Sherman College Opens the Thom and Betty Gelardi Student Center
A Celebration of Commitment to Students, Community, and Chiropractic Education
Sherman College of Chiropractic celebrated its dedication to Spartanburg and to principled chiropractic education with the grand opening of the Thom and Betty Gelardi Student Center on February 8. The event took place on the college’s 80-acre campus in Spartanburg, South Carolina, and welcomed about 600 guests, while many alumni and supporters joined via Facebook livestream.
A New Gateway for Sherman College
The Gelardi Student Center reflects Sherman College’s ongoing commitment to student success. The facility features a modern library, bookstore, campus café, large meeting spaces, student study suites, and inviting lounge areas.
Serving as the new gateway to campus, the Student Center marks the first major physical addition to Sherman College since 2000 and represents a significant step forward in the college’s long-term vision.
Honoring Drs. Thom and Betty Gelardi
The center is named in honor of Dr. Thom Gelardi, who founded Sherman College in 1973, and his wife, Dr. Betty Gelardi, a member of the college’s first graduating class.
During the ceremony, Dr. Thom Gelardi reflected on the dedication of Sherman students through the years:
“The success of Sherman College’s many events and undertakings was—and still is—due to students volunteering many hours of service and time to the college and its mission,” he shared. “It is indeed a great honor to have our names on a building dedicated to serving the students of Sherman College, the future of the chiropractic profession.”
A Facility That Serves Students and the Community
While its primary mission is to serve students, the Gelardi Student Center is also a hub for the Spartanburg community.
Sherman College President Dr. Edwin Cordero emphasized this dual purpose:
“This facility strengthens Sherman College’s commitment to serving humanity and reinforces our commitment to Spartanburg. Serving others is a key component of our mission, and we are committed to becoming an even stronger positive force in our community.”
Future campus plans include updates to the Chiropractic Health Center, which provides approximately 35,000 patient visits each year, as well as improvements to the campus plaza and drive to create more welcoming green spaces.
Growth and Vision for the Future
Under Dr. Cordero’s leadership, Sherman College has doubled its enrollment since 2013 and expects continued growth in the coming decade.
As one of only 18 chiropractic colleges in the United States—and the only one in the Carolinas—Sherman College is globally recognized for producing chiropractors who are both skilled and principled in their approach to patient care.
“Our expansion plan is designed to meet the growing demand for skilled, passionate doctors of chiropractic,” said Dr. Cordero. “More consumers are seeking less invasive and more proactive approaches to health care.”
Strategic Partnerships and Economic Impact
The Gelardi Student Center is part of a $21 million campus master plan, announced in 2017. Sherman College partnered with Brailsford & Dunlavey for planning and program management, Harper Corporation for construction, and Lord Aeck Sargent for architectural design.
Beyond its educational benefits, the project contributes significantly to the local economy. The college employs about 100 Spartanburg residents and draws over 400 students from 41 states and 20 countries.
The new event space, which accommodates up to 650 guests in an auditorium-style setup, will also be available for community use beginning in 2020.
Continuing the College’s Legacy of Service
Sherman College’s mission extends far beyond its campus. The college remains deeply involved in the community—providing affordable chiropractic care to Upstate residents, offering free services to those in need, and supporting local nonprofits through volunteerism and leadership.
Dr. Cordero reaffirmed this ongoing commitment during the ceremony:
“Sherman College is here to serve Spartanburg—not only through education and health care but through active community engagement.”
Looking Ahead
Ground was broken for the 22,000-square-foot facility in November 2017, marking the beginning of a new era for Sherman College. Since then, the college has completed renovations to Scallon Hall, upgrades to the Olsen Building, and even added a labyrinth to campus—each step symbolizing transformation and growth.
The Gelardi Student Center stands as a proud testament to the college’s values: a place where students thrive, community connections deepen, and the future of chiropractic continues to grow stronger.
See a construction recap of the Gelardi Student Center:
https://www.facebook.com/ShermanCollegeofChiropractic/videos/613751185734689/
Watch the Ribbon Cutting/Dedication Ceremony:
https://www.facebook.com/ShermanCollegeofChiropractic/videos/812334685773748/
View photos from the Ribbon Cutting:
See highlights from the Ribbon Cutting:
https://www.facebook.com/ShermanCollegeofChiropractic/videos/560389837813846/