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Winter 2024
White Coat 2024
WRITTEN BY:
Nora Matland
This year’s White Coat Ceremony was our largest in over five years! The Class of 2027 was joined by many of their friends and family to celebrate the next stage of their optometric journey. White Coat 2024 marks a significant milestone for our second-year students, serving not only as a symbol of their transition to working in clinic, but an acknowledgement of how far they have come during their first year with us.
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“I think it’s a great checkpoint for the rest of our academic career,” said Griffin Wolner ’27, who was coated by his father during the ceremony. “It’s amazing. It’s a great place to be.” Gaven Paige ’27 shared the sentiment, adding, “I think it finally feels real.”
As they prepare for another year at ICO, the Class of 2027 also expressed their excitement for the future and why they’re looking forward to working in clinic. “I’m most looking forward to getting to know the Bronzeville community,” said Cassandra Luna ’27. “To get to use these skills with actual patients, I think it’s going to be really rewarding.”
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Though the next few years will bring a fair share of challenges, we are confident that this class has the enthusiasm and knowledge to persevere together. We can’t wait to see what they go on to achieve and look forward to continuing to be a part of their optometric journey.
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A special thanks to the following alumni and mentors who coated these students at the 2024 White Coat Ceremony!
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Dylan Drawer ’27 coated by his uncle Scott Pouyat, OD
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Navreet Hans ’27 coated by her sister Navneet Hans, OD ’21
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Jasmine Heer ’27 coated by her cousin Sonia Heer, OD ’17
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Benjamin Leischer ’27 coated by his father Gregory Leischer, OD ’97
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Jenelle Mastronardi ’27 coated by her parents John and Cathy Mastronardi, OD
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Andrew Meyers ’27 coated by his parents Jeffrey Meyers, OD ’95 and Cheryl Meyers, OD ’94
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Sarah Morgan ’27 coated by mentor Otto Lee, OD ’02
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Talia Teliani ’27 coated by her aunt Nohad Teliani, OD
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Oscar Tsui ’27 coated by his mentor Melanie de Jesus, OD ’03
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Meghan Turner ’27 coated by her cousin Sarah Vrotsos, OD
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Katie Vilardi ’27 coated by her mentor Connie Crawford, OD ’86
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Griffin Wolner ’27 coated by his father Bradlee Wolner, OD ’88
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Coating




Ceremony



