The College of Optometry would like to congratulate what may represent a record number of alumni who were awarded Fellowship status in the American Academy of Optometry at their annual meeting, held Oct. 11 – 14, 2017, in Chicago. To receive the “FAAO” after your name requires acceptance of several case reports as well as an oral examination. The honorees included Drs. Marie Wehner (’10), Nicole Pogue (’12), Rachael Canania (’14), Jenna Nelson (’14), Aaron Peterson (’15), and Clinical Assistant Professor Casey Hamm (’15). What is especially impressive are two UMSL graduates who received fellowship little more than one year after graduation: Drs. Jessica Jose (’16), and Jamie Weiser (’16). The Class of 2013 has rapidly become the class with the most number of fellows, as four more members received their FAAO in Chicago. This group included Drs. Vanessa Avery (’13), Kevin Hoang (’13), Joshua Keil (’13), and Michael Martorana (’13). Cornea and Contact Lens residency graduate, Dr. Carl Kramer (’16), also received his fellowship.

In addition, a record number of alumni attended what has become UMSL’s most popular alumni reception, held Friday evening in Chicago.