FY-EYE on UMSL Optometry

39 New Optometrist Graduate from UMSL- College of Optometry. On Saturday, May 17, 2014 at 6:00pm family and friends joined the faculty and staff in congratulating 39 graduates from the Class of 2014's College of Optometry as  new optometrist.  The class of 2014 was led  by Student Marshall Haley McCreery who also won the Beta Sigma Kappa Silver Medal Award and the Dean's Award for Excellence.  Associate Clinical Professor, Dr. Keshia Elder welcomed family and friends to the ceremony and welcomed the class of 2014 along with the faculty into the auditorium. In addition to the 39 graduates, Dean Larry Davis, Provost Glen Cope and Chancellor Thomas George presented Mr. Patrick Gadell with an honorary doctoral degree. Dr. Gadell was introduced by Dr. Bernard Feldman, associate dean of the UMSL/Washington University Joint Undergraduate Engineering Program and chair of the Department of Physics and Astronomy. Left to Right:  Dean Larry Davis, Patrick Gadell,...

Words of Inspiration for the Graduates Class of 2014 Four years ago they entered the College of Optometry with the aspiration to become a doctor. Perhaps they were a little scared, slightly unprepared, and most of all filled with the goal of becoming an optometrist. It has been a journey. An adventure. A challenge.  A learning Experience. Today the journey ends for the class of 2014.  In the Touhill Performing Arts Building 39 members of the Class of 2014 will walk across the stage and become what each of them have worked hard for the last four years. As you prepare for the next journey in life, take a moment to remember the steps that it took to get you where you are at this very moment and look forward to the new opportunities that await. On graduation day your future will become a new horizon and new adventures await you. Take a moment to enjoy it and for one moment in time relax before preparing for your next journey in life. Savor graduation day.  ...

SVOSH Hosts Annual Trivia Night SVOSH held its annual trivia night on Saturday, April 26, 2014 at The Heights in Richmond Heights.  The trivia night drew a total of 13 teams.    The night was filled with fun, food and trivia including various interesting categories including:  “Bill and Ted’s Excellent Category”, “Potent Potables (Your host is an Alcoholic)”, “How Much Did you Pay for that Rock and Roll Haircut and/or Beard”, “Snacks (Things Your Mom Gave You as a Kid When She Was too Drunk to Cook)”, “Fast Food Items," and Lion's, Tiger's and Bears --Oh My!  The winning team was Brian Link, Allison Fick, and Matt Jones. Second place team was Phil Leukenhoff, Luke Crader, Daniel Purvis, Francis-Arden Purvis, and Ben Wacker. Third place team was Rob Ensley, Amanda Nicklas, Neil David, Cecilia David Capes, Todd Capes, and Matt DeKinder.   Second place team was Phil Leukenhoff (center), Luke Crader (left), Daniel Purvis (left back), Fra...

Williams awarded 2014 Young Optometrist of the Year    Dr. Dawn Williams (Class of 2003) was the 2014 recipient of the Young Optometrist of the Year Award announced by the Kansas Optometric Association, April 25, 2014, at the organization’s 114 th Annual Convention and Seminar at the Capitol Plaza Hotel in Topeka.    This award recognizes young optometrists who have demonstrated outstanding involvement in their community and the optometric profession.  Dr. Dawn Williams   (Photo Courtesy Kansas Optometric Association)    Dr. Williams is a 2003 graduate of the University of Missouri St. Louis College of Optometry. Aside from optometry  Dr. Williams is active in her church as a teacher and volunteer. She has worked as a volunteer at the Western Kansas Low Vision Clinic for the last five years.  Her optometry career has taken her to Colorado and Kansas where she has practiced.   She is a graduate of t...

AAO Hosts First Annual Sand Volleyball Tournament The American Academy of Optometrist (AAO)  along with Midland Optical hosted the first annual sand volleyball tournament at Bar 101 in Soulard on May 2, 2014. The tournament drew nine teams consisting of optometry students and friends.  The tournament began with short round robin games before being placed on a double elimination bracket.  The team's created unique names for their teams  "Bumpin Uglies" made up on Eric Ricker '17, Kelsey Westbrook '17, Paige Biehler '17 and Thomas Lambert '17 won the championship game.  The team won a $75 gift certificate to Bar 101, Champion T-Shirts and a free pair of Europa sunglasses. Winning Team Members: left to right: Paige Biehler, Thomas Lambert, Kelsey Westbrook and Eric Ricker In addition to the game, participants also had a chance to win other prizes including a iPod Shuffle and Fit Bit from Wal-Mart,  Pioneer Ophthalmic Equipment gift cards and a...