A publication for the alumni and friends of the University of Missouri-St. Louis College of Optometry

Summer 2009

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Congratulations Class of 2009!

Life should be a celebration andwhen it pertains to the seminal profes-sional accomplishment for 44 gradu-ates of the College of Optometry, thesplendor that is the Touhill PerformingArts Center came alive on Saturdaynight, May 16th in celebration. Family,friends, and loved ones filled thismagnificent venue nearly to capacity.It is evident that Shakepeare's words“all the world's a stage” were quiteprophetic as all eyes were turnedtoward the celebration occurring atcenter stage of this theatre. With aplatform party that included both theChancellor Thomas George andProvost Glen Cope of the Universityof Missouri-St. Louis, the stage wasset for an exciting evening.

Dean Larry Davis introduced thecommencement speaker, David Ekin,

Out with the New, In with the New

Intellectual growth should commence atbirth and cease only at death.

Albert Einstein

Greetings Friends and Colleagues--

The month of May is my favoritetime of year in the life of the College ofO p t o m e t r y. It is a season when our stu-dents observe the real benefits of theirlabors; when they look forward withgreat anticipation to the next phase oftheir career; when they pause with thef a c u l t y, staff, colleagues and loved onesin order to celebrate their achievements.

Students completing their secondprofessional year, having recentlyobtained initial clinical privileges, nowtransition into their clinical training withboth excitement and anxiety: their senseof new responsibility is accompanied byan appreciation that they are not left tothemselves in the clinics. These new stu-dent clinicians have completed approxi-mately 50% of their training but willsoon realize heretofore unknown chal-lenges as they transition fully into theirclinical experience.

We also have the privilege of shar-ing in the definitive achievement of ourfourth year students: the culmination oftheir many years of education when ourgraduates commence into their profes-sional careers. Like just two years earlier,feelings of excitement and anxiety and asense of responsibility and appreciationabound among these new doctors.

Our new graduates can take comfortknowing that over one thousandindividuals before them have made such

Message Fromthe Dean

who currently serves as President andChief Executive Officer of the St.Louis Society for the Blind andVisually Impaired (SLSBVI). In hisintroduction Dean Davis commentedon Mr. Ekin's contributions to society,to the SLSBVI and to the College ofOptometry. “For fifteen years, Davidhas helped the Society to continue atradition of excellence in caring forthe blind and visually impaired byholding high the banner 'Let the LightRemain.' He has overseen significantexpansion of the services provided andclients served by the Society.” . . . “Collaboration between the College ofOptometry and The St. Louis Societyfor the Blind and Visually Impairedprovides for the delivery of low visionservices for numerous patientsthroughout the St. Louis community

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Graduation continued from page 1NEWS & NOTES

Two posters were presented at theVision Sciences Society annualmeeting in Naples, Florida, May 8 -13, 2009: “Dichoptic and MonopticSpatial Integration of Second-OrderContrast” by Erwin Wong and JennaKryder (‘12), and “ReducedSecond-Order ContrastDiscrimination Under DichopticViewing” by Gayathri Srinivasanand Erwin Wong. Gayathri willgraduate with an MS in Vi s i o nScience in August 2009. Gayathri’sposter was also presented at theU M S L Graduate Research Fair inApril and tied for first place in theM a s t e r’s Division.

John F. Bush, O.D. (‘88) success-fully defended his M.S. Thesis“Wavescan Assisted Correction ofKeratoconus Patients,” April 2009.

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and imparts practical experience uponour students as they learn to care forspecial populations. David has pro-vided visionary leadership and consis-tent dedication to that relationshipwhich we hold in high regard.”

In his commencement address andcongratulatory comments to the graduates, Mr. Ekin emphasized theimportance of continually striving for excellence, both in optometricpractice and in life--as professionals, as family members, andas vital members of society.

Missouri Optometric FoundationPresident, Rex Newcomb (Class of'84) once again delivered an informa-tive and entertaining overview of theimportant role the Class of 2009 willhave in society with the profession ofoptometry and, ultimately, in givingback to make optometry even strongerin the years ahead.

