UMSL National Optometric Student Association wins Chapter of the Year

UMSL National Optometric Student Association wins Chapter of the Year

UMSL NOSA President Alexandra Mejas(’19) (right) receiving the Chapter of the Year Award

Alexandra Mejas (’19), and Lulette Fermil (’19)

The UMSL National Student Optometric Association (NOSA) has always been one of the more active service-oriented chapters in the country.  Recently, at the annual National Optometric Association(NOA), held July 5 – 10, 2016  in Chicago, they were recognized for their efforts by being honored as the recipient of the NOSA Chapter of the Year.  Several UMSL Optometry NOSA Members who attended the conference included chapter President Alexandra Mehas (’19), Kajene Murugathasan (’18), Jasmine Hayes (’18), Kanesha McBee (’17), and Lulette Fermil (’19).  In addition, UMSL faculty members, Dr. Christine Gavett and Dr. Angel Simmons were in attendance at the event.   According to Kajene Murugathasan (’18), UMSL was a popular choice for this honor, “All of the NOSA Chapters from different schools were asked to give a presentation on the most important event of the year.”  The UMSL NOSA Chapter presented the most impactful event of the year, which was the Easter Egg Hunt. According to Murugathasan, “Many NOSA Chapters from other colleges around the country really liked our event and thought it was very unique. At the end of each school's chapter presentation, all the schools got together and voted on the school with the best event of the year. UMSL NOSA won Chapter of the Year for representing our greatest event.” 

Kajane Muragathesan (’18)

Chapter President Alexandra Mehas (’19) especially appreciated the networking opportunities provided at this meeting, “The doctors at the convention genuinely care for NOSA's mission and watch out for all of the chapter members.  There were multiple doctors offering to mentor me and other UMSL students in our optometry path. The NOA convention has a family feel and I have made life long connections that are priceless.”  Mehas also found the experience to be exceptional, “The NOA conference was one of the most rewarding experiences in my life.  The impact the conference made has ensured my attendance for every annual conference.  Most of all, the NOA conference has inspired me to be the best NOSA president I can be.  We are honored to be NOSA's chapter of the year and are striving to keep making a difference and spreading NOSA's mission.”

Kanesha McBee (’17)