April 19, 2013 — Parker University College of Chiropractic presented members of its 83rd graduating class with doctor of chiropractic degrees April 13, 2013 at the Irving Bible Church. Numerous graduates were also awarded a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in anatomy or a major in health and wellness, which they earned concurrently with the doctor of chiropractic degree.
“You’ve joined a profession that you’ll find to be remarkably rewarding,” said Brian McAulay, DC, president of Parker University. “Devoting your time to serving the health of humanity will result in impacting the lives of countless individuals.”
Parker students have extensive classroom education and practical training in many areas of study. The study of chiropractic involves numerous hours of training in anatomy, physiology, diagnosis, and orthopedics.
Receiving the highest academic honor of the graduating class as valedictorian, Adam Rogers spoke to his classmates about focusing on the reason they pursued chiropractic and the future of doctors of chiropractic in this country.
“I knew I always wanted to be able to help others and chiropractic seemed like the best path to do so,” said Rogers. “Now I can give back to society and provide an optimal level of health and functionality that people need and deserve.”
Originally from Cleburne, Texas, Rogers holds a degree in exercise science and a minor in business administration from Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas. Along with his DC degree, he also earned a bachelor’s degree in health and wellness from Parker.
Involved in Parker’s Student Senate since Tri-3 and class president since Tri-4, Rogers was very involved on-campus. He was also a member of Parker’s Sports Chiropractic Club and is a donor to the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress.
“I’ve been involved with sports my entire life and chiropractic kept me on the field,” said Rogers. “When I finished playing football after college, I knew I wanted to be able to do the same for other athletes.
Class Salutatorian Jennifer Cullen discovered chiropractic when she was 13 years old. “A prominent vet told me one of my horses would never be sound and that in a few years he would be so lame that he could not be ridden,” said Cullen. “After one adjustment he was completely sound, and did not take another lame step for almost 15 years.”
Hailing from Alliance, Nebraska, Cullen is close to earning a bachelor’s degree in anatomy from Parker University in addition to her chiropractic degree. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in human biology from Chadron State College in Chadron, Nebraska.
Before attending Parker University, she was working for a pharmaceutical company. “I enjoyed my work and liked working for the cause of helping people, but knew it wasn’t what I wanted to do for the rest of my life,” said Cullen. “I knew there was a better way to help people, I just did not realize how much better.”
Source: Parker University, parker.edu