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!

  

                        

     Class of 2011

    

  Michelle Burgard

  Third Year, Ambassaor Executive Board, 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 and golfing

STUDENT ACTIVITIES: Student Optometric Association Entertainment co-chair, Sports Vision Club, Intramurals, Beta Sigma Kappa

   

 

    

   Kendra Kallemeyn

    Third Year

     

  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, watching my husband kiteboard and spending time at the coast

STUDENT ACTIVITIES: Practice Management Club, Student Member on Admissions Committee, Graduate Assistant for Optometry Admissions

    

 

    

  Hans Bjorn

  Third 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

 

    

  Josh Lewis

  Third 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."

          

HOBBIES:  Sports, birdwatching, camping

 

    

  Daniel Volland

  Third 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

STUDENT ACTIVITIES: Practice Management Club - secretary

   

 

    

  Adam Preston

  Third 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

STUDENT ACTIVITIES: Student Optometric Association President, Armed Forces Optometric Society Local Liason, Fellowship of Christian Optometrists, College of Optometrists in Vision Development, Masters of Education-Visual Function & Learning program

 

 

  Carolyn Linster

  Third Year

         

  UNDERGRADUATE INSTITUTION: 

  North Dakota State University, Microbiology Major

  HOMETOWN: 

  Fargo, ND

         

ONE REASON I CHOSE PACIFIC IS: "I chose Pacific University because of how friendly all of the students and faculty were when I visited and because of the excellent education I knew I would receive."

HOBBIES:  Cooking, playing soccer, and running

STUDENT ACTIVITIES: Student Optometric Association Entertainment co-chair, Sports Vision Club, Practice Management Club, Beta Sigma Kappa

 

 

  Lydia Stender

  Third Year

  UNDERGRADUATE INSTITUTION: 

  Central Washington University, Biology Major

  HOMETOWN: 

  Vancouver, WA

         

 

ONE REASON I CHOSE PACIFIC IS: "The People! Faculty, staff, and students who I met on my interview day were so welcoming and friendly. They made me feel like I was at home here."

HOBBIES:  Golfing, being outdoors, seeing movies, playing games, singing karaoke, and enjoying a cup of coffee with friends

STUDENT ACTIVITIES: Student Optometric Association Vice-President, Amigos Club

 

 

Class of 2012

 

  Savannah Nelson

  Second Year

  UNDERGRADUATE INSTITUTION: 

  Minnesota State University-Moorhead, Business Mgmt Major

  HOMETOWN: 

  Beulah, ND

         

 

ONE REASON I CHOSE PACIFIC IS: "I saw a high level of opportunity for me to obtain an excellent education. I felt welcomed with the friendly and relaxed campus atmosphere. And I was thrilled to continue my community and campus involvement in such a beautiful part of the country!"

HOBBIES:  Playing volleyball, watching movies, cycling, scrapbooking, shopping, and dancing. Most importantly, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family.

STUDENT ACTIVITIES: Intramurals, Fellowship of Christian Optometrists, Amigos Club

 

 

  Amanda Hall

  Second Year

  UNDERGRADUATE INSTITUTION: 

  University of Portland, Biology Major

  HOMETOWN: 

  Medford, OR

         

 

ONE REASON I CHOSE PACIFIC IS: "There were so many reasons but most of all I loved its reputation for academic excellence, its location near a larger city - Portland and most of all, the friendly atmosphere I experienced during my time on campus!"

HOBBIES: Running, playing golf and tennis when I can, hanging out with friends and family, visiting Portland, and exploring the beautiful Pacific Northwest!

STUDENT ACTIVITIES: Intramurals, Amigos Club, College of Optometrists in Vision Development

 

 

  Drew Anderson

  Second Year

  UNDERGRADUATE INSTITUTION: 

  Iowa State University, Biology Major

  HOMETOWN: 

  Story City, IA

         

 

ONE REASON I CHOSE PACIFIC IS: "Because it is an amazing educational opportunity in a beautiful part of the country. The faculty was very welcoming and I felt like they would do everything they could to get their students to succeed."

