November 18, 2011 — Chiropractor and New Mexico Military Institute (NMMI) alumnus Mary Beth Larsen has been inducted into NMMI’s Alumni Hall of Fame, in Roswell, N.M.
Larsen, chiropractic relations manager for Standard Process Inc., was one of four 2011 inductees recognized for their successes after attending NMMI. The inductees were honored in a ceremony during the school’s annual homecoming event held last month.
NMMI selected Larsen for its “eminence in a chosen field of endeavor” honor based on her notable achievements in the sport of modern pentathlon. The sport tests skill level in five disciplines:
- Pistol shooting
- Fencing
- Swimming
- Equestrian show jumping
- Running
“Dr. Larsen is a gifted individual who approaches all aspects of her life, both as a professional and an athlete, with the determination to succeed,” said John Nab, DC, director of professional development at Standard Process. “Standard Process and I are pleased to see Dr. Larsen receive this honor from her alma mater.”
During her first year at NMMI, Larsen started competing in modern pentathlons. Her commitment to the sport ultimately resulted in two Summer Olympic appearances, and features in multiple publications, including the cover of Esquire magazine, ESPN The Magazine, and Sports Illustrated.
Larsen won a 1999 Pan American Games gold medal in the pentathlon. Her first trip to the Olympics was in 2000, the first year women competed in the modern pentathlon. She placed fourth in her inaugural appearance at the games held in Sydney, Australia. In 2004 Larsen participated in the Olympic Games in Athens, Greece, placing 15th overall.
During her acceptance speech, Larsen thanked the alumni association and NMMI for the “incredible honor and for providing a firm foundation from which I was able to launch my dreams.”
Larsen, a 1994 graduate of NMMI, graduated as First Class salutatorian for the junior college division with an associate of arts degree. Larsen received her chiropractic degree from Logan College of Chiropractic, graduating in 2001. She joins other noted NMMI alumni in the hall of fame including Sam Donaldson, Jr., former ABC News anchor.
Source: Standard Process, www.standardprocess.com
