July 2005

Life West grants degrees to 71 graduates

Seventy‑one students from across the nation and overseas were awarded doctor of chiropractic degrees at Life Chiropractic College West's 46th commencement on June 11, 2005, at the Chabot College Performing Arts Center in Hayward, California.  The special event celebrated the graduation of the classes of winter 2005 and spring 2005.  The building was filled with hundreds of proud families, friends, staff, faculty, and alumni.

In a rare role, Life West President Gerard Clum, D.C. served as the commencement speaker.  He received a big laugh from the audience, when he said, "If you don't think rank has its privileges, think again."  

As it was for  many others in the audience, this was an extra special day for Dr. Clum.  "Today I'm not only here as an educator and chiropractor, but I also join many of you as a parent and a uncle."  His daughter, Lauren Clum, and his nephew, Jeremy Schmidt, were members of the graduating classes.  In his speech's conclusion, Dr. Clum reminded the graduating classes, "Remember what I told you the very first day of school and throughout your time at Life West, 'Never ever underestimate the power of  a chiropractic adjustment!'"

Top academic honors in the winter 2005 class went to valedictorian Lauren Clum of San Leandro, Calif. Spring 2005 graduate Robert Privratsky from South Heart, North Dakota was honored as his class's valedictorian.   Earning the salutatorian honors were Joella Pettigrew (winter '05 class) from Pullman, Wash. and Christina Carrari (spring '05) of Los Alamos, Calif.

Along with her class salutatorian award, Joella Pettigrew was also awarded the winter quarter 2005 Clinical Excellence Citation for her exceptional patient care at the Life West Public Health Center. This quarterly award is the highest accolade given by the college's Health Center.  In addition to his class valedictorian honor, Robert Privratsky also received the Clinical Excellence Citation for the spring quarter 2005.

The graduation classes certainly gave insight to the college's national and international student body population.  Life West's newest doctors represented 15 states and Puerto Rico, and eight foreign countries, including Canada, China, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, United Kingdom, and Vietnam.