Thanks For All You've Done to Make This Semester Safe and Successful: Week of December 17th, 2021

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

Good morning on a very pleasant morning that feels more like March than mid- December! This week many of our students are finishing finals, while others complete these virtually. While things have been winding down on campus, other activities are buzzing:

SALUS STAFF HOLIDAY PARTY: Thanks to Maura Keenan and her HR staff for organizing a high-energy, virtual holiday party last evening. Over 75 people “zoomed in” for an evening of music, games and virtual dancing! It was great to see folks having fun with their family members on screen - hopefully, next year we can do this safely, in person! 

STAFF SPOTLIGHT: Our latest Staff Spotlight features Jaime Schulang, who has been working in the Financial Aid office for the past 15 years. Through this position, she especially enjoys helping students achieve their career goals with financial assistance and has even performed at the Academy of Music! Learn more about Jaime’s many talents here.

PODCAST SERIES: In part two of our Biomedicine podcast series, Dr. Mitchell Scheiman, dean of Research and director of Graduate Programs in Biomed, explains how earning this degree can advance students’ careers in addition to sharing sound advice and tips. While last week we featured the podcast, this week we share the Q&A. Read more here. 

FIRST GEN VIDEOS: Recently, the Office of Communications launched a new series of video interviews with some of our first generation students. Learn more about their journeys, unique stories, and why they chose Salus here.

NEW CHIEF OF STAFF: As I announced last week, Beth Moy started as our new Chief of Staff. Previously serving as the executive director of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Consortium for Higher Education (SEPCHE), of which Salus is a member, Beth was aware of the University’s “community of excellence” well before her arrival. To learn more about Beth, click here. 

WINTER COAT DRIVE: Students at Salus have been busy this holiday season donating time and service in support our community. The main lobby of the Elkins Park campus has been overflowing – with winter coats, that is! The Student Academy of Audiology (SAA) is still collecting new and used coats through Dec. 20. All donations are being made to Face to Face – a human services organization dedicated to the health, well-being, and stability of our Philadelphia community. 

FACULTY FOCUS: This week’s Faculty Focus features Jeffrey Nyman, OD, an associate professor and director of Emergency Services at The Eye Institute. It’s been 44 years since Dr. Nyman joined the faculty at PCO, and he’s been instrumental growing and advancing the profession and College. Read more here.

FINAL THOUGHTS: As we prepare for our holiday break beginning later next week, my personal thanks to each of you for making this challenging semester successful and safe. A special “thank you” to our Covid Advisory Committee and Deans and Directors who continue to provide guidance and advice on how best to keep us all healthy allowing our educational mission to advance without missing a beat. As many of you travel home to be with families and friends, please try to maintain the same level of vigilance you’ve been doing while here. Take this time to recharge and relax. Wishing you and your family a healthy and safe holiday season.

One last reminder to get your flu shot if you haven’t and to get that booster as soon as you’re eligible. Together we are SALUS STRONG! See you in the New Year!

Mike