Meet the 2009 Alumni Association Award Recipients Once again at the Annual Homecoming & Class Reunion held in September, the Parker Alumni Association selected noteworthy individuals who have made a difference in the chiropractic profession. Three Parker graduates were recognized for their exemplary achievements and meaningful impact on the chiropractic community. Dr. Marco La Starza ‘04 was awarded the Young Alumni of the Year, Dr. Patrick Bodnar ‘99 received the Alumni of the Year, and Dr. Michael Hall ’90 received the James W Parker Award. These men are actively changing lives in their communities and lending a helping hand on their time off.
Alumni Homecoming Event Upbeat melodies from the Buster Brown Band set the energetic tone for the Annual Parker Homecoming event held at the Plaza on the Hill on September 24. A lively group of alumni, along with Dr Fabrizio Mancini ’90 and Alumni Board President Dr John Longenecker ’92, celebrated another successful year of the chiropractic profession and recognized its most noteworthy. The Parker Alumni Association’s annual awards were presented to three deserving chiropractors. Recipients of the annual awards were Dr Marco La Starza ’04 -Young Alumni of the Year, Dr Patrick Bodnar ‘99 - Alumni of the Year, and Dr Michael Hall ’90 - James W Parker Award. Also adding to the accolades of the evening were three of the Alumni Association’s newest Lifetime Members: Dr Georgina Pearson, Dr Don MacDonald, and Dr Charlotte Burgess ’02. The alumni reception was held in conjunction with the annual Parker Seminar held in Texas. There were more then 1500 attendees at the weekend festivities and conventions.
Recent Grad Rate Now Available Attention recent graduates - have you officially joined the Alumni Association? Take advantage of the discounted rate of only $50 for annual membership by joining today; all students who graduated in 2008 or later qualify. Your membership continues to fund scholarships, the After Hours program, and the many opportunities that were available to you as a student. Pay it forward by supporting these programs for your friends at Parker College and cash in on your savings as a new DC.
Parker Gala in Vegas Parker College hosts its Second Annual Parker Gala, presented by Drucker Labs, on Friday, January 15, 2010 at the Las Vegas Hilton, with proceeds benefiting chiropractic research. You are invited to celebrate the profession and network with the best in chiropractic while enjoying cocktails, dinner, dancing, and live entertainment. Visit www.parkercc.edu/gala for additional information. See you in Vegas!
Texas Health Care Leaders Discuss National Health Care Reform Dr. Fabrizio Mancini, along with other Texas health care leaders, met with Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson and Majority Leader Steny Hoyer in Dallas, Texas where they examined the precise state of national health care reform discussions to determine how and where the chiropractic profession will be most effective in directing messages of concern and calls for inclusion in any reform program.
2009 ChiroGames are in Central Florida – Alumni can cheer on Parker students! Calling all Florida DCs: bring your friends and family to cheer on the Parker athletes who are competing at the 2009 ChiroGames in Cocoa Beach Florida November 7-8. Visit the Parker College ChiroGames website or contact Steve Weller, Director of Athletics at sweller@parkercc.edu for more details.
World Congress of Chiropractic Students Attend New Zealand Congress The WCCS Parker Chapter attended the annual congress held in New Zealand hosted by Ali Pastles of the New Zealand College of Chiropractic. Eight Parker students participated in the seven day congress. WCCS, established in 1979, is an international forum representing the future of the chiropractic profession. With 14,000 active student member from 28 chiropractic colleges, the WCCS discuss pertinent issues, engage in invigorating debate and discuss educational standards around the world. There were exciting proposals brought to the floor, including:
Parker student, Erin Spindler will chair the 2010 WCCS Congress in Dallas, TX next September.
Parker Students Excel at Community Outreach There are many skills a student learns while studying at Parker College of Chiropractic. Like perfecting a technique, understanding how to attract new patients to a clinic requires some skill. Tri-7 students Jeff Schramm, Greg Hollandsworth, and Dana Matthews showcased the Parker Dallas Wellness Clinic (a.k.a. "Alpha clinic") at the 2009 Europa Sports, Supplement & Martial Arts Expo held in Dallas. During the one-day health expo, the Parker students spoke to 25 prospective students of the college, sold 13 new patient vouchers, and received contact information for 18 additional new patients to the Dallas Chiropractic Wellness Clinic. The three students also handed out cases of literature on chiropractic and Parker College of Chiropractic. Future patients were given details on finding a Parker chiropractor in their own community at www.parkercc.edu/findachiro.
