The symposium's keynote speaker was reproductive endocrinologist Arden Bercovitz, PhD, a fascinating, energetic and thought-provoking scientist who presented "Einstein Alive." Dr. Bercovitz shared bright ideas, and tools of thought and inspiration.
Well received by workshop participants were Ronald Blosser, PhD, and Steven Ross, PhD. Dr. Blosser, dean of students and the director of the office of disability services at the University of California, Irvine, is considered a disability authority. Dr. Ross, director of the Center for the Study of Higher Education at the University of Memphis, is an expert in the field of testing and assessment for evaluating and improving student achievement.
The Association for the History of Chiropractic made a presentation to the entire convocation on Friday, March 14, 1997. The presenters included Dr. Carl Cleveland, director of the AHC, Dr. Claire Johnson and Dr. Bart Green, both from Palmer West, Joseph Keating, PhD, past president of the AHC, and Ms. Alana Callender, president of the AHC.
Paper and poster presentations were part of the academic presentations by members of the chiropractic educational community. The topics and contents are highlighted in the Journal of Chiropractic Education, edited by Dr. Grace Jacobs. Dr. Jacobs received an award for her services as the editor of this journal and for outstanding service to the educational community.
The presidents of all the member colleges of the ACC were in attendance and participated in an extensive business agenda. Mr. David O'Bryon, the new executive director of the association, assisted in the coordination of the symposium and the agenda of the ACC presidents. One of the highlights of the presidents' meetings was the announcement by Mr. Steve Galvin, founder and president of Educational Funding Services, that as an ongoing, annual commitment to chiropractic education, a scholarship program would be introduced.
A $150,000 annual commitment for student scholarships divided into two categories was established. The first category is for exceptional students who maintain a grade point average of at least 3.5; the second category is for those students involved in a faculty-supported research project. There will be a total of 15 annual scholarships, each with a value of $10,000. The ACC is appreciative for Mr. Galvin's generosity and dedication to chiropractic education. He was honored with a presentation by ACC President Dr. Reed Phillips at a reception for all symposium participants.
Mr. Kent Greenawalt of Foot Levelers, Inc. announced a continuing commitment to chiropractic education by offering challenge grants that would be available to ACC schools for "brick and mortar" faculty development, or research renovation. The ACC applauded the continuing commitment of Monte Greenawalt, DC, and Mr. Kent Greenawalt for their ongoing support of chiropractic education and professional development. Their monetary support has been significant for chiropractic education.
Dr. Louis Sportelli and members of the National Chiropractic Mutual Insurance Company (NCMIC) spoke to the ACC board and presented some of the results from various studies on health as it relates to the future of chiropractic. Included in the presentation was the announcement of a subsidiary of NCMIC called NFC that contains commercial financial products.
During the ACC meeting, it was announced that the association has been accepted as a new member of the Association of the Schools of the Health Professions (FASHP). Mr. O'Bryon, in making the announcement, commented on the essential nature of chiropractic educations's inclusion in the FASHP.
ACA President Dr. Kurt Hegetschweiler requested a partnership with the Association of Chiropractic Colleges to study the demographics and develop chiropractic work force issues. It was projected that the study would be two years and cost $200,000. The ACC considered the proposal and accepted the project in concept. The ACC Board of Presidents took into consideration the need to include other national chiropractic organizations to develop chiropractic work force issues. Discussion of this consortium will be on-going.
The Association of Chiropractic Colleges elected new officers for the 1997 fiscal year. Dr. George Goodman, president of Logan College of Chiropractic, was elected president of the ACC. He has served as vice-president of this organization for the past two years. Dr. Kenneth Padgett, president of New York Chiropractic College, was elected vice-president of the ACC, having served as secretary/treasurer for the past two years. Dr. Peter Martin, president of Palmer College of Chiropractic West, was elected as ACC secretary/treasurer. Dr. Reed Phillips, president of Los Angeles College of Chiropractic, remains on the executive committee in the position of immediate past president. Dr. Phillips was honored as outgoing president for his dedication and leadership for the growth and development of the ACC. The college presidents will be meeting in Davenport, Iowa, August 6-7, 1997 in conjunction with the 100th anniversary of chiropractic education at Palmer College. Next year's ACC educational symposium will be in Las Vegas on March 12-15, 1998.
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