Sherman College Alumni Office Weblog

Graduation

Sherman's December graduation ceremonies took place two days ago, and 39 new doctors of chiropractic entered the profession. Soon they will all be providing quality chiropractic care to their chosen communities. Some will go to the cities and towns they grew up in. Others will set out their shingles, so to speak, in adopted communities, going where a spouse or other loved one draws them.

I wish the graduating class of December 2005 all the best. They deserve it! They have spent the last 3-4 years in intense study and discipline to learn the philosophy, art and science of straight chiropractic to get where they are today. I can't tell you how much I admire their energy, commitment and perseverance. I am so proud of each and every Sherman College graduate.

Alumni Visits in Philadelphia Area

Today I visited FSCO (Federation of Straight Chiropractors and Organizations) headquarters in Hellertown, PA, a little more than an hours' drive north of Philly. It snowed about three inches Saturday night but the roads were clear. More snow is expected tonight. I hope it doesn't delay my flight home.

After my visit with Renee Hillman at the FSCO office, she kindly escorted me around the area, guiding me to the chiropractic offices of Sherman and Penn Straight grads. We ended the afternoon with a quick bit of shopping at the Moravian Bookstore in Bethlehem, PA, which is actually more than a bookstore; it's a block-long strip of adjoining stores and themed shops.

Driving back to Philly at night I encountered the first flurries of what ended up to be a five-inch snowfall as the Philadelphia Eagles lost to the Seattle Seahawks at home. It was the biggest loss in the history of Monday Night Football, 42-0.

Festive 80th Birthday Party for Reggie

It truly was a gala birthday celebration for Reggie with well over 120 chiropractors joining in as Sherman Alumna Catherine Silver sang Happy Birthday to this most distinguished man. The words "historic occasion" could be heard in conversations throughout the evening. The program was brief, humorous and special as Irene Gold, Gary Horwin, Dick Plummer and Thom Gelardi all honored Reggie.

Like many others I had my photo taken with Reggie to mark the event. Professional photographer Joe Marcus, husband of alumna Nalyn Marcus, brought his equipment including a backdrop and lighting and he was able to present us with high quality color prints tucked inside a classy photographic holder before the night was over.

The convention ended around noon today with Reggie as a featured speaker. He charged the audience to change the world by first changing themselves into better chiropractors, better human beings.

Meeting with Alumni Association President

Alumni Association President Sandy Levenson and I met this morning to brainstorm ideas for adding more programs and/or activities in the alumni tent during Lyceum (homecoming reunion weekend May 25-28). Here are some of the ideas we will explore in the next few months:

• Hospitality times with refreshments
• A philosophy jam session
• A late-night refrigerator raid
• A panel discussion for practice building tips
• A musical jam session

We lost track of time as we talked and like the Road Runner I left Sandy in a cloud of dust to get over to the banquet room to set favors at each seat for the luncheon Sherman College is sponsoring for convention attendees. Both Sandy and our Board of Trustees Chairwoman Cindy Pekofsky are scheduled to speak at the luncheon.

Tonight is the big gala birthday celebration for Reggie. Our college president will be here tonight to present a gift to Reggie and speak about Reggie's long-standing association with the college.

We haven't seen Reggie and Irene (who live just outside of Philadelphia) at the hold yet. We're told they'll arrive just before the cocktail reception this evening.

Reggie's 80th Birthday Party

I'm in Philadelphia this weekend to attend the Federation of Straight Chiropractors and Organizations' National Convention and to celebrate the 80^th birthday of renowned chiropractor Reggie Gold. Today I chatted with alumni from Michigan, Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, South Carolina, and of course, Pennsylvania. All converged at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in downtown Philadelphia.

When I landed I had a message on my  cell phone from Sandy Levenson, presisdent of the Sherman  College Alumni Association and 1981 graduate of Penn Straight, welcoming me to Philly. She told me her arrival plans so we could plan a meeting for the tomorrow. We'll be discussing ideas for new ways to utilize the alumni tent during Lyceum on campus May 25-28.