Parker College Dedicates Lab in Memory of Dr. Al StatesParker College of Chiropractic invited the community to attend the dedication ceremony for the naming of the Dr. Alfred Zimmer States Diversified Technique Lab on Friday, August 14. The lab was named in memory of Dr. States, who passed away in January 2009. Dr. States practiced in Chicago, IL for 27 years before moving to Highland Village, TX to work at Parker College. He taught students for more than 19 years and was chairperson of the Department of Analysis and Technique. He became the first professor emeritus at Parker College. Pictures of the lab and dedication ceremony are available.
Practicing in a Medical Facility, Parker graduate Dr Forrest Lee Moses III ’93 interviewed by Dynamic Chiropractic Since 1994, Dr Forrest Lee Moses III has taken a different path than most of his classmates. He has integrated himself and chiropractic care into the Texas Veterans Health Administration. As director of Parker’s VA Chiropractic Program since 2007, student interns have a unique educational experience designed to prepare them for clinical practice within an integrated health care setting. Dr Moses and three other DC’s working within the VA system were interviewed by Dynamic Chiropractic magazine.
Grads Come Together at Annual Florida EventThe sun was certainly shining down on our graduates in Florida. Forty graduates, guests and a few students attended the annual alumni gathering this August at the 2009 FCA National Convention and Expo. Dr Toby Harmon ’97 was the lucky winner of the alumni drawing. Director of Alumni Relations encouraged our Florida doctors to assist the college by recruiting more prospective students through the Parker Ambassador Program.
Join today for 2010 and receive three (3) months of complimentary membership The Parker Alumni Association is getting a jump start on 2010 and you get to benefit. Join now for 2010 and begin using your benefits immediately. Save $99 or more on Parker Seminar Vegas 2010 registration. Membership dues help fund critical programs like the highly successful business development event for students: The After Hours Clinic Visit program. Membership dues also fund $1000 scholarships given each trimester to Parker students.
Mexican University Names Library in Honor of Dr. Fabrizio Mancini ‘90The Universidad Estatal del Valle de Ecatepec (UNEVE) has dedicated a new campus building and library to Dr. Fabrizio Mancini, president of Parker College of Chiropractic located in Dallas, TX. The brand new building, which will house the library, is currently under construction and is set to be completed by October 2009. The Secretary of Education for the State of Mexico Licenciada María Guadalupe Monter Flores, represented by Subsecretary of Middle and Superior Education Licenciado Jorge Cruz Martinez and academic and administrative directors from UNEVE, honored Dr. Mancini at a special ceremony where they unveiled the blueprints.
Parker Spreads Chiropractic Care and Massage Therapy to Athletes from Around the World at the Americas Race Walking ChampionshipParker College of Chiropractic and the Parker School of Massage Therapy were represented on an international level during the Americas Race Walking Championship held in San Salvador, El Salvador. Dr. Duane Vincent '96, a clinic faculty doctor in the Dallas Parker Health and Wellness Clinic and Certified Chiropractic Sports Practitioner (CCSP) and Dr. Drew Riffe '05, director of the Parker School of Massage Therapy, managed a team of three Parker chiropractic interns and three massage therapists as they delivered care to athletes, coaches, and support staff from 14 countries: the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Guatemala, Peru, Costa Rica, Canada, Panama, El Salvador, Chile, Nicaragua, Ecuador, and the United States.
Alumni Can Form Intramural Athletic TeamsYour days as a Parker student may be over, and you may have moved on to bigger and better things, but you can continue to enjoy being a Parker Patriot. The athletic department currently sponsors four intramural sports per year - flag football (fall), volleyball (fall), basketball (winter), and softball (spring) - and would like the Alumni to be represented. If you would like to serve as a team captain or play on an intramural team once a week, please contact Steve Weller, athletic director, at sweller@parkercc.edu.
