The Annual Meeting of the Missouri Optometric Association was held October 16-18 in Kansas City and the College of Optometry was there in force. A large number of students attended, with several of our ambassadors helping Student Services Director Nick Palisch staff the booth in the Exhibit Hall. It was an exciting weekend to be in Kansas City as no less than a NASCAR race, a marathon, and two World Series games occurred during this time period.
A highlight of the meeting was the annual UMSL Reception held in a beautiful venue, the majestic former lobby of the Marriott, which reminded everyone of the elegance that existed in some of our older hotels. Dean Davis addressed a large audience of alumni and students and addressed the progress at the College including the progress of the Patient Care Center and the recent opening of three new classrooms. In the middle of his speech a huge roar erupted from the nearby bar area, a reminder that the World Series was in full force and the Royals had just erupted for three runs. All in all a great time was had by all.
(left to right): Drs. Stuart Anderson (’84), Kelsey Haugen (’17), and Dr. Brett Liesemeyer (’85). Dr. Anderson is a close friend and classmate of Kelsey’s father, Dr. Scott Haugen (’84)
(left to right): Dr. JD Roberts (‘88), Dr. Ed Bennett, and Dr. Tami Soriano (‘88). Drs. Roberts and Soriano were not only classmate but also good friends while at UMSL. This friendship has been adopted by their next generation as Michael Roberts (’17) and Torie Soriano (’17) grew up as friends, both became active members of the University of Arkansas Pre-Optometry Club, and entered UMSL together in August, 2013.
Working the UMSL Booth in the Exhibit Hall at the MOA included Front Row (left to right): Dr. Ed Bennett, Maggie Scott (’19), Director of Student Services Nick Palisch, and Nick Portell ('19). Middle Row (left to right): Elias Toubia (’17), Ellen Sanders (’17), Brittney Schieber (’19), Ben Wehner (’19), and Back Row (left to right): Thomas Lambert (’17), Craig Woods (’17), Yousef Ibrahim (’17), and Garrett Pennell (’17)
Students gathered for a photo in the Exhibit Hall included (left to right): Morgan Poore (’17), Shelby Baugh Bruner (’17), Logan Page (’18), Kelsey Haugen (’17), Paige Biehler (’17), Juna Abazi (’17), Jamie Weiser (’16), and Alyssa Sherwood (’17)
At the UMSL Reception are Dr. Kathy Noonan (’86), and Dr. Steve Rosen
A large contigent of UMSL students made the trip to Kansas City and are gathered here at the reception.
Dean Larry Davis addressing the large group of optometrists and students in the beautiful (former lobby) venue within the Marriott Hotel. (photo courtesy of Dr. Steve Rosen)