Skip to main content

The Class of Personality Is Honored in a Beautiful Graduation Ceremony


On Friday, May 12th, the Class of 2017 was honored with the conferring of their Doctor of Optometry degree in an exceptional ceremony, held at the signature facility on the UMSL campus, the beautiful Touhill Performing Arts Center.  This group was aptly named the “Class of personality” before they even initiated their first day of classes in August, 2013. They were honored on a beautiful day, very reminiscent of two years earlier when they were awarded their white coat.

These 42 young doctors were led onto the stage by their student marshal, as selected by the faculty, Dr. Coral Pucci.  The Class of 2017 was awarded many honors, including several individuals who were notably recognized.  This included Dr. Elias Toubia who received both the Beta Sigma Kappa Silver Medal award for academic distinction and the M. Earl McClellan Dean’s Award, sponsored by the Missouri Optometric Foundation, for outstanding scholarship.  Dr. Morgan Poore was awarded the prestigious Missouri Optometric Foundation Award for Excellence in Clinical Skills in addition to other awards provided by the Office of Student Services and the contact lens faculty.  Dr. Kelsey Haugen was awarded numerous honors including the most outstanding tutor and teaching assistant award.

The highest honor, however, was awarding of the Doctor of Optometry degree.  Chancellor Thomas George, with assistance from Dr. Larry Davis, Dean of the College, conferred the degrees.  Master of Ceremonies, Clinical Associate Professor Dr. Julie DeKinder, read the name of each honoree, who then crossed the stage and was hooded by Drs. Ed Bennett and Vinita Henry.

The Commencement Speaker was W. Raymond Barrett who is chairman and founder of Biomedical Systems, a global provider of centralized diagnostic services with corporate headquarters in St. Louis.  A renowned entrepreneur, he is one of only a handful of individuals in the United States to have built – from scratch – two highly successful companies in unrelated fields.  Among the individuals he has collaborated with is Professor Carl Bassi from the College of Optometry.
       

The ceremony concluded with Dr. Scott Ream(’87) representing both the Missouri Optometric Foundation and all of the College alumni giving a charge to our new alumni to remember to give back to their alma mater when they are able to do so.  After the recessional, it was time for photos, both group photos inside and individual and photos with loved ones outside on a most picturesque day.  It was a wonderful ceremony for a very deserving and beloved class who will be in our hearts forever.


Dean Larry Davis with Commencement Speaker, W. Raymond Barrett


Dean Larry Davis, Assistant Dean Ed Bennett, and Clinical Professor Vinita Henry


Two friends and classmates who are parents of members of the Class of 2017, Dr. JD Roberts (’88), father of Dr. Mike Roberts, and Dr. Tami Soriano (’88), mother of Dr. Tori Soriano.


Assistant Dean Ed Bennett with new graduate Dr. Michael Wilson, and his proud older brother, Dr. Josh Wilson (’06)

Comments

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 $2,000 grant from

Student Completes PhD in Vision Science

PhD Student in Vision Science Leaves Mark at UMSL-College of Optometry   Dr. Christopher Putnam Our vision for our future is only as bright as our dedication to achieving our goals and experiences.  On the fourth floor Marillac hall is an office; it’s not a faculty office, but a graduate office, a room for the last three years that has been occupied day and night and even on the weekends by one man, Dr. Christopher Putnam.   Dr. Putnam is not only an optometrist, but also a major with the United States Air Force. Major Christopher Putnam, OD, FAAO began his journey at UMSL-College of Optometry in August 2011 as a member of the PhD Vision Science program under the direction of Research Professor, Dr. Carl Bassi.  His journey to UMSL has taken him all across the country and now he is beginning the end of his PhD in Vision Science and he will be the last student at UMSL to take part in this program. The road to UMSL began in September 1996 at South Dakota University where h

McBee Named March Student Spotlight Winner

McBee Demonstrates Faith and Positive Attitude at UMSL Optometry   Every month the Office of Student Services with the College of Optometry seeks nomination from the faculty, staff, and students of the college in an effort to recognize one student who exemplifies our student body.  This month's recipient is a true reflection on what we look for in a student at UMSL College of Optometry.   The Student Spotlight for March 2016 is: Kanesha McBee   (Class of 2017)   K.McBee ('17)   Photo by:  Janice White 2015   Kanesha was chosen as March 2016 Student Spotlight winner because she exhibits a positive attitude with a strong faith in conviction that anything is possible. She and her class are currently preparing for Part I of boards, yet she still  maintains a positive attitude and smile on her face.  Kanesha is always has a positive attitude and s he is willing to offer encouragement when needed and doesn't hesitate to offer words of encouragement