Louis Sportelli delivers commencement address at New York Chiropractic College

December 29, 2014 — On Saturday, Dec. 6, New York Chiropractic College held commencement exercises in the Standard Process Health and Fitness Center, conferring 111 doctor of chiropractic and 20 bachelor of professional studies degrees.

The commencement address was delivered by Louis Sportelli, DC, president of the NCMIC Group Inc., who has served as chairman of the board of the American Chiropractic Association and president of the World Federation of Chiropractic.

Sportelli cautioned the graduating class on the drawbacks and consequences of thoughtless posting on the Internet via social media.

“Unlike Las Vegas, what goes on the computer stays on the computer, forever,” he said.

He urged them to protect their personal and professional images, as well as the reputation of the profession, by being responsible and ethical, taking care “not to offend, not to abuse, not to draw negative criticism, not to violate the law, and not to have some juvenile act be engraved forever as a representation of you, your office, your family, and your profession.”

Poor judgment, he warned, can come back to destroy a hard-earned career. Be discreet. Be patient and understanding with colleagues, the people you treat, and friends. Think before you act.  Be careful what you post and what others post about you.

“The messages you send are your permanent documentation of your philosophy, your attitudes, your judgment, and your professional ability,” he said.

He reminded them that their “practice and personal success and growth will be from word of mouth, not from word of ‘mouse.’”

In closing, Sportelli expressed his congratulations and wished them an ethical, successful, rewarding, and gratifying career.

For distinguished dedication to academic excellence and contributions to NYCC, demonstrated by participation on numerous committees, service as a Dean, and love of the students he taught, retired faculty member John DeCicco, DC, NYCC ‘82, was recognized as the college’s first-ever Faculty Emeritus and will enjoy lifelong rights as an NYCC faculty member.

Source: New York Chiropractic College