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. Clicking on their name below will direct you to their e-mail. They will be happy to help you!
Class of 2015
Joan Browne
Third Year, President
UNDERGRADUATE INSTITUTION:
Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo
Biology Major
HOMETOWN:
Lake Tahoe, Nevada
ONE REASON I CHOSE PACIFIC IS: "Pacific stands out in its comprehensive coverage of all aspects of optometry. While it is important for us to understand how optometry is expanding, I appreciate that Pacific covers the traditional roots of optometry as well. I was also drawn in by the friendly atmosphere and emphasis on collaboration as opposed to competition. And the gorgeous scenery of the northwest certainly doesn't hurt either!"
HOBBIES: Off-road motorcycles, racquetball, hiking, camping, visiting the lake, scuba diving, exploring Portland, and spending time with dog Annabelle.
CLUBS/ORGANIZATIONS: American Optometric Student Association, Pacific Practice Management Group
Katrin "Kat" Brucker
Third Year, Secretary
UNDERGRADUATE INSTITUTION:
North Dakota State University,
Zoology Major
HOMETOWN:
Bismarck, North Dakota
ONE REASON I CHOSE PACIFIC IS: "because of the friendly environment of the school and the noncompetitive attitude among the students. The area is beautiful, and I am so happy with my choice!"
HOBBIES: I like to spend time with my husband, hang out with friends, go hiking, play volleyball, and buy shoes.
CLUBS/ORGANIZATIONS: AMIGOS EyeCare, Pacific Practice Management Group
Shane McDonald
Third Year
UNDERGRADUATE INSTITUTION:
University of Alberta, Zoology Major
HOMETOWN:
Jaffray, British Columbia, Canada
ONE REASON I CHOSE PACIFIC IS: "because of its excellent location for out of school activities and the immediate family-like atmosphere provided by everyone I met."
HOBBIES: Mountaineering, cycling, hiking, running
Khoa Nguyen
Third Year
UNDERGRADUATE INSTITUTION:
Portland State University
Health Science/Community Health
Major
HOMETOWN:
Hue, Vietnam
ONE REASON I CHOSE PACIFIC IS: "The school values the importance of treating students with the kindness and respect given a colleague. These types of relationships help eliminate communication barriers between professors and students, thus creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere to learn and grow. The environment at this institution closely resembles an interconnected village, which is something every student, like myself, values."
HOBBIES: Soccer related events? Count me in! Spending time with family and friends, traveling, working out, camping, hitting up the coast, and snowboarding
CLUBS/ORGANIZATIONS: AMIGOS EyeCare, Intramural Soccer, National Optometric Student Association (NOSA)
Alexandra "Alex" Bavasi
Third Year
UNDERGRADUATE INSTITUTION:
Sacred Heart University -
Fairfield, Connecticut, Biology Major
HOMETOWN:
Flagstaff, Arizona
ONE REASON I CHOSE PACIFIC IS: "The faculty and students with whom I interacted with during my interview visit were very welcoming, informative, and fun! The culture of the program is noncompetitive and collaborative, and the faculty members wish only to help us succeed. It also doesn't hurt that we're located in the beautiful Northwest, I couldn't see myself anywhere else."
HOBBIES: Skiing, Olympic-style weight lifting, CrossFit, hiking, checking out new restaurants, going to concerts
CLUBS/ORGANIZATIONS: American Optometric Student Association, AMIGOS EyeCare, American Academy of Optometry, National Optometric Student Association (NOSA), American Public Health Association, Sports Vision Club, College of Optometrists in Vision Development (COVD)
Wyatt Nash-Keller
Third Year
UNDERGRADUATE INSTITUTION:
South Dakota State University
Biology Major
HOMETOWN:
Selby, South Dakota
ONE REASON I CHOSE PACIFIC IS: "the good-hearted nature of all the fellow students, and how the professors treated you like doctors in training and not just students."
HOBBIES: all sports, watching an entire TV series, and lounging with friends. I'm also a huge music enthusiast (especially rap/hip-hop and 90's music).
CLUBS/ORGANIZATIONS: Sports Vision Club, Pacific Practice Management Group
Sheila Morrison
Third Year
UNDERGRADUATE INSTITUTION:
University of Calgary, Exercise and
Health Physiology Major
HOMETOWN:
Red Deer, Alberta, Canada
ONE REASON I CHOSE PACIFIC IS: "At Pacific I knew that I would find my Optometry home in which the overall quality of life and education would be the highest for me. Between well-rounded academics, excellent faculty, and a beautiful location, there is much to achieve and explore!"
HOBBIES: running, playing soccer, listening to music, reading, experiencing new cuisines, spending time with friends and family, and being in the great outdoors
CLUBS/ORGANIZATIONS: Ambassadors, AMIGOS, PUCO Practice Management, Student Optometric Association, American Optometry Association, Optometric Extension Program
Class of 2016
Emily Bucher
Second Year, President-Elect
UNDERGRADUATE INSTITUTION:
Loyola Marymount University,
Natural Science Major
HOMETOWN:
Santa Clara, CA
ONE REASON I CHOSE PACIFIC IS: "With the family atmosphere and excitement I felt from all the students, I knew I would feel at home. The students work as a team and the faculty is there for YOU 100% of the way. Everyone wants to see you succeed."
