Cleveland Chiropractic College (CCC) was pulsing with activity Oct. 12-14 as hundreds of Cleveland alumni and guests populated the campus for Homecoming 2012. This year’s celebration was twofold for the College, as the institution also celebrated its 90th anniversary, which served as the theme for the gathering. This year also marked the return of the Kansas Chiropractic Association (KCA), which held its annual convention concurrently with Homecoming.
Attendance was robust as 300 doctors and more than 100 friends of the profession participated in various aspects of the weekend. More than 350 students also took part, including 49 scholarship winners who were recognized Saturday evening at the Cleveland College Foundation Scholarship Banquet. Rounding out the attendance during the weekend were more than 30 vendors showcasing a variety of products and services.
Sarah Hilliard, director of alumni services for the College, coordinated the event and praised the collaborative effort of all involved. The weekend was a success, ” . . . because of the support we received from our campus community as well as the collaboration with our friends at the Kansas Chiropractic Association. The energy from having almost 600 people on campus Friday was palpable.”
Attendees earned continuing education credits while re-connecting with friends and colleagues. A wide range of topics were presented by a host of esteemed speakers including: Kathy Mills Chang, Dr. Jay Greenstein, Dr. Dan Murphy, Dr. Brian Jensen, Dr. Steve Gould ’89, Dr. Jay Robbins, Dr. K. Jeff Miller and Dr. Rick Morris ’77. The College was also well represented, as Dr. Mark Pfefer ’88, director of research, presented “Diagnosis & Conservative Management of Headache Presented with Case Studies,” and Dr. Steve Agocs, associate professor, presented “Foot Biomechanics and Adjusting.”
Dr. Carl S. Cleveland III, president, shared his personal perspective on the College’s 90 years during his closing comments at Saturday evening’s awards banquet.
“Each morning, as I arrive on campus and pass the photos and bronze busts of our founders, so prominently displayed in the administrative reception area, I pause in thought to acknowledge their role in setting in motion what represented a new idea in healing — one focused on empowering the body’s ability to heal itself,” Cleveland said.
Furthermore, he spoke about the institution’s evolution from its humble beginnings in 1922 with just three students in the retrofitted family home to its achievements today.
“On this 90th celebration, I reflect and wonder, what would they think if the founders could walk the halls of this institution, with its more than 500 students and some 100 employees that contribute to the College’s success each day? What would they think of this 176,000-square-foot, state-of-the-science educational facility on 34 acres, prominently positioned on Interstate 435, where more than 150,000 cars pass by the name Cleveland Chiropractic College? And, what would they think of the now more than 6,500 Cleveland graduates practicing in all 50 states and 14 foreign countries? I know they would be proud.”
That pride continues to grow year by year, and it’s events like Homecoming that strengthen those bonds through education and fellowship. Hilliard said it is a way to reconnect with classmates and colleagues, and renew the passion for the profession by increasing knowledge and improving skills.
“Weekends like this are memorable because they give us the opportunity to reflect upon the past achievements of the College, our students and valued alumni,” Hilliard said. “as well as enjoy each other’s company in the present and take action to improve the future of chiropractic and the individual lives that our students and alumni impact in the community.”
Alum of the Year honors for 2012 went to Dr. Ashley Cleveland,’95. Since her graduation, Cleveland has held several positions at CCC. A tireless supporter of the profession, she has been a key contributor to the academic and administrative facets of the College for more than 15 years. She currently holds the rank of professor and serves as the provost for the institution.
Although Homecoming 2012 celebrated the past, it was done with an eye to the future. Through scholarships, the Cleveland College Foundation aids today’s students in becoming the alumni of tomorrow.
Scholarship winners for 2012 include: Christopher Bantock, Kendrea Bensel, Christopher Bollenbach, Heather Bourdon, Angela Boyazis, Kaylee Brownback, Jeffrey Campbell, Eric Dierksen, Andrew Dunlap, Derrick Dube, Paul Fay, Alan Fecher, Joshua Foreman, Jerod Franck, Abby French, Aaron French, Alejandro Gonzalez, Trevor Hampton, Martin Hart, James Heatherman, Danielle Hill, Derek Klatt, Larisa Khaidarova, Hollee Kirchner, Robert Kuyper, Kate Lakin, Kaitlin LaVigne, Emily Marks, Jesse Matteson, Kelli Meier, Jannise Nathaniel, Christin Phillips, Melinda Pregont, Philip Rodger, Lindsey Rovenstine, Jesse Rupp, Robyn Russell, Nicholus Schabel, Jill Sigle, Ashton Shelton, Kayla Stoltenberg, Timothy Sullivan, Nathan Taylor, Eric Thibault, Jared Thomure, Paul Ragusa, Eric Walker, Brock Wells and Todd Watts.
