2502 NYCC TRANS FINAL2 - New York Chiropractic College

COMMENCEMENT
commencement
August 2001 Graduates Congratulated For Their Achievements
He currently works in Louisiana
as senior doctor in a
four-doctor chiropractic
group.
Dr. Flynn recounted
why he entered the chiropractic
profession. He told
how his grandmother was
relieved of debilitating headaches
by chiropractic after
traditional medicine had exhausted
its remedies. Due
in part to the benefits witnessed
at home, Dr. Flynn’s
father decided to become a
chiropractor upon completion
of service in World War
II. He thereafter practiced
(illegally) in Louisiana until,
twenty years later (in 1974),
Louisiana finally licensed the
chiropractic profession —
the last state to do so. Dr.
Flynn reminded the commencement
audience that
the chiropractic profession
still has to work hard to gain
and maintain its rightful
place “as a leader in conservative,
natural, hands-on
health care in a society that
is overmedicated, undernourished,
highly stressed
and in need of an adjustment.”
He pointed out how
the ACA continues to fight
major battles on behalf of
the profession. Flynn
quoted former Prime Minister
Winston Churchill in
stating that the price of
greatness is responsibility.
“Few responsibilities are as
significant as a life’s work
dedicated to the care of another
person’s life,” noted
Flynn.
The commencement address
emphasized ethics, service
and persistence. “What is the
right way to live?” Flynn quotes
Socrates’ inquiry. Dr. Flynn
borrowed from Albert
Schweitzer to respond, “There
is no higher religion than human
service.” Winding down, Dr.
Flynn revealed his optimism for
chiropractic’s future: “There
has never been a better time to
be a doctor of chiropractic than
now. There are patients waiting
for you!” He also challenged his
audience: “Accept conditions as
they exist or accept the responsibility
of changing them.”
Former registrar John
Smithgall announced the candidates
for the Doctor of Chiropractic
degree and Dr. Nicchi
conducted the ceremonious
hooding of the graduates. Dean
of Chiropractic Education Lee
Van Dusen, D.C., administered
Michael J. Flynn, D.C.
the Chiropractic Oath. Dr.
Frank Lizzio, President of the
NYCC Alumni Association, admonished
the new doctors that
their accomplishments bring
new responsibilities and urged
them to treat their patients in a
kind and loving manner. He
welcomed the class as the
College’s newest alumni.
Dr. Nicchi echoed Dr.
Flynn’s comments, noting that
chiropractors have never entered
a society or marketplace
more receptive to chiropractic.
Dr. Nicchi also took the
opportunity to honor Associate
Provost Glenn Fried with
a Distinguished Service Award
in recognition of “outstanding
service to NYCC and to
the chiropractic profession
from 1992 to 2001.” Mr.
Fried completed his NYCC
employment August 31 and
has since begun working at
Onondaga Community College.
Following the ceremony
the class, their families, and
friends were treated to
refreshments in honor of the
graduates.
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