have called for the need for civil discourse and peace in our country. Given these recent events, I believe it is crucial for us to reflect on the importance of unity and the detrimental effects of divisive political discourse on our society. As healthcare professionals and educators, we are in a unique position to influence and inspire others. We actually have a responsibility to set the tone and raise the bar in how we conduct ourselves and respond to the challenges we face.
Earlier this week, I attended a lecture that discussed the relationship between George Washington and Alexander Hamilton. Their partnership was instrumental in shaping the early foundations of our nation, demonstrating the power of collaboration and unity. Washington and Hamilton, despite their differences, worked together towards a common goal, emphasizing the importance of national unity. This historical example serves as a reminder of what we can achieve when we stand together as Americans.
Political violence not only harms individuals but also tears at the very fabric of our society. It is a stark reminder that we must strive for mutual respect and understanding, rather than allowing our differences to drive us apart. George Washington, in his Farewell Address, warned us of the dangers of political factions and stressed the importance of unity. He believed that our strength as a nation lies in our ability to remain united despite our differences.
In his Farewell Address, President Washington’s words resonate strongly today:
“The unity of government, which constitutes you one people, is also now dear to you. It is justly so; for it is a main pillar in the edifice of your real independence, the support of your tranquility at home, your peace abroad; of your safety; of your prosperity; of that very liberty which you so highly prize.”
As we navigate these challenging times, let us remember that our actions and attitudes, especially as healthcare professionals and educators, can either contribute to healing or further division. Let us commit to setting an example of professionalism, empathy, and respect. By doing so, we uphold the values of our professions and contribute to a more unified and peaceful society
.
Thank you for your continued professionalism, dedication and commitment to these principles. We are SALUS AT DREXEL STRONG because we can make a difference.
-Mike
Friday, July 12, 2024
Focusing on Our Core Mission: Week of July 12, 2024
Dear Students, Faculty, Residents, Staff, Alumni, Current and Former Board Members and Friends,
Good morning on a little cooler, rainy day in Elkins Park! It’s been another busy week on campus as our PCO Scholars and Taiwanese students are fully engaged in their programs, and we kicked off our Summer Enrichment Program with nine new PCO students. Here are some other things that may interest you:
SLP ALUMNA OF THE YEAR: When she was in high school, Lauren Bevan, MS ‘17, babysat for a woman who worked as a speech-language pathologist (SLP). The woman suggested that even at that young age, Lauren would be a great fit for this profession. Turns out she was right. And now she’s the Alumni Association’s 2024 SLP Alumna of the Year. Read more about Lauren here.
CHUNG SHAN STUDENTS HERE: Undergraduate Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology students from Chung Shan Medical University (CSMU) in Taiwan are on campus for much of July for lectures, hands-on training and clinical observations. In addition, they will engage in academic field trips and cultural excursions. Our students are hosted by the division of Global, Interprofessional and Specialized Programming (GISP). Bob Serianni from SLP and Jonette Owen from Osborne Audiology are coordinating the academic elements of the program. Look for a future story on our website about the students’ experiences.
FINAL THOUGHTS: As we continue to celebrate the successful completion of the first phase of our merger with Drexel University, I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to each of you for your dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment to getting over the finish line. This milestone represents a significant achievement and a testament to our collective efforts, resilience and strategic vision for our programs.
While we can take pride in what we've accomplished to date, it’s important to recognize that there is still much work ahead. The path we are forging together requires us to adapt to new processes, embrace change, and navigate the complexities of integrating into a larger institution. This may be challenging at times, but it also offers a great deal of promise.
It’s essential that we remain focused on our core mission: educating and empowering our students. They are the heart of our institution, and their success is our priority. By taking one day at a time, not sweating the small stuff and approaching each new task with a positive mindset, we can ensure that these additional efforts will pave the way for a brighter future for our students and our combined institution.
I understand that the additional work required during this transition can be demanding and time consuming. However, I firmly believe that our collective efforts are well worth the time and energy invested. Together, we are building a stronger, more dynamic institution that will offer greater opportunities and resources for our students, faculty, and staff.
I encourage you to continue to support one another, celebrate our progress, and stay committed to our shared vision – the “WHY.” Your perseverance, creativity, and dedication are the driving forces behind our success, and I am confident that we will overcome any challenges that come our way.
While the weather is forecast to be a bit cooler this weekend, it’s still going to be warm, so please ensure you’re drinking plenty of water and stay hydrated, especially if exercising outdoors. I want to ensure everyone remains healthy and SALUS AT DREXEL STRONG!
- Mike
Wednesday, July 3, 2024
Week of July 3, 2024
To the Salus at Drexel Community:
As we prepare to celebrate our country’s 248th birthday this July 4th, it’s crucial to remember the tenets of democracy, liberty, freedom, and equality that formed the bedrock foundation of our Republic. When our Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence, they risked their lives to envision a country that would become a beacon for the world as our democratic experiment evolved.
Today, our democracy is threatened by political polarization, the rise of misinformation and disinformation on several platforms, and voter apathy. As we approach this year’s celebration of the 4th of July, I want to remind you of how fragile our democracy is and the significant responsibility we all have in preserving it. Over the course of 248 years, thousands of Americans have given their lives to ensure we enjoy the freedoms we have today. We cannot squander the sacrifices made by those who came before us.
We must remain vigilant and proactive in our efforts to protect and strengthen our democracy. This means engaging in informed and respectful discourse, actively participating in the democratic process by voting and encouraging others to do the same, and critically evaluating the information we consume and share. Through these actions, we honor the legacy of those who fought for our freedoms and ensure that our democratic principles endure for future generations.
As a university community, we are uniquely positioned to lead by example. Our commitment to education, critical thinking, and civic involvement can serve as a powerful force in the ongoing effort to uphold and advance the democratic values that define our nation. Let us take this 4thof July as an opportunity to reaffirm our dedication to these principles and to each other, as we work together to build a more just and equitable society.
Wishing you all a safe and reflective Independence Day. Let us celebrate with gratitude for our freedoms and with a renewed commitment to the responsibilities that come with them. Enjoy the weekend – and remain SALUS AT DREXEL STRONG!
Monday, July 1, 2024
Salus at Drexel: Week Of June 28, 2024
Dear Students, Faculty, Residents, Staff, Alumni, Board Members, Drexel Colleagues and Friends,
Monday, June 24, 2024
Week of June 21, 2024
Dear Students, Faculty, Residents, Staff, Alumni, Board Members and Friends,