Skip to main content

College of Optometry Helps Stray Rescue


In late October, Stray Rescue, a non-profit, no-kill animal shelter became victim of a deadly distemper outbreak and the call for help went out to the community.   Students, faculty, and staff at the College of Optometry stepped up and provided needed donations for the shelter, including blankets, bleach, cat litter, and Dawn dish soap.

The College of Optometry stepped up and donated over 100 items to Stray Rescue. According to Nick Palisch, “Giving back to an organization that really works hard in the community was something that we needed to do and I am impressed by the students, faculty, and staff who donated to the cause.”  The members of Stray Rescue met the donations with sincere gratitude.



Krystal Matson (’20), felt the need to help, “As a pet owner, I empathize with how costly it is to provide animals with the proper care. STL Stray Rescue is an amazing organization that has saved the lives of many animals and could not do so without community involvement,” she said.  Maggie Pohlmeier (’20)  also joined in on the cause,  “We regularly make donations to local rescue groups and shelters, but we found it especially necessary to donate to Stray Rescue after the unfortunate distemper outbreak this fall. They needed support more than ever and we were happy to help the cause,” commented Pohlmeier.

The sentiments to help echoed throughout the faculty and staff, as well.  Dr. Mary Beth Rhomberg (‘97) supported the cause saying, “I have a dear friend and colleague who is no longer at the school, whom I miss, that was very dedicated to animal rescue.  I did it in her honor, mostly, because she did so much in this area, that a small donation is the least I could do for a cause that is so important to her, and a little important to me, as a dog lover,” commented Rhomberg. 

In total over 100 items were collected between November and December by members of the College of Optometry.  

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Heart of America: A Great Annual UMSL Tradition

The 56th Annual Contact Lens & Primary Care Congress presented by the Heart of America Contact Lens Society was, once again, a great success and represented a great opportunity for College of Optometry students and residents to network, present posters, receive high quality continuing education, and help as monitors and graduates to have the opportunity to see their classmates and enjoy, not only the expansive exhibit hall but also customize their education based upon the five tracks of courses given simultaneously.  The faculty included two UMSL graduates, Drs. Rebecca Wartman(‘87) and Shane Kannarr(‘00) and Assistant Dean, Dr. Ed Bennett.  Likewise, the Heart of America Board of Directors had a significant UMSL presence with Drs. Sean Mulqueeny(‘91), Wes DeRosier(‘96) and President Craig Brawley(‘01).  Dr. Delaram “Deli” Shirazian(’16), currently completing the Kansas City Veteran’s Administration Medical Center residency program, was a recipient of a $2,0...
11 comments
Read more

White Coat Ceremony: A Wonderful Tribute to the Class of Harmony

On May 19th, a beautiful Friday afternoon, 41 future optometrists formally received their white coat, significant by virtue of the fact that they now have clinical privileges allowing them the ability to provide direct patient care.  They worked very diligently during their second year of optometry school to receive the recognition bestowed upon them on this day. Master of Ceremonies, Assistant Dean Dr. Ed Bennett welcomed the students who, based upon a very common personality trait, have been termed the “Class of Harmony”; “Harmony is defined as unity, agreement, friendship, and fellowship and this certainly defines the Class of 2019.  This is a class of exceptional leadership and maturity, and that has been very important this past year.  Some of you came to UMSL making a career change . . . thank you . . . we greatly benefitted from the talents you brought to our College as well as your engagement and leadership, and you will bring these ...
3 comments
Read more

UMSL Hosts Receptions at the Missouri Optometric Association and the American Academy of Optometry

An important part of a successful organization is to maintain engagement with our alumni as well as provide the opportunity for students and alumni to connect at various events across the state.  The College of Optometry has been hosting receptions as Heart of America, Optometry’s Meeting, and most recently at the Annual Meeting of the Missouri Optometric Association (MOA) and the Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Optometry (AAO). The recent MOA meeting was in Branson, Missouri. Dean Larry Davis addressed all of the attendees with an update on the newly opened UMSL Patient Care Center. During his address, he discussed the ongoing fundraising. In addition, Director of Student and Alumni Services Nick Palisch, along with a great team of student ambassadors staffed the UMSL booth to meet with attendees. The College of Optometry also hosted a reception in Anaheim, California in conjunction with the Annual meeting of the AAO.  The AAO reception held on Nov...
4 comments
Read more