In an evening dedicated to honor-ing members of this class, the high-light of the evening was providingthem with their highest honor, confer-ring upon them the degree of Doctorof Optometry (O.D.). With the honorsbeing provided by Chancellor Georgeand Dean Davis, these 44 doctors eachreceived their hood and some welldeserved handshakes and hugs.

What will be the legacy of theClass of 2009? Although they set avery high bar for future classes toaspire to with their performance onPart One of the NBEO examina-tions— including having the highestindividual score in the country—and

despite exhibiting excellent clinicalskills and receiving numerous compli-ments from the faculty, the Class of2009 will always be remembered forsomething else. It is very appropriatethat they shared the stage with theClass of 1984 because the Class of2009 will always be remembered forthe closeness they exhibited as a class.They celebrated their accomplishmentstogether; they were always there fortheir classmates in difficult times.

Stephanie Erker('09) remembershow it began. “I can recall duringOrientation 2005...Dr. Bennett told ourentering class to look around the room.Even though hardly any of us kneweach other he said "some of the closestfriendships you form in life are goingto be with those students sittingaround you." I really did not realizehow true that statement was until Iwas standing in line, getting ready towalk down to the stage for graduation.You look at each of your classmatesand memories come flooding tomind.” Classmate Kevin Biermannconcurs. “The class of 2009 is filledwith many unique personalities. Thiscollection of personalities all seemedto mesh and flow together and madegetting through the curriculum mucheasier. We were all on the same pageand we all had the same goals in mind.My time at the UMSL College ofOptometry has allowed me to meetfriends that I will have for the rest ofmy life. No matter where life takes uswe will have the past four years ofcountless memories. I truly cherish thefriends I have made.”

Congratulations to the Class of2009. Thank you for all you have con-tributed to make the UMSL College ofOptometry a better program for futurestudents. May your future be reward-ing, both personally and professionally.

successful transitions as fellow alum-ni of our College. This year we alsostepped out onto new ground withthe recognition of the 25th anniver-sary class. It was an honor and a sin-cere pleasure to recognize the accom-plishments of that first graduatingclass. Several members of the Classof 1984 returned to participate in thegraduation procession of our newestDoctors of Optometry.

So in closing I congratulate ournew student clinicians in the Class of2 0 11, our new graduates in the Classof 2009, and I recognize the contri-butions and exemplary service of theClass of 1984--all with excitementand appreciation. To the classes of2012, 2010 and 1985…it is your turnnext year!

All the best,

Larry J. Davis, DeanDr. Ed Bennett with 2009 hon-orees, Kevin Biermann andStephanie Erker.

Class of 2011 White Coat Ceremony

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The journey toward a career inoptometry has several significantmilestones. The culmination of thisjourney, of course, occurs at theTouhill Performing Arts Center.However, an important and essentialstep in the process is the awarding ofthe white coat, signifying the grantingof clinical privileges and the ability toprovide direct patient care.

During the initial admissionsinterviews at the UMSL College ofOptometry, a very common responseto the question: “Why do you want tobe an optometrist” was, “I want tohelp people.” On May 14th, 43 stu-dent-clinicians were awarded thatprivilege. The formal act of receivinga white coat occurred after hundredsof hours of practice. In the minds ofthe Class of 2011, class rank was notthe foremost concern; they knew theawarding of a white coat was notsimply a formality but, instead, wouldoccur after much anticipation andapprehension and the completion of a

NEWS & NOTES

Congratulations to Karen Rosen('84) who was recently chosen asone of the St. Louis BusinessJ o u r n a l ' s Most Influential BusinessWomen for 2009.

Yolanda Flanigan, A d m i n i s t r a t i v eAssistant in the Dean’s Off i c e ,graduated with a Bachelor ofScience degree in Criminologyfrom the College of Arts andSciences. Congratulations!

D r. Ed Bennett was a member ofthe Editorial Panel for the 20thEdition of Ophthalmic Dru gF a c t s ® and contributed a chapterto this text.

