June 28, 2012 — Eleven students received the doctor of chiropractic degree from Sherman College of Chiropractic in Spartanburg, S.C., June 16, 2012.
Jeanette Chomic of Michigan, recipient of the Milton W. Garfunkel Award, presented the farewell address to her classmates. The Garfunkel Award is the highest award given at graduation. Students receiving this honor must have a grade point average of 3.5 or above, and in addition, best exemplify those qualities Sherman would like to instill in all of its graduates: love of the profession, an understanding of the philosophy, and service to the college and community. She also received the Academic Achievement Award for maintaining the highest grade point average of the graduating class throughout her studies at Sherman.
Chomic was also honored with the B.J. Palmer Philosophy Distinction Award, which is given in recognition of the outstanding student who has “that something” that exemplifies the profound philosophical understanding necessary to translate the universal principles of life into the workable philosophy, science and art which is chiropractic.
Jessica Howard of Virginia received the Clinical Excellence Award in recognition of her successful practice in the Health Center. This award is given to an intern who has diligently worked to develop skills in the art, science and philosophy of chiropractic, maintained an “A” average in the clinical program, and exhibited superior overall clinical performance and professionalism.
Crystal Zagwyn of Maine received the Service Distinction Award. This distinction is not awarded at every graduation; rather it is given to students who stand out for their significant and distinguished service contributions to Sherman and the local community throughout their course of study.
The commencement address was given by Dr. Adam Morrell. A recent addition to the Sherman College Health Center faculty, Morrell was the first chiropractor in South Carolina to be appointed as an adjunct professor at the Medical University of South Carolina, where he taught in the Department of Neurosciences. He has completed training to become a Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician through the American Board of Chiropractic Sports Physicians, and he served as medical director of the 2009 National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Track and Field Championships.
James Tomasi delivered the charge to the graduates. Though not a chiropractor, Tomasi dedicates himself to promoting the message of specific chiropractic at grassroots levels. Besides maintaining an extensive schedule of speaking engagements at universities, civic organizations and patient awareness meetings, he speaks and writes about his life-saving experience with specific chiropractic care.
In 2009, Sherman awarded Tomasi the honorary Doctor of Chiropractic Humanities degree for his advocacy of the profession. Two of his children have become chiropractors: Dr. Rion Peddy, who graduated with the June 2012 class, and Dr. Roderick Peddy.
Source: Sherman College of Chiropractic, sherman.edu
