The celebration was capped by the announcement of a $1 million pledge to NWCC's new center by William Harris, D.C., of Practice Consultants. The patient care facility of the center was named the Wolfe-Harris Clinic in recognition of the 43 years of leadership of former NWCC president John Wolfe, D.C., and as a tribute to Dr. Harris' generous donation. Dr. Harris had previously provided a $200,000 grant to fund a chair in business and practice management at NWCC.
"This is a wonderful way to leave a permanent legacy for Dr. Wolfe and Dr. Harris," said Dr. Donald Cassata, president of NWCC. "The Center for Clinical Studies is a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to incorporating scientific study into scientific research. Dr. Harris' generous gift will allow us to more fully pursue our commitment to clinical research."
The Center for Clinical Studies offers a wide variety of patient care services and documentation of clinical outcomes of chiropractic care. The center is headed by Charles Sawyer, D.C., vice president for research affairs; the director of research is William Jose, Ph.D. The center will generate research in neuromusculoskeletal disorders, focusing on geriatrics, pediatrics, and occupational health.
John Denver Concert
The John Denver concert to benefit the CCS was attended by nearly 2,000 people; the concert was a two hour solo performance (no backup band) of songs made famous by the internationally known folk star.
John Denver had agreed to perform at NWCC's 50th anniversary due largely to his friendship with NWCC graduate Dave Stussy, and former NWCC student John Munchoff, who was killed in an accident in the early '70s while driving John Denver's motorcycle.
Following the concert, John Denver was presented with a bronze statue of a chiropractic caduceus. He hosted a backstage reception for children from the Bloomington public schools who had participated in a poster contest of chiropractic care, and greeted many well-wishers who gathered backstage at a post-concert party.
Speakers
Anniversary participants had the opportunity to hear the views of Dr. Donald Cassata, NWCC president; Dr. Louis Sportelli, internationally recognized lecturer on chiropractic; Russell Gibbons, founding editor of Chiropractic History; Dr. Ian Coulter, consultant for the Rand Corporation; George McAndrews, who represented chiropractic in Wilk et al., and is a senior partner in a Chicago law firm; David Chapman-Smith, chiropractic attorney, consultant, and publisher of the Chiropractic Report; Dr. Terry Yochum, director of the Rocky Mountain Chiropractic Radiological Center; and keynote speaker Dr. Virgil Strang, dean of philosophy and director of professional ethics at Palmer (Davenport).
In special recognition of NWCC's 50 anniversary, Minnesota Governor Arne Carlson proclaimed May as "NWCC Month" throughout the state. Jim Ramstad (R-MN) of the U.S. House of Representatives made an entry into the Congressional Record. It read, in part: "Across the nation, chiropractic institutions like Northwestern College of Chiropractic are dedicating themselves to improving our nation's health care by achieving the highest standards of education. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to take this opportunity to congratulate Northwestern College of Chiropractic on 50 years of leadership in the advancement of the chiropractic profession."
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