Sherman College Celebrates 149th Commencement

 Spartanburg, S.C. – On Saturday, June 14, 2025, Sherman College of Chiropractic awarded the Doctor of Chiropractic degree to 49 students from across the U.S. and several other countries. The ceremony honored graduates from both the June and September 2025 classes.

 “Congratulations to our newest Sherman graduates on earning your Doctor of Chiropractic degrees,” said President Dr. Jack Bourla. “Your dedication and pursuit of excellence have prepared you to make a meaningful difference in the world through chiropractic. You carry Sherman’s proud 52-year legacy with you, and we are confident you will uphold the highest standards of the profession.”

Many students were recognized throughout the ceremony for academic honors, outstanding service and volunteerism, clinical excellence, and exceptional philosophy distinction. Bobby Findley, D.C., A.C.P., Sherman instructor of clinical sciences and case doctor at the college’s Chiropractic Center, delivered a humorous and genuine address, offering memorable advice to the DC2Bs on what not to do as they embark on their chiropractic journey to help and serve others.

The student farewell addresses to classmates were given by Nofar Gabay Nugent, a native of Israel, for the June class, and Riley Block of Virginia, for the September class.

Recipient(s) of the Academic Achievement Award for the June class was, Nofar Gabay Nugent, graduating summa cum laude with a 3.896 grade point average, and for the September class was, Alex Annis, graduating summa cum laude with a 3.850 GPA. This award is given to the individual in each graduating class who maintains the highest grade point average throughout their studies at Sherman, while completing nearly 5,000 hours of graduate study.

The Service Distinction Award is presented at graduation only when a student has made significant and distinguished service contributions in three key areas throughout their studies at Sherman: the college, the local community, and the chiropractic profession. This award recognizes individuals who go above and beyond and demonstrate a commitment to service and excellence at Sherman. It is a testament to their dedication and impact within the academic environment and the broader community. Lauren Haar is the award recipient and was recognized for her unwavering service to Sherman clubs as a member and officer, volunteerism at Sherman community chiropractic events, and as the founder of multiple internal events and activities.

The Clinical Excellence Award honors successful practices by interns in the Sherman College Chiropractic Center. The college’s on-campus center is where Sherman interns, under the supervision of licensed doctors of chiropractic, attend to their patients, providing more than 30,000 patient visits per year to local community members. This Clinical Excellence Award is given to an intern in each class who has diligently worked to develop skills in the philosophy, science and art of chiropractic, maintained, at a minimum, an A average throughout their internship, excelled in all phases of clinical practice from technical skills in the examination and care of patients to showing strong respect and consideration of patients, and encouraging good health practices including lifetime spinal care. The recipients have attended more than the required number of patient visits, cared for their patients with great skill and extraordinary compassion, have been exemplary in concern for patients’ time, and have made informing patients of valuable principles an integral part of their practice. The recipient for the June class was Jessica Haven Wood-Duncan of South Carolina and the recipient for the September class was Riley Block of Virginia.

The B.J. Palmer Philosophy Distinction Award is presented only when a student distinguishes themselves in scholarship, leadership, and service to represent chiropractic’s philosophical base to their peers, profession, and the public. Recipients demonstrate these areas by winning scholarships and introducing and helping others better understand the underlying philosophy and principles of chiropractic, reflected by going beyond the curriculum and graduation requirements. Because philosophy provides a foundation that drives chiropractic science and is expressed through the art of adjustment, this award is especially significant when presented to a deserving student. The recipient of this award was Kyle Lange of Minnesota.

Commencement Speaker: Dr. Bobby Findley

Bobby Findley, D.C., A.C.P., Sherman instructor of clinical sciences and case doctor, delivered the commencement address. Combining decades of clinical experience with mentorship, Dr. Findley offered humor, guidance, and memorable advice to graduates.

A 1986 graduate of Life University, Dr. Findley practiced for 25+ years in Myrtle Beach, S.C., primarily using Gonstead and Diversified techniques. After retiring from practice at 47, he and his family ran a four-diamond country inn, restaurant, and wedding venue for 10 years.

Dr. Findley joined Sherman College in 2023, overseeing student interns in the Chiropractic Center and recently earned membership in Sherman’s Academy of Chiropractic Philosophers. His leadership extends to professional associations and state boards, earning multiple honors for service and education in chiropractic.

The following forty-nine students were awarded the Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Sherman College on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at the college’s 149th commencement.

Class of June 2025 Graduates:
Talley Addison Barnhill, North Carolina
Taylor Catherine Boseman, Georgia
Amgad Demetry, North Carolina
Fabiola Juliana de la Caridad Feliciano González, Puerto Rico
Chase Howard Foote, Arizona
Nofar Gabay Nugent, Israel – summa cum laude
Jonathan Geus, South Carolina – magna cum laude
Toby Joe Hall II, Kentucky
Soren Kai Harajdic, Canada – magna cum laude
Jesús Emmanuel Jiménez Díaz , Puerto Rico
Kade McKenna Kelso, Iowa
Marina Manuppelli, Pennsylvania – cum laude
Daniel J. Ostrow, North Carolina
Sydney Elizabeth Patterson, South Carolina
Teah Alane Patton, Texas
Jocelyn Peay, North Carolina
Lita Robison, Montana
Dillon Ryan Rogers, South Carolina – cum laude
Savannah Lee Roseberry-Layton, Alabama – magna cum laude
Jerry Scotti, Jr., New York
Megan Renae Sole, Missouri – magna cum laude
Jocelyn Isabelle Voss, Michigan
James Williams, North Carolina – cum laude
Jessica Haven Wood, South Carolina – cum laude

Class of September 2025 Graduates:
Alexander Averna, California
Brooke Mikela Barton,  Pennsylvania
Gavin M. Barton, Pennsylvania – magna cum laude
Riley Block, Virginia – magna cum laude
Sylvia Frierson, South Carolina
Eric Jerrell Gregory, North Carolina
Lauren Haar, New York – magna cum laude
Tanner McRae Johnson, South Carolina
Jessica Brynn Kirkpatrick Tyndall, North Carolina – cum laude
Kyle Lange, Minnesota – magna cum laude
Meagan Lee, Florida
Julie Ludovici Ward, North Carolina
Amelia Grace Majcina, South Carolina
Isabella Anna Martincic, South Carolina – cum laude
Jecamy Morgan , New York
Tara Nicole Mueller , Florida
Peri Peeler, North Carolina
Madeline Powers, New Hampshire
Rachel Elizabeth Rich, Maryland
Joshua Daniel Schreiber, Pennsylvania
Molly Elizabeth Shelton, North Carolina
Riley Sturm, Canada
Daniel E. Tallon, South Carolina
Jacob Thomas, Ohio
Ahiga Xi-Amaru, California

About the Doctor of Chiropractic Program

Sherman College’s D.C. program requires:

• 14 quarters (nearly 5,000 hours) of classroom and lab study
• Internship at the on-campus Chiropractic Center
• Completion of at least 90 semester hours of college-level courses, including science prerequisites

Graduates emerge prepared to provide high-quality chiropractic care, grounded in philosophy, science, and clinical expertise.