Now in your mailbox! The Annual Member Coupon Book is full of savings exclusively for association members. Special deals or rates are being offered by the companies that support the Parker Alumni Association. These companies are giving you free shipping, discounts, or waiving fees on their products or services. Watch your mail in September!
Parker Graduate helps open first chiropractic school in Barcelona Dr. Boyce Kinnison '01 has played a vital role in the opening of a new chiropractic school in Barcelona, Spain. Scheduled to open in fall 2009, Schola Chiropractica Barcelona will be the first chiropractic school in the city. For many years, a group of chiropractic professionals, including Kinnison, have been actively working with Fundacio Privada Quiropractica, a non-profit institution, on forming the college. Dr. Kinnison is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Fundacio Privada Quiropractica.
Colorado Alumni Show Their Pride At The BallparkOn Saturday, June 20 the Rockies when head-to-head with the Pittsburgh Pirates and Parker College Alumni were there to cheer on the home team. Unbeknownst to the Rockies, thier stadium was hosting some of the finest and most skilled chiropractors in town.Colorado Regional Representative, Dr. Alan Smith ‘01, was present with an entourage of friends and chiropractic supporters. Dr. Alan, alumni, and their families attended a picnic earlier that evening and then attended the game at 6pm in a reserved seating area for Parker Alumni.Dr. Vince Scheffler ’07, member of the Parker Alumni Association Board of Directors, flew to Colorado to represent the Parker Office of Alumni Relations. Dr. Vince attended the game with his brother, Tony Scheffler, Denver Broncos tight end. Guests who wore their clinic shirts had the opportunity to win prizes and receive autographed Broncos memorabilia. The success and interest of the alumni gathering has inspired an encore event: stay tuned for next year’s gathering in Colorado! For pictures of the event visit the alumni past events web page.
After-Hours Program Continues to be Popular with StudentsThe generosity of alumni continues to grow. In the past six months, eight alumni have opened their doors to Parker students and provided valuable information on how to jump start a practice of their own. Ranging from husband and wife teams to opening a practice with less than $30,000, alumni and association members have given generously of their knowledge and experience.Winter trimester participants of the clinic visit program were Dr. Brian Hooten ’00, Dr. Erin Van Veldhuizen ’07, Dr. Kirtland Speaks and his wife, Lisa Speaks, director of clinic staff for the outpatient and student clinics, Dr. Mary Warren ’00 and Dr. Clark Byroad ’87 and Brenda Kunc-Byroad ’89. Summer hosts were Dr. Homero Cavazos ’08, Dr. John Lehrer ’94, and Dr. Elizabeth Taylor ’96. “It is wonderful to have this opportunity to learn from doctors already out in the real world,” said after hours student participant. “It is free for us and you find willing doctors to take time out of their busy days to share their business knowledge.”
Moses Bernard receives Alumni Association ScholarshipThe Parker Alumni Association presented Moses Bernard, Tri-Nine, with the $1000 Alumni Association Endowment Fund Scholarship to recognize his achievements as a student and encourage his future as a chiropractic leader. Dr. Stephen LaFay, lifetime member #168, presented Bernard with his scholarship after addressing the student body during and all-school assembly.
Forbes Magazine Lists Chiropractors as #2 Most Surprising Six-Figure Job in U.S. From animator to gaming manager, here are some startling ways you can make more than $100,000 a year. Chiropractors made the list as the second more surprising six-figure career in the United States.
NBC Paving it ForwardNBC features Parker wellness experts on local news Dr. Gilles Lamarche, vice president of seminars and development, along with Elizabeth Fayt and student Neil Gardner were interviewed by NBC 5 DFW reporter Brian Curtis recently. To view the video visit NBC 5 DFW website.