D r. Ed Bennett gave an invitedpaper on multifocal GP lenses atthe 33rd Annual Conference andExhibition of the British ContactLens Association, May, 2009,M a n c h e s t e r, U.K.

The UMSL College of Optometryhas a facebook group. Join“ U M S L O P TO M E T RY S T U-DENTS AND ALUMNI” and keepup with classmates and friends.

Justin Crowe ('10) is the proudfather of a baby boy, Samuel Peter,born on May 5th.

nearly two hour comprehensive exami-nation under the careful scrutiny of aclinical faculty member.

The ceremony itself occurred infront of a capacity crowd of lovedones at the Millennium Student Center.The Class of 2011 was described asone of the most active and engagedclasses in the history of this program,having - as a group - an enormousnumber of leadership positions, notonly within the College, but also interms of future leadership within theAmerican Optometric Association.For one student the journey was evenmore eventful and special. Nine daysprior, Laura Longnecker ('11) becamethe proud mother of Layla. Not onlydid Laura drive herself to final exami-nations later that week but in the audi-ence observing the white coat ceremo-ny was Layla Jill Longnecker. Herpresence - as well as her mother's - putthe exclamation point on the impor-tance of this special ceremony.

Annual Optometry AcademeSunday, October 25, 2009

8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., 8 COPE/CEE hrs.Location: JC Penney Conference Center,

UM-St. Louis North CampusInformation:Lis Ellerbusch at (314) 516-5615

NEWS & NOTES

Kim Kohne ('03) gave birth toSamuel Alexander on January 22,2009. Sam joins older brother Joshin the Kohne family.

Laura Longnecker ('11) is theproud mother of Layla JillL o n g n e c k e r, born May 5th.

The second annual Easter EggHunt for the Visually Impairedwas held on April 4 at UMSL.Hosted by the university'sNational Optometric StudentAssociation (NOSA), the eventfeatured Easter eggs that beeped,allowing the participants to seekthem out by listening.

The Class of 1984: A Deserving Tribute

They were admitted into the pro-gram without an interview. There wasno clinic, little equipment, very fewfaculty, much campus ambivalence onwhy a School of Optometry had beencreated, and the use of a converteddormitory for nuns as a facility. Thatsaid, they became perhaps the closestknit class in UMSL Optometry history.25 years after graduation, their historyof leadership and involvement hasresulted in a bar set so high, that itmay never be surpassed by subsequentclasses. On May 16th, they were hon-ored, both with a reception at theTouhill Performing Arts Center imme-diately prior to graduation ceremoniesfor the Class of 2009, and by beinginvited—in full academic attire—to bepart of the platform party and proces-sion. One of the members present,Mike Klopping, traveled all the wayfrom California to be a part of thisspecial evening. This was followed bya post-graduation reception at thehome of Drs. Karen and Steve Rosen.

The 31 members of Class of 1984produced numerous leaders, includingseveral graduates who have served inthe leadership of the MissouriOptometric Association, a member ofthe University of Missouri Board of

Curators (Anne Ream) and a graduatewho later obtained his law degree andhas since distinguished himself, both inhis regular contributions to the litera-ture on the subject of optometricjurisprudence, and also as one of theleading amateur golfers in the country(Craig Steinberg).

"Being first, although fraught withchallenges, offers many opportunitiesfor those willing to take the risk. Asour first graduates, members of theClass of 1984 served that role of beingfirst with courage and distinction,”stated Dean Larry Davis. There werecertainly challenges and those will bedescribed in more detail later in thisarticle by the person who was there tomeet the challenges, founding Dean,Dr. Jerry Christensen. However, werethere benefits of being the first class tograduate from the (then) UMSL Schoolof Optometry? “Clearly the biggestbenefits were from the close relation-ships between the classmates, andbetween us and the faculty and admin-istration, that were allowed to developas we were all working toward a com-mon goal of creating or helping to cre-ate a successful program,” states Craig

Members of the Class of ‘84 in academic attire as part of the platform party: (from left):Anne Ream, Karen Rosen, Mike Klopping, Todd Lucas, Steve Barnett, Joe Stroetker, andRex Newcomb.

