Celebrating the careers of four long-standing Optometry employees

The School of Optometry & Vision Science says farewell to long-time staff members John Haney, Marie Amodeo, Rosemary Morrison and Marilyn Thom.

By: Kelsey Gagnon, Associate Director, Advancement

Last month, the School celebrated the careers of not one, not two, but four longtime employees who served a combined total of over 100 years and will leave significant legacies behind. During a joint retirement reception, the careers of Marie Amodeo, John Haney, Rosemary Morrison and Marilyn Thom were celebrated by staff, faculty, retirees, family and friends.

Left to right: John Haney, Rosemary Morrison, Marie Amodeo and Marilyn Thom

Marie Amodeo, retiring after 33 years

In 1990, Marie Amodeo joined the School of Optometry & Vision Science in the role of graduate secretary and continuing education coordinator. In 1994, Marie transitioned to the undergraduate and admissions activities of the School, ultimately moving into the position she retired from, as admissions and program manager.

Marie’s career supporting the optometry degree program has been a long and storied affair. She gracefully navigated the School through a vast number of changes that included increasing the program size from 60 to 90 students, as well as many clinical and curriculum changes over they years.

Through the entirety of her career, Marie’s ability to keep projects on track, and her humanity while doing it, has shone through. Marie has always been a support system for those who might be struggling and is often the first to identify students in crisis. Marie has created open spaces for the diversity of the student body and has spent her career dedicated to looking out for the student’s wellbeing.

Dr. Natalie Hutchings, Associate Director, Undergraduate Affairs & Admissions, referred to Marie’s significant role in the School stating, “Marie, you’ve been a rock to the School, and the glue that holds it together.” Marie’s involvement in social activities, including organizing the School’s Canadian Breast Cancer Run team, make her an unforgettable staff member who will be sorely missed.

John Haney, retiring after 28 years

In 1995, John Haney joined the School of Optometry & Vision Science. Originally John began as an optician within the School of Optometry & Vision Science clinic, and in 2011 transitioned into his current role of Optical Services Manager. Since then, John has integrated his calm, quiet way of managing through many changes.

Managing all optical services for the clinics is no small task that John always handled with care and ease. John brought an array of impressive technical skills to the table, skills that are rare to find even among the most experienced opticians. John’s ability to develop meaningful relationships with optical partners ensured that the School has provided quality glasses for everyone. In addition, John has been able to secure donations from optical partners for our external optometric clinics, where children and adults in financial need received glasses for free.

Colleagues of John will always remember his continuous smile – and impeccable moustache – even in the face of stress or issues. “John is a man of few words, but he makes every word count," says Dr. Tammy Labreche, Interim Optometry Clinics Director. “His contributions have added immeasurably to our optical services program and he will be greatly missed”.

Rosemary Morrison, retiring after 22 years

In 2001, Rosemary “Rose” Morrison joined the School of Optometry & Vision Science in the Pediatrics and Special Needs clinic. At the time, it was common for Rose to type letters dictated by Dr. Rick Wiggins, as well as other clinics in the School, regarding patient care and treatment plans. Rose then transitioned into the role she retired from as administrative assistant and referral management; an integral part of the clinic’s operations.

Prior to joining the School, Rose led a successful career at Frito-Lay, followed by what she has said were “some of the best years of her life” running a daycare. Once Rose started at the School, she became heavily involved in social activities, including fundraising, social committees, staff wellness days, and the University’s staff conference.

Colleagues of Rose will always remember the way she cares for others, and her dedication to patients, doctors, faculty and staff will be sorely missed. “Rose created a legacy at the school that will be admired for years to come,” says Ann Girling, Clinic Operations Manager.

Marilyn Thom, retiring after 25 years

In 1998, Marilyn Thom joined the School of Optometry & Vision Science after a 17-year career as an early childhood educator. Marilyn joined the Pediatrics Clinic as their cashier and receptionist. Shortly thereafter Marilyn moved into the Contact Lens Clinic working with Dr. Desmond Fonn and Dr. Lyndon Jones. In 2006, Marilyn then transitioned to the Centre for Contact Lens Research (CCLR) upon its founding, first as an ophthalmic assistant, and ultimately moving into the administrative assistant position which she retires from.

Marilyn’s organizational skills (including a significant number of post-it notes) became critically important to her role as administrative assistant to the director of the CCLR, now the Centre for Ocular Research and Education (CORE). Managing the director’s meeting and travel schedules is no small task – something that Marilyn managed with ease and care. In fact, managing came so easily to Marilyn that she took on managing all social activities including holiday parties, summer picnics, and milestone celebrations for colleagues.

In addition to the contributions to the social activities of CORE, Marilyn was significantly involved in the School of Optometry & Vision Science social committee, organizing soup days, bake sales, the 20-degree contest and much more.

“Marilyn’s legacy within CORE and the School will be felt for many years to come,” says Dr. Lyndon Jones, Director, CORE. “The success of CORE and the culture of the School will be forever changed because of Marilyn Thom.”