2502 NYCC TRANS FINAL2 - New York Chiropractic College

NYCC celebrated its sixth annual convocation on October 18; it
had been rescheduled due to the September 11 tragedy. President
Frank J. Nicchi, D.C., a 1978 graduate of the College, who previously
served both on the school’s faculty and as Dean of Postgraduate
and Continuing Education, presided over the event. Prior to the
ceremony, Dr. John DeCicco reminded Dr. Nicchi that he had been
guest speaker at the College’s first convocation, before he became
president.
Students and faculty were recognized for their efforts on behalf
of the College. Scot Woodward, B.S., M.S. ( 7th Tri), was presented
with the Student of the Year Award. Scot serves on the College’s
Research Board, is co-author of three research presentations, and is
an active member of the Student Government Association and other
school clubs. Students choose the faculty member who will win the
“Faculty of the Year Award.” This year’s winner was Dr. Lillian
Ford, whose selection made her speechless – not a common state,
she admitted. Dr. Ford urged the student body never to quit, and
never to give up on themselves. Faculty Excellence awards, presented
by Dr. Judy Silvestrone, were awarded to Dr. Margaret Finn,
Dr. Donald Dishman and Dr. Lisa Bloom. Dr. Finn, who won the
Teaching award, teaches both Physical Assessment and Pharmacology.
Dr. Donald Dishman, who won the Research
and Scholarly Activity award, earned
international recognition for his publications
and grants, having published articles in JMPT
about electromyography and manipulation.
Dr. Lisa Bloom, who won the Citizenship
award, is an active participant in the College’s
Public Education efforts. She often speaks
publicly at other colleges and offers her services
as a neurological consultant.
The campus was pleased to welcome back
Dr. Philip Santiago (NYCC ’78) as guest
speaker. Internationally recognized in sports
chiropractic and anti-aging, Dr. Santiago discussed
the encouragement he received from
former NYCC President Ernest Napolitano, D.C., to create a successful
sports chiropractic program. Dr. Santiago shared his career
experiences and spoke of how he opened new doors for chiroprac-
Convocation
by Crystal James, 7th Trimester
Dr. Frank Nicchi, President, and Dr. Philip
Santiago
(L to R) Dr. Kevin Ball, Mrs. Carol Woodward, Mr. Scot Woodward, 7th
trimester, Ms. Julie Gregware and Dr. Frederick Woodward
tic. For example, he fondly recalled the long lines of Olympic athletes
awaiting chiropractic therapy. “Olympic chiropractors are so
busy,” he said, “that they cannot take a break and leave the grounds!”
He joked with the audience about growing up in a chiropractic family
– his mom, dad, sister and brother are all chiropractors – quipping
that his pre-chiropractic education was 22
years, not the typical three. Dr. Santiago recalled
many instances of ridicule as he matured
in his community. “Chiropractors,” he
would hear from schoolmates, “are not real
doctors.” Dr. Santiago also addressed health
care’s evolution from a “problem based”
health concept to the more current preventative
or wellness model. “Today,” he said, “chiropractic
has its advantage.” He added that
success is not the titles you receive but in the
knowledge between your ears. Chiropractors
should work to be well informed and relate
well with their patients.
Dr. Nicchi presented Dr. Santiago with a
plaque for his generous support of the College. Immediately following
was a cake-cutting ceremony in honor of the College’s ten
years in Seneca Falls.
Dr. Margaret Finn
Dr. Lillian Ford
Dr. Lisa Bloom
Dr. J. Donald Dishman
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