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The Class of 1984: Special Memories from the Founding Dean Jerry Christensen OD, PhD

In over forty years of teaching, theUMSL class of 1984 holds a uniqueplace in my heart—something akin towhat a parent feels for a first born. Inevery sense the members of that firstgraduating class were pioneers. After Iwas appointedDeanDesignate(meaning Iwould be deanif the programactually start-ed) in April of1980, nomoney couldbe spent andno studentsaccepted intothe programuntil the offi-cial start dateof June 1.Applicationshad been sentto all thosetaking theOptometryCollegeAdmissionTest, so therewere an ade-quate number ofpotential students. Beginning in June,students were accepted into the pro-gram sight unseen. Needless to say,the first morning of orientation gener-ated great anticipation—what wouldthe class be like? I was reassuredwhen they arrived looking like all otherclasses I had experienced, with thepossible exception that there may havebeen a few more slightly older studentsthan usual. Some in the class had wait-ed around a year or two hoping for theadvent of a Missouri optometry pro-gram. This dedication and maturitywas to be an important steadying char-acteristic of this class.

One reason the members of theClass of 1984 were pioneers isbecause, given the tight time frame

(equipment ordered in June and class-es starting the third week in August)many of the courses suffered from alack of equipment. The class demon-strated great forbearance as over andover they heard that a piece of equip-ment had been ordered . . but then the

item was described along with thestatement that it would be in place fornext year.

Another reason they were pio-neers is that the facilities had yet to berenovated. The home for the newschool, Marillac Hall, had been a dor-mitory for the nuns of the Daughtersof Charity and the school simply start-ed in various rooms of that facility.There was no library as a librarian wasyet to be hired and a collection yet tobe started. When it was started it waslocated in an un-air conditioned, loft-like partial floor of the educationlibrary. Fortunately there was anadequate classroom building. Workon architectural plans for a first-floorclinic had to begin immediately so it

would be completed before the studentsreached the third-year of their program.

In addition, the class was subjectedto a brand-new curriculum, taught bybrand-new faculty members, with thewhole works headed by a brand-newdean. The staff, an essential element of

the orderlyday-to-dayoperation ofthe program,was also new.If that weren'tenough,optometrywas the firstprofessional-degree pro-gram thatUMSL everhad, so therewere alsogrowing painsat the campuslevel. O v e r-riding all ofthis was theconcern thatthe programwas not yetaccredited bythe Council on

O p t o m e t r i cEducation. Without first achievingprovisional accreditation and later fullaccreditation, our students would not beable to become licensed and permitted topractice optometry.

All right, with the stage set in thisminimal, nonpromising fashion, theClass of 1984 began their professionalstudies. How did they respond to theseseemingly overwhelming challenges?The answer in a word is “magnificently”.The class set about their studies withseriousness and determination. T h e ywere a delight to teach (with only threefaculty members, and one of those part-time, I taught four courses the first twoyears). However, they were also fun and

Members of the Class of 84” enjoying the 25 year reunion reception: (from left): Todd Lucas, KarenRosen, Mike Klopping, Rex Newcomb, Joe Stroetker, Anne Ream, and Steve Barnett.

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Memories of the Class of 1984 continued from page 5

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proved to be more than capable at social-izing. There was a “we're all in thistogether” spirit that produced an unusu-ally close relationship between theadministration, faculty, staff and stu-dents.

An objective example of how wellthey coped with this myriad of problemsis the fact that everyone in the classpassed the NBEO examination on thefirst attempt, which occasioned thepresident of that organization sendingme a letter congratulating our programon this never-before-achieved result-anastounding performance given the cir-c u m s t a n c e s .

The Class of 1984

Tribute from page 4Steinberg, OD, JD. “It was never "us"and "them." It was just "us." Beingable to walk into the Dean's office andchat any time, having the faculty at ourparties, etc., made it all feel like wewere working together.” Craig alsobelieves the education he received helphim become successful in optometricpractice. “We had a progressive med-ically oriented education, and I think inmany ways we were well ahead of thecurve in our education and ourapproach to practicing optometry. Ithink we, at UMSL, graduated moreprepared for the direction optometrywas moving than the graduates ofsome other schools.”

