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Notable Achievements

Here are just a few of the many notable achievements of MCO faculty and alumni. We are proud of each of you and your accomplishments. If you have a notable achievement, share it with us so that we can share it with your fellow alumni and friends by emailing it to [email protected].

  • James Carpenter, Paula McDowell, and Emily Aslakson

    James Carpenter, Dr. Paula McDowell, and Dr. Emily Aslakson

    The Michigan Optometric Association honored MCO faculty member Dr. Emily Aslakson as its Educator of the Year and Dr. Paula McDowell as the Keyperson of the Year. MCO alumnus Dr. James Carpenter was honored as Student of the Year.
  • Dr. Ariel Pscheidl was named Walmart’s Doctor Partner of the Year.
  • MCO welcomed students from Eulji University in South Korea for a week of educational seminars and clinical shadowing, positively impacting global optometry.
  • Dr. Jeffery Michaels was named the American Optometric Association’s Optometrist of the Year for 2022 (see article).
  • MCO Alumna Dr. Jamie Althoff was named Assistant Dean for Student Affairs and Admissions at Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry.
  • MCO Alumnus Dr. Tom Hall published his first novel called “Brain Drive.”
  • MCO Alumna Dr. Jennifer Lintz achieved fellowship in the Scleral Lens Society.
  • MCO alumni, faculty and students volunteered at Special Olympics Michigan to screen the vision of athletes.
Stuents and faculty with the Special Olympics
Sarah Budnick and Walmart Vision Team
  • Alumnus Dr. Brendon Yaroch was the 2022 MCO graduate with the highest grade point average. Read Feature
  • Retired FSU Deans Drs. Matt and Nancy Peterson-Klein established two endowed scholarships, one for MCO students. Thank you both! 
  • Katie Connolly with her IOA Young OD of the Year Award

    Katie Connolly won the 2022 IOA Young OD of the Year Award

    Congratulations to alumna Dr. Sara Lynae' Weidmayer and faculty member Dr. Paula McDowell for their publication in Review of Optometry. Dr. Weidmayer wrote the article and Dr. McDowell created the illustrations.
  • The Grand Rapids Public Museum's Marvels of Medicine exhibit included contributions from the innovative people of MCO.
  • A large group of MCO students were inducted into Beta Sigma Kappa Honor Society.
  • Congratulations to alumna Dr. Sarah Budnick who was honored as doctor of Walmart’s Vision Center of the Year.
  • Congratulations to alumna Dr. Katie Connolly who was awarded Indiana’s Young Optometrist of the Year!