HOBBIES: Cooking, Baking, Traveling, Physical Activity, Snowboarding, Hiking, Spending time with friends and family
CLUBS/ORGANIZATIONS: Student Ambassadors, AMIGOS, Practice Management Club
Emma Lundien
Second Year
UNDERGRADUATE INSTITUTION:
University of Northern Colorado,
Biomedical Sciences Major
HOMETOWN:
Brighton, CO
ONE REASON I CHOSE PACIFIC IS: "I chose Pacific because of the cooperative learning environment, incredible faculty, and the small-town location."
HOBBIES: My hobbies include cooking, playing the flute and piano, and exploring the world of wine. In my free time I love to play volleyball, watch Breaking Bad, and explore Portland.
CLUBS/ORGANIZATIONS: I am currently involved with Pacific University’s Pep Band and Student Ambassadors
Cathy Yuen
Second Year
UNDERGRADUATE INSTITUTION:
University of British Columbia,
Physiology Major
HOMETOWN:
Richmond, BC
ONE REASON I CHOSE PACIFIC IS: "The interview day experience was awesome! The students and professors were very approachable and I value Pacific’s concept of everyone being a family. In addition, the emphasis on clinical skills and career development was an important aspect for me when it comes to choosing my optometry school. Another plus about Pacific is that it’s close to home."
HOBBIES: I enjoy trying out different kinds of foods, watching movies, shopping and reading mystery novels.
CLUBS/ORGANIZATIONS: Student Ambassadors
Shannon Soper
Second Year
UNDERGRADUATE INSTITUTION:
Pacific University, Physics Major
HOMETOWN:
Rockford, IL
ONE REASON I CHOSE PACIFIC IS: "I was also an undergraduate student at Pacific where I always felt a real sense of community. I also got this same sense of community within the college of optometry. It shown to have a great support system in the students as well as the faculty and staff, which I felt would be important for the difficult years the program would have."
HOBBIES:
Volleyball, hiking, going to movies, hanging out with friends, going to concerts, and exploring new restaurants and areas.
CLUBS/ORGANIZATIONS: AMIGOS EyeCare, Intramural volleyball, National Optometric Student Association (NOSA)
Tyler Rose
Second Year
UNDERGRADUATE INSTITUTION:
University of North Dakota, Biology
Major
HOMETOWN:
Brainerd, MN
ONE REASON I CHOSE PACIFIC IS: "Its outstanding reputation and exceptional program. The professors as well as the atmosphere were so welcoming to me and I felt like everyone was going out of their way to make me feel comfortable. I love the setting at Pacific in which I can learn in. It is such a positive environment to be able to work with others who are
all aiming towards the same general goal of becoming Optometrists."
HOBBIES: I am very active and love sports and the outdoors. I am an avid runner and love the trails out here. Music and food are also some things I love.
CLUBS/ORGANIZATIONS: Ambassadors, Sports Vision Club, AMIGOS, American Optometry Association (AOA), National Optometric Student Association (NOSA)
Sarah Prosen
Second Year
UNDERGRADUATE INSTITUTION:
Hamline University, Biology Major
HOMETOWN:
Apple Valley, MN
ONE REASON I CHOSE PACIFIC IS: "When interviewing at Pacific, I instantly felt at home with the welcoming students and staff. I loved the beautiful campus, and friendly “family” environment. I was impressed by the exceptional didactic and clinical education the students receive, and the support systems available. I was also drawn to the many opportunities in a variety of specialties, specifically sports vision, and 3D vision."
HOBBIES: Sports/Gymnastics, working out, music, hiking by the coast, crafts, baking, and hanging out with friends.
CLUBS/ORGANIZATIONS: Ambassadors, Sports Vision Club, NOSA, AMIGOS, AOA
Morgan Grove
Second Year
UNDERGRADUATE INSTITUTION:
University of Oregon, Biology Major
HOMETOWN:
Myrtle Point, OR
ONE REASON I CHOSE PACIFIC IS: " I really felt welcomed here on my Interview Day. Everyone was very helpful and lived up to their reputation of being a family environment, where classmates help each other out in any way they can. The people at Pacific genuinely want you to succeed and have a fulfilling experience in school."
HOBBIES: I really enjoy watching and participating in all kinds of sports, my favorite being basketball. I also enjoy outdoor activities, hiking and camping. I love to cook and enjoy wine tasting, and just overall trying new things and meeting new people.
CLUBS/ORGANIZATIONS: Ambassadors Private Practice Management, AMIGOS, NOSA
Tori Kennedy
Second Year
UNDERGRADUATE INSTITUTION:
California State University, Fresno,
Animal Science Major
HOMETOWN:
Modesto, CA
ONE REASON I CHOSE PACIFIC IS: " I knew Pacific University was where I wanted to be after visiting for interview day. When I met the professors and my potential classmates, I knew that the school would be a perfect fit. Academically, Pacific’s curriculum covers a broad scope of optometry including the medical and behavioral aspects. Culturally, it’s difficult to beat the many offerings of the Pacific Northwest."
HOBBIES: Baking, Reading, Playing Board Games, Working with animals
CLUBS/ORGANIZATIONS: Ambassadors, Practice Management, AMIGOS