Follow Us on TwitterParker Alumni Office is officially on Twitter! Keep in touch in real-time and learn about the newest association members, happenings at Parker, and valuable chiropractic information. Search for ParkerAlumni on Twitter! Alumni Association Makes Two DonationsParker Alumni Association has made a $1,000 donation towards the renovations of the Dr. James W. Parker Museum, where a collection of priceless photos, memorabilia, and furniture has been preserved from the early years of Parker College. Donations were made on behalf of all Parker Alumni Association Members. In addition, a payment of $5,000 was made towards the $25,000 pledge for the Intern Lounge. In April 2008, the Parker College Alumni Association pledged $25,000 for the naming rights of the Intern Lounge. This location was chosen as a symbol of the alumni association's commitment to the students in school and in practice. Dr. Mary Collings ’93 Featured in Dallas Business Journal Overcoming early stereotypes of chiropractic, borrowing money from a family member, and overcoming life challenges, Dr. Mary Collings ‘93 has landed amongst the stars. Calling All Authors!We want to help increase your visibility. Have you written a book, manual ,or academic paper and need help promoting it? Then we can help. By joining the Parker Alumni Association as a small business or corporate member you will have exposure to thousands of graduates and students. Additional benefits include an annual coupon book and ad exposure in monthly mailing. Join now as a business member to start your benefits! Finding a Chiropractor Just Got Easier Get away for the weekend and leave your patients in good hands. Finding and referring chiropractors in select areas just got easier with Parker’s online directory at www.parkercc.edu/FindaChiro. Search by last name, city, or technique. All Parker College alumni and association members that have kept their information current are listed in the directory. Find a chiro today! First-Ever Alumni Event in Arizona a SuccessOn Saturday, February 21, the first-ever Arizona alumni gathering for Parker College graduates brought in alumni from all four corners of the state. Arizona Regional Representatives Dr. Nick Kimel ‘04 and Dr. Michele Kimel ’07 extended an enthusiastic handshake to those in attendance and welcomed them back for a walk down memory lane. Graduates from the class of 1985 through 2008, swapped stories of Parker College and celebrated the chiropractic profession over dinner, which was hosted by the Parker Office of Alumni Relations, at Morton’s Steakhouse in Scottsdale, AZ. Parker Office of Alumni Relations Director Tim Gunn and VP of Parker Seminars and Development Dr. Gilles Lamarche were there to represent Parker College and provide updates and recent changes that have helped maintain the college as one of the premier schools of chiropractic. “Throughtout the week I’ve enjoyed visiting the alumni in their clinics and learning about their lives since leaving Parker College,” said Tim Gunn. “This has been one of our most successful events because our graduates truly enjoyed seeing old classmates and meeting new grads in the the area.” Following a short presentation by Dr. Lamarche, alumni were invited to join the Parker College Alumni Association and continue their support after the evening festivities through membership. View the Arizona Alumnni Event slideshow.
Alumni Association Makes Two DonationsParker Alumni Association has made a $1,000 donation towards the renovations of the Dr. James W. Parker Museum, where a collection of priceless photos, memorabilia, and furniture has been preserved from the early years of Parker College. Donations were made on behalf of all Parker Alumni Association Members. In addition, a payment of $5,000 was made towards the $25,000 pledge for the Intern Lounge. In April 2008, the Parker College Alumni Association pledged $25,000 for the naming rights of the Intern Lounge. This location was chosen as a symbol of the alumni association's commitment to the students in school and in practice. Dr. Mary Collings ’93 Featured in Dallas Business Journal Overcoming early stereotypes of chiropractic, borrowing money from a family member, and overcoming life challenges, Dr. Mary Collings ‘93 has landed amongst the stars. Calling All Authors!We want to help increase your visibility. Have you written a book, manual ,or academic paper and need help promoting it? Then we can help. By joining the Parker Alumni Association as a small business or corporate member you will have exposure to thousands of graduates and students. Additional benefits include an annual coupon book and ad exposure in monthly mailing. Join now as a business member to start your benefits! Finding a Chiropractor Just Got Easier Get away for the weekend and leave your patients in good hands. Finding and referring chiropractors in select areas just got easier with Parker’s online directory at www.parkercc.edu/FindaChiro. Search by last name, city, or technique. All Parker College alumni and association members that have kept their information current are listed in the directory. Find a chiro today!
