On the morning of Wednesday, Aug. 21, Sherman College had the honor of welcoming Drs. Thom and Betty Gelardi and Dr. DD Humber to Sherman College for a special campus-wide President’s Assembly. Students, faculty, staff and online guests gathered to hear these chiropractic trailblazers share “Insights from Pioneers and the Evolution.”

“This assembly was not merely a gathering; it was a tribute to these visionaries who laid the foundational principles of chiropractic. Our chiropractic pioneers were more than just innovators; they were trailblazers who courageously challenged the status quo,” explained Sherman President Dr. Jack Bourla. “Their work was driven by a deep conviction that chiropractic care could transform lives and enhance well-being, and they persevered despite numerous challenges and skepticism.”

Held in the Gelardi event center and live streamed, Dr. Thom Gelardi and Dr. DD Humber shared stories of their chiropractic early days and what it was like learning from and working alongside chiropractic legends like Dr. BJ Palmer, son of chiropractic founder Dr. DD Palmer, and Dr. Lyle Sherman (Dr. BJ’s assistant), Dr. Thom’s mentor and Sherman's namesake. Dr. Betty Gelardi, who worked alongside Dr. Thom in founding Sherman, shared memories of being a graduate of Sherman’s first 1976 “Pioneer” class, how close-knit class members were, the different locations of Sherman in the early days, and the improvisations the Pioneer class made when needed, i.e., building windows mimicking x-ray view boxes. When talking about herself and Dr. Thom, she smiled and said, “We’re big risk-takers.”

With each shared story, the challenges and successes, one thing was undeniable: the personal and professional convictions of Drs. Thom, Betty and DD to share chiropractic have never been stronger. They are as focused and devoted today as they were fifty+ years ago, constantly sharing the art, science and philosophy of chiropractic – the above-down, inside-out innate ability of the body to heal from within and that the correction of vertebral subluxation removes interference in the nervous system, allowing optimal performance and life.

“The historical command from these early leaders was clear: to advance the understanding and application of chiropractic principles with integrity and dedication. By understanding our past, we can better appreciate the progress we've made and the future direction of our profession,” adds Dr. Bourla. “Today was a celebration of our roots and a reaffirmation of our commitment to advancing chiropractic care with the same dedication and passion as those who came before us.”

Thank you, Drs. Thom, Betty Gelardi, and Dr. DD Humber, for sharing your wisdom and devotion to chiropractic with our students, faculty, and staff! Your grit, perseverance and dedication to chiropractic will continue to inspire us for years!

Shermies were in the house ... the Carolina Panthers house, that is! Thanks to everyone who attended the Aug. 17 Panthers vs. NY Jets NFL pre-game at the Bank of America Stadium. It was an evening of fun and fellowship among Sherman students, future students, faculty and staff! #Sherman@theGridiron #ShermanCollege #SharingChiropractic

Two outstanding Sherman students have received academic scholarships to pursue a doctor of chiropractic degree from Sherman College. Julie Ludovici Ward, a 10th-quarter student, received the Foxworth Family Scholarship from ChiroHealthUSA. Sophia Sherman, an 8th-quarter student, received the Dr. KR Jones Memorial Scholarship from the South Carolina Chiropractic Association.

For the past nine years, ChiroHealthUSA has awarded scholarships to deserving chiropractic students in honor of the parents of president and founder Dr. Ray Foxworth. The $25,000 scholarship awards $15,000 to a deserving student and $10,000 to the chiropractic college of the student. The 2024 award is significant because Sherman College is the only chiropractic college with two students to have received the scholarship, a first-ever honor, says ChiroHealth USA, and a testament to Sherman’s caliber of students.

“Receiving this scholarship is a tremendous honor; it feels incredibly validating for all of the perseverance it has taken to get here and the silent battles I’ve faced,” said Julie. “Becoming an emancipated minor in high school after my mom’s battle with brain cancer ended, I have always had to be my own biggest cheerleader and had to grow up much too quickly. This scholarship represents not just financial assistance but a recognition of my journey and the faith others have in my future as a Doctor of Chiropractic."

Sherman student Julie Ludovici Ward (center) is shown receiving the Foxworth Family Scholarship from ChiroHealthUSA at an awards presentation on Aug. 16 with (left) Chris Roberson, Sherman's director of financial aid, and (right) Kristi Hudson, ChiroHealthUSA's vice president of business relations.

The $2,500 Dr. KR Jones Memorial Scholarship is awarded yearly by the South Carolina Chiropractic Association to a chiropractic student from South Carolina attending any accredited chiropractic college. Sophie Sherman is this year’s recipient.

Sophie Sherman received the 2024 Dr. KR Jones Memorial Scholarship from the South Carolina Chiropractic Association.

“I am honored and humbled to have received the Dr. KR Jones Memorial Scholarship. It will provide me with additional financial resources and allow me to reflect on why I decided to be a chiropractor, attend Sherman, and what it truly means to be a principled chiropractor,” explains Sophie. “Sherman has done an incredible job of constantly expanding and teaching the philosophy of chiropractic and how it, combined with the art and science of chiropractic, is the foundation of the profession and the true path to becoming a principled chiropractor. I am excited about my future and the opportunities to help others live better through principled chiropractic.”

“On behalf of the entire Sherman College of Chiropractic community, I congratulate Julie and Sophie! Their dedication, resilience and commitment to chiropractic are inspiring, and we are proud to support both DC2Bs as they advance their education and prepare to make meaningful contributions in the field as a remarkable representative of the Sherman student body,” explains Dr. Bourla. “To the Foxworth and KR Jones families, ChiroHealthUSA, and the South Carolina Chiropractic Association, thank you for your incredible generosity and unwavering commitment to chiropractic students. Your financial support of students enriches their educational journey and inspires a future filled with promise and opportunity. Thank you for making such a profound difference in the lives of so many.”