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UMSL-College of Optometry Student of the Month

Loock Named May 2014 Student of the Month

Every month the office of Student Services in the College of Optometry seeks  nominations from the students in the college to discover and recognize a student who shines in the eyes of his or her peers.

This month, Katie Loock ('17) was nominated by two fellow students from the College of Optometry and based on the nominations has been chosen as May 2014 Student of the Month.  Katie is a 2013 graduate from Truman State University in Kirksville, MO. During her time at Truman Katie was involved in the Pre-Optometry club and her leadership expanded when she was elected Pre-Optometry President during her senior year.


Katie Loock, Class of 2017


Program Director Nick Palisch echo's the comments from the two nominations, "Katie is a perfect choice for this month's student spotlight. She is consistently positive, upbeat and a joy to be around." A student is chosen based on the nominations of the students, but also based on the character and academic success. "I believe the students who nominated her definitely found the right student" Palisch said.

Katie is a student ambassador for the college  and she was a member of the first Emerging Leader's Class.  Most recently she was elected AOSA-President Elect. In addition to being a member of AOSA Katie is also a member of AOA, SAIO, and MOSA. 

 Here are the comments from the two nominations received about Katie:

"Katie embodies what is truly means to be a student leader here in the College of Optometry. Over the past year, she has demonstrated this through here time as a Student Ambassador, becoming a leader in the AOSA, being selected for and taking part in the Emerging Leaders program, as well as organizing a file sharing project for a classmate on maternity leave.  Aside from these examples that show her dedication to the betterment of both herself and her peers.  Katie also has a perpetually optimistic attitude. This attribute, among many others, makes her not only a great leader, but also a great friend."


"Katie is always positive and encouraging towards our program, studies, and futures as optometrists. She really takes the time to talk to and get to know all of her classmates. She organized a note-taking system for a classmate that was going to be absent for a few weeks, and encouraged us all to help. Katie is a great person to talk to when you are stressed because she puts things into perspective and reminds you why we are all here!"

Congratulations, Katie on being May 2014 Student Spotlight for the College of Optometry!


 By: Nick Palisch



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