HOBBIES: Golf, snowboarding, exploring the Northwest

 

STUDENT ACTIVITIES: College of Optometrists in Vision Development, Sports Vision Club

 

 

  Taira Enewold

  Second Year, Ambassaor Executive Board, Secretary

  UNDERGRADUATE INSTITUTION: 

  University of Northern Colorado, Biology/Biomedical Sci Major

  HOMETOWN: 

  Silt, CO

         

 

ONE REASON I CHOSE PACIFIC IS: "Because of the elite and caring faculty/staff, the location, the friendly and welcoming atmosphere on campus, organization of the college, communication between the school and students, the numerous student organizations available, and the many extracurricular activities in the surrounding community were all contributing factors."

HOBBIES: Playing sports (especially volleyball) and working out at the gym, anything outdoors, reading, scrapbooking, cooking, traveling, listening to music, and spending time with my family and friends

STUDENT ACTIVITIES: Amigos Club, Sports Vision Club, American Public Health Local Liaison, Intramurals

 

 

  Kari Burgard

  Second Year

  UNDERGRADUATE INSTITUTION: 

  North Dakota State University, Zoology Major

  HOMETOWN: 

  Dickinson, ND

         

 

ONE REASON I CHOSE PACIFIC IS: "It isn't just a school, it's a community. Pacific has a wonderful reputation and truly lives up to it with faculty that go above and beyond, peers that study and play together, extracurriculars that stretch you beyond the classroom, and breath taking scenery."

HOBBIES: Tennis, hiking, photography, traveling, reading, embracing any free time I can find!

STUDENT ACTIVITIES: Amigos Club, Sports Vision Club, Fellowship of Christian Optometrists

 

 

  Nanette Curtis

  Second Year

  UNDERGRADUATE INSTITUTION: 

  University of California-Los Angeles, Economics Major

  HOMETOWN: 

  Duarte, CA

         

 

ONE REASON I CHOSE PACIFIC IS: "During my interview day I was impressed with how much the faculty and staff seemed to truly care about the students and the curriculum."

HOBBIES:  Tennis and cooking.

STUDENT ACTIVITIES: College of Optometrists in Vision Development, Amigos Club

 

 

  Chad Rosen

  Second Year, Ambassaor Executive Board, Vice-President

  UNDERGRADUATE INSTITUTION: 

  University of North Dakota, Entrepreneurship Major

  HOMETOWN: 

  Bismarck, ND

         

 

ONE REASON I CHOSE PACIFIC IS: "Everyone was extremely friendly, helpful, and I knew I would get a top notch education. I heard that the professors treat students like colleagues, which added to the appeal of the school."

HOBBIES: I like to hang out with friends, work out when I'm not studying, and ride my motorcycle as much as possible. I'm always up for trying new things and meeting new people. I like to do anything active or involving the outdoors, but still take time to relax with a good movie. I've played soccer since I was in kindergarten and look forward to getting back into it.

STUDENT ACTIVITIES: Amigos Club, Intramurals

 

 

  Marissa Knutson

  Second Year

  UNDERGRADUATE INSTITUTION: 

  North Dakota State University, Biological Sciences Major

  HOMETOWN: 

  Bismarck, ND

         

 

ONE REASON I CHOSE PACIFIC IS: "I chose Pacific because of the friendly, yet prestigious environment that it has to offer. The staff and students interact like one big family by supporting and respecting one another. I love being part of the Pacific family!"

HOBBIES: Tennis, golfing, biking, running, hiking, reading

STUDENT ACTIVITIES: Fellowship of Christian Optometrists, Sports Vision Club, Amigos Club

 

 

Class of 2013

 

  Cayla Picklyk

  First Year

  UNDERGRADUATE INSTITUTION:

  University of Manitoba, Biology Major

  HOMETOWN:

  Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

 

ONE REASON I CHOSE PACIFIC IS: "From the minute I met faculty and staff they already treated me like the optometrist I will be in four years. There is a mutual respect between everyone on campus, providing the ideal atmosphere to live and learn in."

