Texas Chiropractic College presents W.D. Harper Awards

Texas Chiropractic College this week announced their W.D Harper Awards to Dr. Monte Blue, Dr. Jose A. Simon, and Dr. John A. Felker, III.

President Dr. Stephen A. Foster and Vice President Dr. Sandra Hughes presented the awards on behalf of the Texas Chiropractic College Board of Regents.

Texas Chiropractic College gives the W.D Harper award out each year to a candidate who has contributed significantly to the institution, provided excellent service to the organization, and overall has gone above and beyond. The award is named after Dr. William D. Harper, the college’s president from 1965-76. Dr. Harper earned his chiropractic degree at TCC in 1942, was part of TCC faculty for 15 years, and was the first president of TCC after the institution relocated from San Antonio to Pasadena.

Standing in front of the audience at TCC’s 2021 Donor Luncheon, Dr. Blue commented, “I’m really thankful for this recognition … it is a great honor, and to all of those who helped make this possible, I want to thank you very much from the bottom of my heart.”

Dr. Monte Blue joined TCC’s Board of Regents in 2008 after serving 25 years as the president of San Jacinto College Central Campus. Then, in 2013, he took on the role of chairman of the board. In the past, Dr. Blue served as president of the LaPorte-Bayshore Chamber of Commerce, the Southmore Medical Center, and the LaPorte Rotary. He also served on the boards of the San Jacinto YMCA and Economic Alliance Houston Port Region.

Receiving his award, Dr. Simon expressed his gratitude: “It’s an honor. I definitely wasn’t expecting it. I want to say thank you to my wife, Jessica, first and foremost … you’ve been there for all of it.” He continued by giving many thanks to his mentor, Dr. Felker, for his mentorship, his work, and his example.

Dr. Simon is the owner of Simon Spine, helping athletes with injury, recovery, and overall well-being. He is a graduate of Texas Chiropractic College and is a member of the Board of Regents for TCC. Dr. Simon is the team doctor for a large cheerleading gym in the area and is committed to helping his patients get better as fast as possible so they can get back to enjoying their daily routines.

During his acceptance speech, Dr. Felker recounted, “I got my first adjustment when I was 4 years old; I’m 78 now — so 74 years I’ve been involved in chiropractic in one way or another. I’m still working in it and still enjoying it.”

Dr. Felker and his wife, Patti, have been active in their community for over 40 years, serving as the president and on boards of numerous professional, civic, and social organizations. Currently, Dr. Felker serves as the chairman of student affairs in the Texas Chiropractic College Board of Regents.

About Texas Chiropractic College
Since 1908, Texas Chiropractic College has led the way in chiropractic education. Their mission is to educate knowledgeable, skillful, and patient-centered chiropractors. Their Moody Health Center is open to the public and has been serving the Pasadena and surrounding communities for the past 50 years. To learn more, visit txchiro.edu or call (800) 468-6839.