June 2003

Sherman College to honor founder, dedicate new atrium

As part of Sherman College of Straight Chiropractic 30th anniversary celebration, the college honored its founder and first president, Thomas A. Gelardi, D.C., at the unveiling of an original sculpture of his likeness.

The sculpture unveiling took place following a ribbon‑cutting ceremony for the college's new Scallon Building Atrium, where the sculpture will be housed.

This new addition to the building's front entrance features a striking glass atrium/lobby for visitors and prospective students and an attractive and much‑needed office suite.

Created by Texas artist Edward Hankey, the sculpture is a gift to the college from college supporter Fumio Kaku, D.C., and the Japan Specific Chiropractic Association to honor Dr. Gelardi and remind those that view it of the mission of straight chiropractic.

Gelardi founded Sherman College in 1973, fulfilling a long‑standing dream of advancing the chiropractic profession centered on the vertebral subluxation. He led the college's progress for nearly three decades. He served as Sherman College's first president until 1996 and served on the Board of Trustees from 1997‑2002.

"As founder and first president of Sherman College, there are few that have contributed more to promoting the chiropractic profession than Dr. Thom Gelardi," said Sherman College President Jerry L. Hardee, Ed.D. "From the day that I first met Dr. Gelardi in 1983, I have been greatly impressed with his honesty, integrity and passion for the chiropractic profession. He has been a personal mentor and friend as I have made the transition from general education to chiropractic education administration. I know that his continued participation in chiropractic will add greatly to the profession."

Among the many accomplishments during his tenure as president, Gelardi brought the college to full accreditation with the Council on Chiropractic Education, acceptance in almost all states and began a trend of rapidly rising enrollment.

The sculpture unveiling and atrium dedication ceremonies take place as part of the college's 30th annual homecoming and continuing education event, Lyceum. This four‑day celebration will be held May 22‑25 on the college's campus and is packed with seminars for alumni and other chiropractors from across the country and around the world. Special events including fireworks and a motivational presentation by "Chicken Soup for the Soul" author Mark Victor Hansen are open to the public.

For additional information about the sculpture unveiling and atrium dedication, please contact Karen Rhodes at 864/578‑8770, ext. 1242, or e‑mail krhodes@sherman.edu. For additional information about Lyceum, please visit the college's web site at www.sherman.edu, call Rebecca Clusserath at 864/578‑8770, ext. 1229, or e‑mail rclusserath@sherman.edu.

Sherman College of Straight Chiropractic is accredited to award the doctor of chiropractic degree by the Commission on Accreditation of the Council on Chiropractic Education and the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and is licensed by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education.

On its 80‑acre campus in Spartanburg, SC, the college operates a Chiropractic Health Center open to the public where students intern under the supervision of licensed doctors of chiropractic. For more information, call 864/578‑8770, ext. 1242.