Alumni Notes

1960s

William Thomas (BS’66) retired on his 80th birthday, April 30, 2023. After a nearly 57-year run, between Dr. Thomas and his father, together they had an 85-year practice.

1970s

W. Howard McAlister (OD’77, MA, MPH) received the James A. Boucher Award at the 2023 meeting of the National Academies of Practice. This award is given to a National Academies of Practice Optometry Academy member who has demonstrated exemplary contributions to the profession of optometry and healthcare field and has upheld the mission of the National Academies of Practice to advance science and the concept of interdisciplinary healthcare.

1980s

After more than 40 years in the optometric industry, Rick Weisbarth (OD’80), Alcon’s Vice President of Professional Affairs, retired on March 31, 2023.

Jacqueline Davis (OD’81, MPH) welcomed grandson Thiago Woodrow Davis in January 2023.

After two years of hard work and collaboration, Brian Armitage (OD’81, MS’83) and Beth Muckley (OD’97) are proud to announce the upcoming publication of the third edition of the best-selling eye care textbook, Catania’s Primary Care of the Anterior Segment. The first edition was originally published in 1985 followed by the second edition in 1995, which won Baron’s Five Star (highest) Award for best medical textbooks.

Mary Jo Stiegemeier (OD’83) retired in January 2023.

2000s

Michele Avila Rhodes (OD’09) and her husband Jared welcomed son Archer Lawrence Rhodes on January 5, 2023.

2010s

Renee Rambeau Masin (OD’12) and her husband Ryan Masin welcomed son Braddock on February 16, 2023. Big brother Rowan and big sister Elyse were excited to meet him.

Betsy Kaminski (OD’13) and her husband Michael Cushman welcomed son Lewis John in March 2023.

Stephanie Pisano (OD’14) and family welcomed daughter Lucia on September 30, 2022.

Michaela Minichello (OD/MS’15) and her husband Jared Lutes welcomed son Lincoln James on January 14, 2023.

Julie Gossard (OD’16) and her husband Justin welcomed daughter Joelle Grace on January 4, 2023.

Thomas Bouscher (OD’17) and family welcomed son Mohan.

Valerie Korb Danford (OD’17) and her husband Kevin welcomed daughter Eloise Violet on February 16, 2023.

Ryan Bretz (OD’19) and his wife Laura welcomed daughter Adalyn Grace in March 2023.

2020s

Carly McLaughlin (OD’20) and her husband Craig welcomed daughter Clara Jane on December 4, 2022.

Paul Grigsby (OD’21) and Morgan Alexander PT, DPT, OCS, married in Aledo, Texas on May 14, 2022.

PhD Candidate Danae Johnson, OD, and her husband Justin welcomed twin boys Javi Makae (left) and Jiah Makas (right) on December 26, 2022.

Dr. Gossard and her family — Julie Gossard (OD'16) with her family

Dr. Paul Grigsby and his wife — Paul Grigsby (OD'21) with his wife

Dr. Danae Johnson with her husband and 4 young children — Danae Johnson with her husband and four children

Dr. Kaminski and her family — Betsy Kaminski (OD13) with her husband and their two children

Dr. Jackie Davis holding her grandson — Jacqueline Davis (OD'81, MPH) holding her grandson Thiago Woodrow Davis

In Memoriam

Forrest Z. Miles (BS’54) passed away on January 10, 2023. He was 92.

Gordon W. Cipra (BS’57) passed away on February 11, 2023. He was 89.

John Andrew Nabergall (BS’57, OD’77) passed away on March 12, 2023. He was 88.

John (Jack) Othmar Beigel (BS’59) passed away on March 17, 2023. He was 88.

Ron M. Beal (OD’68) passed away on Feb. 17, 2023. He was 82.

Jody Scott Foor (OD’78) passed away on March 6, 2023. He was 70.

Don Wallace Gunhus (OD’80) passed away on December 25, 2022. He was 68.

Craig Arthur Liebig (OD’81) passed away on April 2, 2023. He was 66.