Palmer College Receives Major Gifts from Two Estates

Dr. Frank Sartz graduated from Palmer College of Chiropractic (then Palmer School of Chiropractic) in 1931 and was a tremendous supporter of the college until his death in 1999. This coal miner's son, former engineer, faithful practitioner of chiropractic and savvy businessman has given his entire estate, worth $3.2 million, to Palmer College of Chiropractic, in Davenport, Iowa. He had already given $1 million to the college for student scholarships in 1995. His total lifetime gift, therefore, amounts to $4.2 million, making it the largest in the history of Palmer College.

Sartz was a Studebaker engineer when he entered Palmer School of Chiropractic, and worked in a local funeral home to put himself through school. Palmer's chief development officer, Darrell Slabaugh, who developed a friendship with Sartz over the years, said that he was "a lifetime student of chiropractic with a strong affinity for students. Anyone could learn from listening to him. Throughout the time I knew him I was struck by his ability to ask great questions and come up with phenomenal ideas."

Regarding his $1 million gift for student scholarships in 1995, Sartz said: "I did not want to give these dollars to everyone. I want to give to chiropractic education at Palmer College. And if I can help just one student through Palmer College, then my gift is worth it." Some 50 to 60 students each year are able to attend Palmer College through the scholarship fund set up in his name.

Sartz, who practiced chiropractic until he was nearly 90, built his practice in Knoxville, Tenn., into one of the largest in the state.

He began building his practice during the Depression by providing chiropractic care to children for free. "These children became extremely loyal to him for his generosity and excellent care during that time, and continued to bring their children to him when they became adults. His practice grew exponentially from that point on," Slabaugh said.

Slabaugh said Sartz was a true visionary for chiropractic. "He had a radio show early on to promote chiropractic, and he was always looking to the future."

In other news, Dr. Rolland Lucas and his wife, Dr. Eileen (Langstaff) Lucas, a 1941 graduate of Palmer College who preceded him in death, have given their estate, a gift worth in excess of $600,000, to Palmer College of Chiropractic. A portion of the gift, $100,000, will go to the Lucas Scholarship Fund, with the remaining $500,000 being placed in Palmer's permanent endowment fund.

Lucas was a 1941 graduate of Palmer College, and was a steady supporter of his alma mater throughout his life. He and his wife were classmates at Palmer who practiced chiropractic for many years and decided that since they didn't have children, they would dedicate their estate to the future of the profession.

"Their dedication and commitment to Palmer College were exemplary," Slabaugh said. "He and Eileen gave Palmer their life's work with this gift. I think that Dr. Lucas and his wife recognized the value of their Palmer education to their success in life, and wanted to give back to Palmer for that reason."

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