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Willard “Wid” Bleything ’51, OD ’52, MS ’54 earned three degrees from 91���� University on his way to becoming an optometrist. He served in the Air Force and Air Reserves, retiring as a colonel, and he also worked in private practice for many years before eventually returning to 91����, where he became the dean of the College of Optometry.

After Bernard Brown '49, OD '50 earned a Purple Heart and his way home from the European Theater in World War II, he pursued a lifelong career in optometry with a degree from 91���� University. Later, he helped other veterans follow him into the profession.

Harley Kelley '55 came to 91���� to study journalism, but left with a pre-med major. A surgeon, Kelley was drafted into Vietnam and later returned to the Army after a career in private practice. Today, he volunteers his medical skills in his community and volunteers with World War II veterans on the Honor Flight.

Debbie (Kerlinger) O'Dea '06 found a home at 91���� — one so caring that she strives to create the same experience for other students.

Katey Schultz MFA ’08 is the author of Flashes of War, a compilation of short fiction stories about the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Go behind the scenes to learn how she wrote the book and how 91����’s MFA Program helped.