The 2025 UMSL Optometry Alumni & Friends Weekend occurred August 15th–17th on the UMSL campus. We were delighted to celebrate our alumni—especially the milestone classes of 1985, 1995, 2005, and 2015—while also welcoming friends of the College. The weekend opened with a festive cocktail hour and dinner at the Lee Theatre in the Touhill Performing Arts Center. This event was highlighted by remarks from both Chancellor Kristin Sobolik, and Dean Keshia Elder with Dr. Paul Luong (’16) being honored with the Early Career Achievement Award, and Drs. LeeAnn Barrett (’85) and Angela Oberreiter (’05) each receiving the Dean’s Alumni Award. There was a wonderful turnout from both the Class of 1985 and the Class of 2005. The 40th anniversary class was notably honored as Associate Dean of Clinical Operations and proud representative Dr. Vinita Henry explains: “Ten people out of 26 from the class of 1985 made it back for our 40th reunion. It was great to catch up with them. Our class representative, Colonel Jim Forrest USAF (Ret.), did an amazing job recapping some old and new facts on our classmates.” Proceeds from the Alumni & Friends Awards Dinner supported the Alumni & Friends of the College of Optometry Student Support Scholarship.
The Dean’s Advisory Council had their first in-person meeting on Saturday morning, August 16th. The Advisory Council is chaired by Dr. Ed Bennett with Dr. Barbara Brown OD 1988 as vice-chair and Dr. Sean Mulqueeny OD 1991, Dr. LeeAnn Barrett OD 1985, Dr. Laurie Thompson OD 2016, and Toi Hatcher Director of Development Health Sciences as members. Dr. Thompson thought it was a very worthwhile meeting: “We received updates on all areas of the college and were able to discuss options for improvements where needed. A large focus for this meeting was renovations of the JC Penney North optometry space on North Campus, discussion of changes in the NBEO, and alumni engagement.” The next in-person meeting will be held in February during the Heart of America conference.
The weekend concluded with a dynamic 12 hour continuing education program organized by Associate Dean of Student Services and Alumni Relations, Dr. Angel Simmons OD 2003. This program featured presentations by College of Optometry alumni, Drs. Vinita Henry OD 1985, Cheryl Davidson OD 2000, Kelli Shaon OD 2005, Emily Gum OD 2015 and Jackie Fiddler OD 2020. Dean Elder said it best as it pertains to the impact of this weekend’s events., “It was a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with colleagues and friends, while building new connections.”