Alumni Notes

1970s

Ed Beiter (OD’72) retired after 50 years of practicing optometry in Summer 2025.

1980s

David Scherreik (OD’85) retired after practicing optometry for 40 years in Bowling Green, Ohio.

1990s

Russell Filmore (OD’90) married Cissy Burns on July 3, 2025.

Andrea Becker (OD’91) retired in December 2024.

Greg Nixon (OD’96) was inducted into the National Academies of Practice in March 2026 at the organization’s annual meeting.

Dr. Filmore and bride Cissy wearing their wedding attire and standing in front of a white fireplace holding a small dog. — Dr. Russell Filmore and Cissy Burns celebrate their wedding.

2000s

Nicky Lai (OD/MS’03) was honored with the 2026 Gas Permeable Lens Institute’s Distinguished Service Award.

2010s

Lauren Haverly (OD’14) and wife Jessica Haverly welcomed son Nicholas Haverly on February 22, 2026.

Phillip Yuhas (OD/MS’14, PhD’19) and wife Emily Yuhas welcomed their fifth child, son William Yuhas on December 11, 2025.

Chad Zumberger (OD’17) and wife Sydney Zumberger welcomed son Carter James Zumberger on January 10, 2026.

Jessica Bodamer (OD’18) and husband Greg Ferenchak welcomed Lucia Lynn Ferenchak on January 3, 2026.

Infant Nicholas Haverly laying on a gray blanket looking at a train card. — Nicholas Haverly

A group of 4 children holding a baby in the middle sitting on stairs smiling at the camera — William Yuhas surrounded by his brothers and sisters.

A couple holding their baby in front of a window. — Carter James Zumberger with mom and dad.

A couple standing in a neutral nursery holding their new baby. — Lucia Lynn Ferenchak with mom and dad.

Kevin Rodda (OD’18) married Erica Shelton (OD/MS’18, PhD’25) on November 22, 2025.

Stephanie (Shoults) Wiggs (OD’19) and husband Daniel Wiggs welcomed son Patrick Wiggs on December 5, 2025.

A baby sitting in a cream armchair with his dog and bear stuffed animals on either side of him. — Patrick Wiggs

2020s

Jonathan Szczerba (OD’22) and wife Yuliia Szczerba welcomed son Alexander John Szczerba on December 22, 2025.

A baby on a cream blanket wearing a bright yellow sweater long-sleeve onesie. — Alexander John Szczerba

Matt Andrew (OD/MS’26) and wife Jilaina Andrew welcomed son Emmett Andrew on Oct 27, 2025.

A newborn baby on a fluffy white background with a small gray blanket covering him. — Emmett Andrew

Emma Grant (Clinical Research Coordinator) and husband Berry welcomed son Bear in November 2025.

In Memoriam

John Brzezicki Jr. (BS’58) passed away on February 14, 2026. He was 91.

Richard Seiler (BS’59) passed away on December 30, 2025. He was 91.

Jeffrey Blanchard (OD’70) passed away on March 1, 2026. He was 79.

Stephen Hoverman (OD’74) passed away on January 1, 2026. He was 82.

David Glassco (OD’87) passed away on December 22, 2025. He was 63.

Staff News

Shawn Gilbert, who led the College of Optometry’s advancement team as Director of Development, has accepted a new role leading major gift fundraising at Habitat for Humanity – MidOhio. He will be missed. Courtney Shaul, the College of Nursing’s Executive Director of Development, will assist our advancement team until the director role is filled.