Several mini profiles followed by class notes listings.
Darlene Larson 1991
Darlene Larson PT ’91 resides in Florida where she practices physical therapy at Smith Skilled Nursing Facility, the in-patient center at a local hospital and patients’ homes. She has not been on campus since graduating, but plans on returning this fall for Reunion.
Marji Burniston 2001
Major Marji Burniston ’98, O.T. ’01, currently stationed in Las Vegas, returned to service in the U.S. Army as an occupational therapist in January 2006 after graduating from Pacific’s School of Occupational Therapy in 2001. In 2011, she was promoted to Major and received the Iron Major Award, which recognizes the top 10 percent of the Army Medical Specialist Corps for exceptional contributions and displayed leadership. Before moving to Afghanistan next summer, she will attend Reunion this fall.
Rodney Helm ’69, O.D. 1971
Rodney Helm ’69, O.D. ’71 lives with his wife, Vickie ’71, in Park Rapids, Minn., where he practices optometry in his clinic with Murray Westberg O.D. ’05 and Jenni Keller O.D. ’11. Helm started biking in Forest Grove while attending Pacific and biked 64 miles on his birthday in the summer of 2011, continuing his annual tradition of biking his new age on every birthday.
Benson Medina 1976
Benson Medina married Zeada Pachecano on Nov. 22, 2012.
Hugh Alexander 1979
Hugh Alexander and his wife, Mary Sue, spent three weeks last spring backpacking in Patagonia. He currently works as an automotive illustrator and is a professor of illustration at the Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design in Denver.
Kenneth Berk 1979
Kenneth Berk recently became a grandfather upon the arrival of his daughter Michelle’s twin girls.
Denis Holmes 1982
Denis Holmes ’82, O.D. ’84 was named president of the Optometric Physicians of Washington (OPW) at its annual membership meeting Sept. 27, 2012. Dr. Holmes has a solo practice in Bellingham, Wash., and has been an active member of the OPW since 1984 and the American Optometric Association since 1981. Dr. Holmes’ father, Robert Holmes O.D. ’51, is also an alumnus and founder of the practice in Bellingham.
Ken Colman 1984
Ken Colman received a Take Action Against Domestic Violence Award for his participation in organizing the Men’s March parade for the past 10 years.
James Au 1991
James Au was awarded the Poncho’s Solar Outstanding Educator Award in February 2012, based on an essay written by his eighth-grade student. He was awarded a $5,000 gift card to spend on school supplies.
Sarah Wees 1991
Sarah Wees O.D. opened the Seattle Hill Vision Center, where she provides eye exams to patients without vision coverage in their insurance, keeping her prices low. Many of the patients she worked with in the past have followed her to the new clinic. The Herald, Everett, Wash.