Dean Larry Davis enjoys a conversationwith 25 year honorees, Steve Barnett(left) and Rex Newcomb (center).

Dr. Dan Obermark Elected toMissouri Lions Board of Directors

The Missouri Lions Eye ResearchFoundation today announced that Dr. DanObermark of Missouri Lions District M-1was elected to the Foundation's Board ofDirectors. Dr. Obermark was firstappointed to the Foundation's SightCommittee by District Governor VernGriffith in 2006, and in his new role willhelp oversee the activities of the organiza-tion and develop strategies for furthergrowth.

Raised in Union, Mo., Dr. Obermarkattended Oklahoma State University andthe University of Missouri St. LouisCollege of Optometry, graduating with hisDoctor of Optometry degree in 1990.After practicing for six years with GroupHealth Plan in St. Louis, Dr. Obermarkstarted his own practice, Eye Health Care, in Sikeston and Poplar Bluff, Mo.

Dr. Obermark and his wife Annetta have four children: Cassidy, in her first yearof the University of Missouri St. Louis College of Optometry; Jon, a senior atUniversity of Arkansas; Katie, a senior at Notre Dame High School; and Jim, a juniorat Notre Dame High School.

The Missouri Lions Eye Research Foundation is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit corpora-tion based out of Columbia, Mo. The Foundation is dedicated to the preservation andrestoration of sight through its vision programs including: Amblyopia PreventionScreening, Glaucoma Detection Screening, Eyeglass Recycling, Eye Care Assistance,the Heartland Lions Eye Banks and the support of ocular research. For more infor-mation on these programs, please visit www.mlerf.org

Dr. Dan Obermark

Dr. Jerry L. Christensen

My high opinion of the class of1984 has only grown since their gradua-tion. Members of that class have goneon to become, not only excellent practi-tioners, but have been elected to presti-gious positions within the profession.They have become state board members,state association presidents, and in onecase, a curator of the University ofM i s s o u r i .

Jerry L. Christensen, O.D, Ph.D.Dean Emeritus and Professor Emeritus

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The Class of 2009, in many ways,was like a family. Close friendshipswere established; social gatherings werefrequent; a support system was alwayspresent during times of stress and sor-r o w. The Class of 2009 also reflected atrend in which individuals decide topursue optometry as a career change; achange that history will show is almostalways a rewarding and successful one.Two such individuals are among thoseprofiled here.

Two Is Always B e t t e r Than One

Imagine growing up in the 1980swhere you might hear Hall and Oatesor John Mellencamp on the radio or per-haps go to the movies and see any oneof the trilogy of Indiana Jones movies.H o w e v e r, at age 6 your competition

arrives, in the form of a younger sister.You ultimately attend MaryvilleUniversity and graduate with a degree inoccupational therapy (OT). It is evidentthat you are an excellent occupationaltherapist; your energ y, enthusiasm, com-passion, and professionalism—wonder-ful attributes for anyone in the healthprofessions—are often attributed to youby your peers.

Laura Bequette’s, journey tooptometry was a gradual one: workingas an OT, meeting with Drs. Gail Doell

and Cheryl Davidson to discuss how torelate vision therapy service to occupa-tional therapy, and ultimately takingevening classes to complete prerequi-sites for optometry school while alsocaring for her father. It was now time toapply to the UMSL College ofO p t o m e t r y. She was not alone.

Deanne We h n e r, her sister, becameinterested in optometry the summerbefore her senior year in high school,worked part-time several years forRosen Optometry, and applied foradmission after completing only threeyears of undergraduate training. T h e ywere different in so many ways but theyshared a common career goal, the sameemail address, and a first for the Collegeof Optometry. “We applied simultane-ously with the intention of being admit-ted together. We were both really excit-ed to receive a joint e-mail from Dr.Bennett informing us that we were

being admitted to UMSL'sOptometry Program.”

