Parker College of Chiropractic, University, graduation, commencement

April 22, 2011 — Parker University College of Chiropractic presented members of its 77th commencement of the inaugural graduating class of Parker University with their doctor of chiropractic degrees April 16, 2011 at the Irving Bible Church.

Many of the graduates were also awarded bachelor of science degrees in anatomy and health and wellness.

“Achieving university status and transitioning to Parker University is very exciting, and I know our founding father Dr. Jim Parker, would have been immensely proud of this,” said Fabrizio Mancini, DC, president of Parker University. “We are all extremely proud of this class—the inaugural graduating class of Parker University College of Chiropractic.”

Elaine Holland received special honors as valedictorian for her academic achievements. A native of Burlington, Ontario, Canada, Holland relocated to Dallas to pursue her doctor of chiropractic degree at Parker after attending a chiropractic seminar while she worked as a chiropractic assistant in Canada.

“When I learned what chiropractic was all about, and saw the amazing results that the patients in the office were getting, I was really intrigued,” said Holland.

A standout student, Holland was involved in numerous clubs and activities at Parker including the Upper Cervical Club and student intern clinic marketing initiatives.

She’s gone full circle as she plans to move back to Calgary, Alberta, Canada, where she will be an associate doctor at the clinic where she once worked as an assistant.

“It’s a fantastic clinic with a grounded philosophy and wonderful patients,” added Holland. “I hope to help as many people as possible reach their health goals.”

Commencement speaker Dr. DelRae Messer, founder and owner of Practice Acceleration Systems, a consulting company for chiropractors, encouraged the graduates to make a positive impact on the lives and health of others. She also explained the importance of continuing to learn.

Messer has additional certifications in nutrition, weight loss, and detoxification, chelation therapy, burst training, and corrective spinal rehabilitation. She’s also the founder and owner of Dr. DelRae Detox, an online coaching company, and is dedicated to helping patients with permanent fat loss using her customized nutrition program, detoxification program, HIT program, chiropractic care, and massage therapy.

More than 5,600 graduates of Parker have received the doctor of chiropractic degree and practice in all 50 states and in 25 countries.