HOBBIES: Drumming, boxing, eating cookies

 

 

  Josephine "Josie" Quitugua

  First Year

  UNDERGRADUATE INSTITUTION:

  University of Washington, Psychology Major

  HOMETOWN:

  Mannheim, Germany

 

ONE REASON I CHOSE PACIFIC IS: "I chose Pacific because of the closeness I felt between the faculty, staff and students as well as the small class size, the diverse and well rounded curriculum emphasizing clinical training early on, and the location in the beautiful Pacific Northwest is close to my family and loved ones!"

HOBBIES: Spending time with my family and friends, cultural dancing, traveling, photography, working out, reading, listening to music, watching movies

 

 

  Collin Robillard

  First Year

  UNDERGRADUATE INSTITUTION:

  California State University, Stanislaus - Biology Major

  HOMETOWN:

  Turlock, CA

 

ONE REASON I CHOSE PACIFIC IS: "It is just such a great school that I couldn't see myself anywhere else."

HOBBIES: Playing/writing music, watching movies, cooking, skiing, hiking, photography

 

 

  Sasha Kean

  First Year

  UNDERGRADUATE INSTITUTION:

  North Dakota State University, Zoology Major

  HOMETOWN:

  Pierre, SD

 

ONE REASON I CHOSE PACIFIC IS: "The alumni. The Pacific alumni I have been fortunate enough to work with have proved the high ethical, moral, and academic standards of the university. I'm confident that through Pacific, I'll reach my fullest potential."

HOBBIES: Running, being outdoors, traveling, hanging out with friends

 

 

  Amber Gatti

  First Year

  UNDERGRADUATE INSTITUTION:

  Portland State University, General Science Major

  HOMETOWN:

  Springfield, OR

 

ONE REASON I CHOSE PACIFIC IS: "Pacific had an incredible staff and students with great character. My interview day showed me all the information I received in a written form truly was a fit for me. Plus you can't beat the great Northwest!"

HOBBIES: Cheering for StyleShock all-stars college open team, head coach for the Northwest's first Special Needs Cheering team, wakebording, snowboarding

 

 

  Caroline Slagle

  First Year

  UNDERGRADUATE INSTITUTION:

  University of California at San Diego, Human Biology Major

  HOMETOWN:

  San Jose, CA

 

ONE REASON I CHOSE PACIFIC IS: "I chose Pacific because of its emphasis on personalization. They help students to find jobs after graduation, create relationships with professors and make you feel totally accepted all while providing an excellent education."

HOBBIES: Cooking, running, working out, watching the Food Network, hiking, being outside, traveling to new places, meeting new people

 

 

  Cassie Solis

  First Year

  UNDERGRADUATE INSTITUTION:

  Case Western Reserve University, Anthropology Major

  HOMETOWN:

  Cleveland Heights, OH

 

ONE REASON I CHOSE PACIFIC IS: "I chose Pacific because of how I felt when I left the school on my interview day. Everyone involved made me feel very welcome and I knew it was the place for me when I couldn't wipe the smile off my face for days!"

HOBBIES: Reading, hanging out with friends, crafting, looking forward to experiencing and exploring the Pacific Northwest

 

 

  Corey Kisser

  First Year

  UNDERGRADUATE INSTITUTION:

  Canadian University College, Biology Major

  HOMETOWN:

  Drayton Valley, Alberta, Canada

 

ONE REASON I CHOSE PACIFIC IS: "One of the reasons I chose Pacific was because all the faculty and staff were very helpful and friendly in the application process. During the interview day I was very impressed at how the faculty and staff genuinely took an interest in you. I knew that I would receive an excellent education from faculty that have a sincere interest in the students and strive to help you succeed."

HOBBIES: Camping, hiking, fishing, canoeing, rafting, swimming, biking, snowmobiling, snowboarding, ice/floor hockey, weight lifting, golfing, racquetball