What was it like beingsisters and attending UMSLtogether? “The greatest bene-fit was being able to commutetogether from SouthernJ e fferson County. We werealways lab partners throughoutschool and would sit by oneanother in classes. At times itwas helpful to discuss course-work with one another, but ingeneral we did not studyt o g e t h e r. During optometryschool, it was entertaininghow different our givenstrengths & weaknesses were

(Laura was strong in English; Deanne inthe sciences). We would always jokeabout how great it would be if we couldcombine our strengths during examina-tions; we would be unstoppable!”

Drs. Laura Bequette and DeanneWehner intend to practice close tohome. Don't be surprised if theyultimately practice together. They areunited as family; they are united in theirwork ethic and exceptional attitude;they will be united as compassionateand dedicated optometrists.

M i l i t a ry, Music andO p t o m e t ry

Every year 40+ students enter theU M S L College of Optometry. Ty p i c a l l yfresh from their graduation celebrationsoccurring after the completion of their

last final examinations a few monthsp r i o r, they are excited—perhaps some-what apprehensive—but blessed withknowledge that they have been in thetest-taking mode for many years.Imagine being 20 years removed fromthis environment before entering optom-etry school. That was the challenge pre-sented to Dr. Dave Ernst when heentered the UMSL College ofOptometry in August, 2005. His journeybegan as a computer/communicationssystems officer in the Air Force withassignments at Hickam Air Force Base,Hawaii, and Robins Air Force Base,G e o rgia as well as participation inDesert Storm and deployment to SaudiArabia. Eventually he entered the A i rForce Reserve and was trained in theoptometric technician career field afterbeing assigned to Scott Air Force Basein Illinois. It was there that his true call-ing became clear. “There I met mygreatest friend and mentor Colonel(Doctor) Joseph Grasso, now retiredfrom the military, but still very active inOptometry in Southern Illinois. Wi t hhis encouragement, I went back to

The Class of 2009: A Family in More Ways Than One

Dr. David Ernst

Drs. Deanne Wehner and Laura Bequette

The EYEwire is published by the Office of the Dean at the University ofMissouri-St. Louis College of Optometry.

D r. Edward Bennett, EditorE B e n n e t t @ u m s l . e d u

Janice White, Designerj a n i c e . w h i t e @ u m s l . e d u

D r. Larry J. Davis, Deanl j d a v i s @ u m s l . e d u

If you have missed a previous issue of the EyeWire you can locate the archivepage as well as the current issue at: e

http://optometry.umsl.edu/news/EyeWireArchives.html

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Office of the Dean

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Telephone: 314-516-5606Fax: 314-516-6708

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The Class of 2009 continued from page 7

school at 37 years old to complete myprerequisites and at 40 was accepted tooptometry school.”

Dave would be the first to admitthis was a significant adjustment. A s i n-gle parent attempting to successfullymaster a rigorous curriculum, it was notto occur immediately, “The first year ofoptometry school was very challenging.I needed to stop working completelyand had to learn to swallow living onborrowed money for the first time in mylife. I can't say each year necessarilygot ‘easier, ’ but I certainly adjusted tothe student lifestyle and was able toattain not perfect, but respectableg r a d e s . ”

Dave has also been quite pleasedwith his experience at UMSL. “It isamazing how a close-knit class becomesa family. I developed so many friend-ships that are certain to last a lifetime. Iwas able to develop relationships with

faculty and staff, several of who I knowI can count on to be mentors longbeyond leaving the halls of UMSL a n dpersonal friends as well.”

Dave is also an accomplishedsinger who performs regularly at hischurch, and recently before 600 peopleat “Stand Up,” a production of Comedy& Song hosted by his church. Hislong-term plans are consistent with hisbackground and his principles. “I planto work in the private practice setting,first as an associate with plans for part-nership/ownership in the future. A f t e r25 years in the Air Force, I hope to con-tinue serving in the Reserve as a com-missioned officer and optometrist. Iplan to stay in the Southern Illinoisarea, watch my family grow, and praiseour God by singing in the praise andworship team at Shiloh UnitedMethodist church. It's been a great r i d e ,and it's just beginning!”