Welcome to the UMSL Optometry Alumni and Friends Weekend - Through the Lens of Legacy

August 14-16, 2026

All alumni are welcome. We will be recognizing the following classes:

• Class of 1986        • Class of 1996          • Class of 2006          •  Class of 2016

It will be a great opportunity to catch up with your classmates. Please feel free to reach out to your classmates and spread the word. 

Class of 1986, as a member class celebrating 40 years, we would like to honor you with a complimentary ticket to our alumni and friends dinner on Friday, August 14, 2026.

 

Dinner and/or building tour RSVP

Congratulations to our 2026 Alumni Awardees

Dr. Laurie Thompson

Early Career Achievement
Dr. Laurie Thompson, Class of 2016

Dr. Barbara Brown photo

Dean's Alumni Award
Dr. Barbara Brown, Class of 1988

Dr. Vinita Henry photo

Dean's Meritorious Award
Dr. Vinita Henry, Class of 1985

Friday, August 14

  • 5:00 pm - 6:15 pm - Building dedication and tour, J.C. Penney North Building, College of Optometry Academic Space 
  • 6:30 pm - Doors open for dinner in the Penthouse Ballroom, Renaissance Hotel (9801 Natural Bridge Road, St. Louis, MO 63134)
  • 7:00 pm - Dinner and Alumni Awards Program
  • Ticket price: $125 per person

 

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Saturday morning, August 15

  • 10:00 am - 12 pm Tour of the Patient Care Center 

Saturday afternoon, August 15

View of the Patient Care Center from Natural Bridge

 

 

Sunday, August 16

 

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CE Speakers: Carl Kramer, OD, FAAO, FSLS; Jeffrey Lant, OD, Catherine Kerr-Niermann, OD, MS, FAAO; Cecelia Koetting, OD, FAAO, DipABO, Deli Shirazian, OD, FAAO, Sarah Sweeney Dohrman, OD

Hotel:
Drury Inn St. Louis Airport or
Renaissance Hotel (Corporate/Promo/SET# use code MO5) or
Hilton Garden Inn St. Louis Airport

Cancellation Policy: The University reserves the right to cancel any program. In the event of cancellation, you will be notified immediately. If you cancel prior to 48 hours before the event, you will be refunded the tuition minus a $25.00 processing fee.  

UMSL face covering policy: Effective 2/28/2022, face coverings will no longer be required on the UMSL campus. Masks are welcome in the building. Policy is subject to change depending on local infection rates and St. Louis County mandates.