On May 20th, the Class of 2018 was honored with the formal presentation of their white coat, which signifies the achievement of the skills necessary to provide direct patient care. With the JC Penney Auditorium filled with family and loved ones of the 40 honorees, Assistant Dean Ed Bennett reminded everyone in attendance that this event was indeed very worthy of their presence. He stated that the clinical faculty felt the Class of 2018 was one of the strongest classes in terms of clinical ability in recent history. They have a record seven members who had, at minimum, one parent who was an alumnus of the College. They will also represent the first to be able to fully utilize the new UMSL Patient Care Center. He concluded the following: “Based upon your first two years at the College, it is evident that you have a very promising future in the profession – notably with your clinical ability – and we hope you will bring much positive recognition to the College of Optometry and ultimately make a difference in the optometric profession.”
The annual tradition of selecting a speaker from the members of the fourth year class identified a very worthy recipient. Katie Loock (’17) was selected to speak to the class of 2018, as she has been an exceptional and very positive student leader in her three years at UMSL. And she was up to the task as she relates:
“You have come a long way. Just think. You put your BIO on your head for the first time only about six months ago and now you have seen just about every retina in your class. You now own that skill along with so many others needed to complete an entire eye examination. This is not an easy feat. I know there were nights you studied rather than slept. I know you spent Saturdays, Sundays, and spring break in clinic. I know about the stress. The stresses of waiting in the hallway before proficiency, and I know you were pushed, especially in the second year. You gained skills but more importantly you grew as individuals. You gained strength, and grit, and responsibility. You have also bonded as a class (and) you made it to half time. Now, you are not half way through what you will learn in optometry – right, you know that. You will always be learning. You are half way through optometry school though . . . and you played a really good first half. Take a breather to recognize all that has happened to bring you to this day. Recognize how ridiculously lucky you are to have the people in your life who got you to this day. Take this time to appreciate them. Half time is more than about your white coat. It is about remembering the people who made you and will help you become the clinician you hope to become.”
Dr. Ed Jarka represented the faculty and provided words of encouragement to the students as they progressed toward the clinical part of their journey. Likewise, Dr. Sean Mulqueeny ’91, took time out of his busy practice to both welcome the Class of 2018 and also to represent both the St. Louis Optometric Society and the Missouri Optometric Association (MOA).
The highlight of the program, however, was the formal presentation of their white coats. Dr. Ed Bennett, who highlighted their accomplishments during their two years at UMSL, introduced them individually. Dr. Angel Simmons and Dr. Katie Boland formally presented the white coats while Dr. Mulqueeny presented them with a pin from the MOA. All of this occurred – very deservedly – on stage in front of family and friends. At the conclusion of the ceremony, the honorees had the opportunity to have photographs taken with their class and with loved ones, which will serve as permanent memories of an occasion that will only be surpassed by their graduation ceremony, to be held in May 2018 at the Touhill Performing Arts Center.