Student Ambassadors
The Ambassadors are made up of approximately 24 students with typically 8 students from each class. The Ambassadors provide all of the tours to prospective students and any other party requesting a tour of the campus. In addition to the tours, the Ambassadors help assist with first year orientation and the annual Career Day for undergraduates. They also work very closely with the Admissions office in providing an invaluable resource for prospective students.
If you would like to speak with a current student about their experience applying to or choosing Pacific University College of Optometry, you are invited to contact one of our student ambassadors directly. They will be happy to help you!
Third Year
UNDERGRADUATE INSTITUTION:
University of North Dakota, Biology Major
HOMETOWN:
Bismark, ND
ONE REASON I CHOSE PACIFIC IS:
"One reason I chose Pacific is because of the great reputation that Pacific has combining the world of academics with research and clinical programs. "
HOBBIES: Music, movies, sports, golf
Mitch Weigel
Brittany NanniniThird Year
UNDERGRADUATE INSTITUTION:
University of Nevada, Reno, Biology Major
HOMETOWN:
Lovelock, NV
ONE REASON I CHOSE PACIFIC IS:
"There were so many reasons that Pacific is the perfect school for me. I loved the well-rounded curriculum, the nationally recognized faculty in all areas of optometry, and the family-like atmosphere of the school. The Northwest is simply beautiful, and I love being a short drive from the Oregon coast, Portland, and dozens of delicious restaurants and wineries!"
HOBBIES: Reading, cooking, shopping, and aspiring wine snob
Kaila OsmotherlyThird Year
UNDERGRADUATE INSTITUTION:
Chadron State College, Human/Molecular Bio Major
HOMETOWN:
Torrington, WY
ONE REASON I CHOSE PACIFIC IS:
"I toured Pacific before I applied and absolutely fell in love with the area and the relaxed atmosphere of the school. I knew I would get a great education here that will enable me to help people for the rest of my career."
HOBBIES: Working out, reading, dancing, and exploring Portland!
Guy AmbrosioThird Year
UNDERGRADUATE INSTITUTION:
University of Alberta, Kinesiology Major
HOMETOWN:
Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada
ONE REASON I CHOSE PACIFIC IS:
"the atmosphere at Pacific University is supportive, personal and friendly. Combined with a great location on the West Coast and a major city nearby, the school is able to offer what I believe to be a perfect environment for success at optometry school."
HOBBIES: Music, golf, hockey, cooking
Kelley LawrenceThird Year
UNDERGRADUATE INSTITUTION:
Minnesota State University, Moorhead
Arizona State University, Elementary Education Major
HOMETOWN: Watertown, SD and Chandler, AZ
ONE REASON I CHOSE PACIFIC IS:
"because of the close knit environment. From the moment of my first contact with Pacific I could feel the support. Faulty, staff, and students all seem to be on your side, with a willingness to lend a hand when needed. This provides an environment conducive to success, where students feel like they play an active role in their education."
HOBBIES: Traveling, spending time with family & friends, being outdoors, going to Farmer's Markets
Joey Steiner
Third Year, Ambassador Executive Board, President
UNDERGRADUATE INSTITUTION:
University of Mary, Biology Major/Chemistry Minor
HOMETOWN:
Dickinson, ND
ONE REASON I CHOSE PACIFIC IS:
"I actually chose Pacific for two reasons that I believe were determining factors. My reasons were the prestigious reputation for optometric education and the friendly atmosphere surrounding the school."
HOBBIES: I love to play just about any type of sport, mainly basketball, football, and golf. I also like frisbee golf, fishing, biking, hiking, anything outside, and spending time with my friends, family and significant other.
Shannon MitchellThird Year
UNDERGRADUATE INSTITUTION:
Boise State University, Psychology Major/Music Minor
HOMETOWN:
Jerome, ID
ONE REASON I CHOSE PACIFIC IS:
"My wife and I have always loved the Northwest. The coast, the rain, the green, everything that makes life pleasant is here! When we visited Pacific and discovered that the hometown atmosphere and family orientation accompanied all the great things we appreciate about the Northwest, we couldn't bring ourselves to go anywhere else!"
HOBBIES: Anything outdoors we can do as a family; biking, hiking, gardening (Pacific has a great community garden!), camping, and visiting local farmer's markets for fresh produce.
Abbey NelsonThird Year
UNDERGRADUATE INSTITUTION:
Concordia College, Chemistry Major
HOMETOWN:
Lake Preston, SD
ONE REASON I CHOSE PACIFIC IS:
"One reason I chose Pacific is because not only was I confident that I would receive a top notch education here, but I knew that I would be really happy here. I LOVE Oregon!"
HOBBIES: Laughing, shoe shopping, drinking good coffee, improving my Frisbee golf score, running, hiking and traveling
Class of 2011
Second Year, Ambassaor Executive Board, Vice-President
UNDERGRADUATE INSTITUTION:
University of North Dakota, Communication Major
HOMETOWN:
Jamestown, ND
ONE REASON I CHOSE PACIFIC IS:
"I felt Pacific would provide me with an excellent education for a succesful career as an optometrist, because of the faculty and staff that care about their students and helpful peers. The school environment, friendly people and extracurricular activities offered by the area all contributed to my decision."
HOBBIES: Running, biking, working out
Michelle Burgard
Second Year, Ambassador Executive Board, Secretary
UNDERGRADUATE INSTITUTION:
South Dakota State University, Biology Major
HOMETOWN:
Pierre, SD
ONE REASON I CHOSE PACIFIC IS:
"I chose Pacific because of the 'at home' feeling I got while visiting campus. Everyone was very friendly and personable. Pacific's staff and students were very welcoming to me as a prospective student."
HOBBIES: Camping, biking, fishing
Kendra Kallemeyn
Second Year
UNDERGRADUATE INSTITUTION:
Brigham Young University, Biology Major
HOMETOWN:
Federal Way, WA
ONE REASON I CHOSE PACIFIC IS:
"Small town, close to relatives, awesome mission statement and excellent academics."
HOBBIES: Running, racquetball
Second Year
UNDERGRADUATE INSTITUTION:
Western New Mexico University, Gen. Science Major
HOMETOWN:
Show Low, AZ
ONE REASON I CHOSE PACIFIC IS:
"I chose Pacific for the small-town atmosphere and the great opportunity to work closely with professors."
Josh Lewis
HOBBIES: Sports, birdwatching, camping
Second Year
UNDERGRADUATE INSTITUTION:
Pacific Lutheran University, Biology Major
HOMETOWN:
Federal Way, WA
ONE REASON I CHOSE PACIFIC IS..."because it's the best!"
HOBBIES: Church, music
Daniel Volland
Second Year
UNDERGRADUATE INSTITUTION:
The Ohio State University, Biology Major
HOMETOWN:
Columbus, OH
ONE REASON I CHOSE PACIFIC IS:
" I chose Pacific University because it fit my style of learning best. When I first visited the area, I was incredibly impressed with the faculty's attitude towards their students, they really treat them as peers in the field of optometry. Also, the idea of moving to the Pacific Northwest was incredibly exciting - there is so much to do!"
HOBBIES: Reading, playing the piano, traveling, and hiking with my wife
