Although initiated to recognize the founders of the College, the day has become an annual exercise that closes the gap between the rich Cleveland history of the past and the bright future ahead. Students attended a variety of sessions, ranging from building a practice to community service. The majority of the sessions were presented by current faculty and Cleveland alums, which only strengthened the historical unity of the day.

Dr. Clark Beckley, vice president of campus and alumni relations, said Founders Day accomplished both of its goals, honoring the past, while building a strong connection between current students and alumni.

“The excitement of the campus community was on display, and the willingness of our alumni to take time out of their busy schedules to participate in an event like this shows their commitment to our students and the profession,” Beckley said. “It also gave the students the opportunity to have an alternative to the daily grind of an intense program, and see some of the faculty in a different light.”

The day began with an address by Dr. Carl S. Cleveland III, president, who traced the history of the institution to where it is today and reminded the audience that chiropractic continues to make great strides with each passing year. He marveled at how far the College has come and where it will go moving forward. The message was not lost on those in the audience.

Brian Asbury, student council treasurer, appreciated how Founders Day reflected the past, blended it with the present to ultimately prepare attendees for the future.

“It is important to remember our roots,” Asbury said. “This profession has a rich history, and some longstanding challenges of which we must occasionally be reminded. Additionally, the sessions each student attended were geared toward providing them with important insight into their future as a chiropractor, with information relevant to their progress in the program.”

Heather Fay embraced the message of the day and what it means from the perspective of one who is still laying the foundation for their career.

“As students, we are focused on our studies and graduation day seems so far from reach,” Fay said. “Founders Day helps to remind us of how amazing the chiropractic profession is, the miracles we will be able to witness in our own offices after we graduate, and how all the hard work we are putting in now is totally worth it.”

The highlight of the day was the keynote speaker, Dr. Louis Sportelli, a practitioner with 50 years of experience. He gave the afternoon address to a crowd that remained rapt throughout. Sportelli shared stories from his career and the changes he had witnessed over time, but he also encouraged the audience to remain true to the profession and themselves.

“The presentation by Dr. Sportelli was a wonderful way to conclude the program,” Beckley said. “His passion for the profession is still present, and hopefully his words instilled that same passion among those in the audience.”

Dr. Julia Bartlett, dean of clinical education concurred. Although she had heard him speak before, his message was no less compelling this time.

“I always enjoy listening to Dr. Sportelli, and I remember hearing him when I was a student,” Bartlett said. “It was exciting for me to watch the students as they listened to him. I particularly appreciated how he shared his deep chiropractic conviction, and how he maintains that even as the health care environment evolves.”

Founders Day 2013 was made possible by the teamwork of the many participating departments on campus. Beckley lauded the effort put forth stating that, “everyone involved did an outstanding job.”

Students in attendance had more than knowledge to gain, as they also had a chance to win cash prizes compliments of the Cleveland Chiropractic College Alumni Association. Seven students won $100, and one lucky winner, Patrick Romm, took home the $300 grand prize.

Based on their level in the chiropractic program, attendees enjoyed some of the following topics: “Why I Love What I Do,” Dr. Patrick Hammond ’97; “Committing to Wellness,” Dr. Michael Pardun ’87; “Functional Chiropractic and the Nervous System,” Dr. Charles Bates; “Is it a Miracle or Chiropractic?” Dr. Bruce Swickard ’90; “The New Science of Chiropractic,” Dr. Kyle Gulledge ’09; “Hey, Dr. Jack! Bend Me Like A Pretzel ‘Til I Crack!” – The Real Reason Chiropractors Adjust,” Dr. Ashley Cleveland ’95; “Growing a Wellness Practice,” Dr. Michael Pardun ’87; “I Did it My Way,” Dr. Ned Heese, Dr. Michael Moore and Dr. Robert Moore ’95; “Are you the Doctor, Doctor?” presented by Dr. Julia Bartlett and Dr. Michael Mitchael ’92; “Opening A New Practice,” Dr. Tom Murray ’11; “Let Your Practice Build Itself,” Dr. Jeff Spencer ’97; “Get in the Game with Chiropractic,” Dr. Patrick Hammond ’97, and Dr. Michael Perusch ’99; “Service: The Greater Good,” Dr. Tom Murray ’11; “Marketing Yourself & Your Practice,” Linda Gerdes and JoAnn Perusich; “Growing a Wellness Practice,” Dr. Michael Pardun ’87. “Going from Credible to Incredible Dr. Michael ’99 and JoAnn Perusich; “How to Build a Family Practice,” Dr. Bruce Swickard ’90; “Triple Digit New Patients,” Dr. Brad Woodle; “Running a Pediatric and Pregnancy-Based Practice,” Dr. Jill Gulledge ’09; “Health Promotion – The Wave of the Future,” Dr. Karen Doyle; “Success in the Classroom and Beyond,” J. Dale Marrant; “Options for Your Future,” Dr. George Layton ’81; Dr. Christena Nicholson, Dr. Mark Pfefer ’88, Dr. Ed Smith and Dr. Corey Sullivan.