September 27, 2013 — Parker University closed its campus Friday, Sept. 20, to send more than 500 Parker students, faculty, and staff out to volunteer for more than 2,000 cumulative hours at charitable organizations in the North Texas community. The volunteer initiative, named Parker Serves 2013, was created by the university’s new president, Brian McAulay, DC, in lieu of a traditional president investiture ceremony.
In higher education, the investiture ceremony is a hallmark event for a new president — a chance for the individual to formally accept his or her role as leader of the institution. Instead of participating in a formal investiture, McAulay established one day a year where Parker University turns the focus outward — toward helping neighbors through selfless service and community volunteer efforts.
“I’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you for making the first ever Parker Serves a fulfilling success,” said McAulay. “From the North Texas Food Bank to the YMCA to donation and resource centers, it was a joy and an honor to see and hear of the service, compassion, and hands-on philanthropy exhibited by Parker ambassadors throughout the entire North Texas community.”
Parker University students and employees volunteered at Dallas LIFE, a shelter that reaches out to homeless men, women, and children with food, clothing, education, and long-term rehabilitation programs. Parker senior student interns and chiropractic faculty members provided chiropractic adjustments to Dallas LIFE clients.
“I was in so much pain before I got adjusted today,” said Alberta Dade, Dallas LIFE client. “They gave me the treatment that I needed and I’m so grateful for them coming out to provide this to us.”
Parker students and employees also organized donations as well as prepared and served meals at Dallas LIFE. Monica Alonzo, Dallas City Council Councilwoman from District 6, also joined in the volunteer efforts at Dallas LIFE.
“I think it’s important for everyone to know all of the things Parker is doing in the community outside of providing education to students,” said Alonzo.
In addition, Parker University students and employees also volunteered at North Texas Food Bank, Educational First Steps, Goodwill Industries, Promise 
House, Resource Center of Dallas, Mission Arlington, Park Cities YMCA, and other charitable organizations.
The volunteer effort also received recognition from the state of Texas. Parker University received a letter from Texas Governor Rick Perry stating, “I commend Parker University for its dedication to giving back to its community, and I thank you all for your compassion and hard work.”
Parker Serves also inspired numerous Parker alumni, friends, and colleagues to hold volunteer projects across the United States. The university will continue Parker Serves as an annual event held during the week of September 18, in honor of the day that the first chiropractic adjustment was performed in 1895.
Source: Parker University
