Several mini profiles followed by class notes listings.
Chad Toomey 1994
Chad Toomey ’94 has accepted a firefighter position with the Forest Grove Fire Department. Toomey has worked at the Pacific University Outback since 1997 and also served as a volunteer firefighter. “It is such a privilege to be accepted into this fine staff of professionals,” he said. “At the same time, I will be saying farewell to a wonderfully supportive organization — Pacific University. These are exciting times!”
Paul Berman 1975
Paul Berman O.D. '75 was honored at the White House on Oct. 2, 2012, for his work as founder and global clinical adviser of the Special Olympics Lions Clubs International Opening Eyes program, in which volunteers provide all Special Olympics participants with vision tests, as well as protective sports goggles and prescription eyeglasses as needed. Dr. Berman developed the program in 1991, during his term as president of the AOA Sports Vision Section, and the Lions Clubs International Foundation assumed sponsorship in 2001. Dr. Berman is a widely recognized sports vision practitioner who has worked with the New Jersey Devils, New Jersey Nets, New York Giants, U.S. Olympic Hand Ball Team and U.S. Olympic Fencing Team, as well as golfers, high school and collegiate athletes and recreational athletes. His Hackensack, N.J., practice Focus Eye Health and Vision Care, has been featured on ESPN. He also is a past New Jersey Optometrist of the Year and AOA SVS Optometrist of the Year and was named the International Optometrist of the Year in 2005 by the World Council of Optometry. American Optometric Association
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.