Dr. Mary Collings ’93 Featured in Dallas Business Journal Overcoming early stereotypes of chiropractic, borrowing money from a family member, and overcoming life challenges, Dr. Mary Collings ‘93 has landed amongst the stars. Calling All Authors!We want to help increase your visibility. Have you written a book, manual ,or academic paper and need help promoting it? Then we can help. By joining the Parker Alumni Association as a small business or corporate member you will have exposure to thousands of graduates and students. Additional benefits include an annual coupon book and ad exposure in monthly mailing. Join now as a business member to start your benefits!
Calling All Authors!We want to help increase your visibility. Have you written a book, manual ,or academic paper and need help promoting it? Then we can help. By joining the Parker Alumni Association as a small business or corporate member you will have exposure to thousands of graduates and students. Additional benefits include an annual coupon book and ad exposure in monthly mailing. Join now as a business member to start your benefits!
Finding a Chiropractor Just Got Easier Get away for the weekend and leave your patients in good hands. Finding and referring chiropractors in select areas just got easier with Parker’s online directory at www.parkercc.edu/FindaChiro. Search by last name, city, or technique. All Parker College alumni and association members that have kept their information current are listed in the directory. Find a chiro today!
First-Ever Alumni Event in Arizona a SuccessOn Saturday, February 21, the first-ever Arizona alumni gathering for Parker College graduates brought in alumni from all four corners of the state. Arizona Regional Representatives Dr. Nick Kimel ‘04 and Dr. Michele Kimel ’07 extended an enthusiastic handshake to those in attendance and welcomed them back for a walk down memory lane. Graduates from the class of 1985 through 2008, swapped stories of Parker College and celebrated the chiropractic profession over dinner, which was hosted by the Parker Office of Alumni Relations, at Morton’s Steakhouse in Scottsdale, AZ. Parker Office of Alumni Relations Director Tim Gunn and VP of Parker Seminars and Development Dr. Gilles Lamarche were there to represent Parker College and provide updates and recent changes that have helped maintain the college as one of the premier schools of chiropractic. “Throughtout the week I’ve enjoyed visiting the alumni in their clinics and learning about their lives since leaving Parker College,” said Tim Gunn. “This has been one of our most successful events because our graduates truly enjoyed seeing old classmates and meeting new grads in the the area.” Following a short presentation by Dr. Lamarche, alumni were invited to join the Parker College Alumni Association and continue their support after the evening festivities through membership. View the Arizona Alumnni Event slideshow.
Toastmasters International Now at Parker College Parker students have recently added public speaking to their resumes; now students will be skilled with their hands and with their voices. Toastmasters International has officially started meeting as a new club on the Parker College campus, providing useful speaking techniques in a casual, exciting, and very energetic environment.Toastmasters International started in 1924 in a YMCA in Santa Ana, CA. Currently it has reached more then 235,000 people in 11,700 clubs in 92 countries. The goal of each club is to help “people become more competent and comfortable in front of an audience,” www.toastmasters.org. Spearheading this effort is Parker’s very own graduate Dr. Mary Warren ’00, Susan Crumley and Gary Gillespie. All three have benefited from the Toastmasters program and have made large strides to bring this service to Parker students and employees. Meetings are currently being held every Friday at noon in the JWP conference room and all alumni and students are invited to attend. For an affordable price participants will receive hands-on public speaking training and fine tune their skills as future leaders. Guests experience a room full of colorful words, ideas, and creative stories. Guests are welcome to attend and encouraged to volunteer for table-topic speeches, an opportunity to give an impromptu speech based on the theme of the day.
Exclusive Offer for Alumni Receive patient referrals from Google, MSN, WebMD, HealthCentral and dozens of more websites! Special offer exclusive for Parker graduates. Have you Googled yourself today? If you have, what page do you land on? The Parker Office of Alumni Relations has established a special offer which will get you page one exposure on dozens of health and wellness websites. All you have to do is create one profile and your clinic information will automatically be included on dozens of websites. Learn more about this special partnership with Healthprofs.com exclusively for Parker chiropractors and massage therapists.
Parker Alumni E-NewsletterThe Parker Office of Alumni Relations sends a free electronic newsletter to all alumni each month containing information important to alumni. Please help us conserve our natural and financial resources by sending us your e-mail address. There are special announcements and offers only given to those alumni on the e-news list.
If you did not receive your copy in your inbox, e-mail your name and address to askalumni@parkercc.edu.