ICA Congratulates June 2025 Graduates: The Newest Doctors of Chiropractic Step into Their Calling

By Jenna Quentin

The International Chiropractors Association proudly congratulates the Spring 2025 graduating classes. These new doctors of chiropractic now join a global movement dedicated to principled, subluxation-centered care that transforms lives through the restoration of nervous system function. Their achievement marks not only a personal milestone but a meaningful advancement for the chiropractic profession worldwide.

Sherman College of Chiropractic

On June 14, 2025, Sherman College celebrated its 149th commencement ceremony, conferring Doctor of Chiropractic degrees on 49 graduates from the June and September cohorts. 

In a heartfelt address, Sherman President Dr. Jack Bourla inspired graduates to carry forward the college’s 52-year legacy of excellence and community impact. The keynote speaker, Dr. Bobby Findley, a longtime Sherman instructor and case doctor, infused the ceremony with wisdom, humor, and clinical insight, grounded in generations of chiropractic tradition. 

Student addresses were delivered by Nofar Gabay Nugent (Israel) and Riley Block (Virginia). 

High honors included Academic Achievement Awards to Nugent and Alex Annis, Service Distinction to Lauren Haar, and Clinical Excellence Awards to Jessica Haven Wood-Duncan and Block. 

Kyle Lange received the esteemed B.J. Palmer Philosophy Distinction Award, exemplifying the spirit of principled leadership.

Life Chiropractic College West

On June 13, 2025, Life Chiropractic College West hosted its 87th Commencement Ceremony—one that will be remembered not only for celebrating the newest class of chiropractic graduates, but for ushering in a powerful new chapter in the college’s legacy.

The two-day celebration in Hayward, California, began with a Champagne Reception and Awards Banquet on Thursday, followed by Friday’s Commencement, where 81 students received their Doctor of Chiropractic degrees, and one earned a Master of Science in Diagnostic Imaging.

In a historic first for the institution, the ceremony featured a live presidential transition, as outgoing President Dr. Ron Oberstein passed the presidential robe and colors to incoming President Dr. Peter Kevorkian—marking a poignant moment of leadership, legacy, and Evolution.

Keynote speaker Dr. Donny Epstein, renowned in the field for his visionary work, delivered an electrifying address, reminding graduates:

“Each of us stands on the shoulders of someone else—and remember, there will be thousands who stand on yours. May the fruit that comes after you be richer than we could have ever imagined.”

Academic honors were awarded to Spring 2025 Valedictorian, Ryan Guenette, Summer 2025 Valedictorians Brianna Connor and Darcy Hiebert, along with Salutatorians Lauren Eads (Spring) and Jaron Hua (Summer). The event was emceed by Provost Dr. Scott Donaldson, and featured musical performances by the Brass View Quintet and graduate Daniela Reyes.

From the heartfelt farewell by Dr. Ron to the inspiring vision of Dr. Peter, Life West’s 87th Commencement served as a bold reflection of the college’s commitment to chiropractic’s future—and to shaping graduates ready to Give. Do. Love. Serve.

Life University

The June 20th, 2025  graduation ceremony at Life University in Marietta welcomed 104 new doctors of chiropractic, along with 94 students who received their Bachelor’s degree and 24 who received their Master’s degree. President Dr. Brian McAulay and Dr. Jaime Davis, Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs, presided over the event. 

Ellis Anthony Davis was honored as the class Valedictorian of the class receiving their Bachelor’s degree, with Doctor of Chiropractic class Valedictorian Miriah Ghislaine Martin. 

Other awards included: Salutatorian – Trenton Zachary Ward, Chiropractic Philosophy Distinction – Michael Christopher Panzarino, Clinic Excellence – Dustin Charles Biggerstaff.

These students were recognized for expressing the Three Life U Values: 

Lasting Purpose: Ellis Anthony Davis, Integrity: Jessica J. Brannan, Vitalism: Hamad Haider Shirazi

At this last graduation, Life University welcomed a fourth member to a family’s plate on the Generations Wall, honoring their father and 3 sons who have graduated from Life University in the last 3 years. They will return next year to welcome their fifth and final brother from the program! There are 70 families currently honored on the wall and all the funds raised from the Generations Wall go to the Generations Legacy Scholarship fund for Life University Students.

Palmer College of Chiropractic – Davenport Campus

The birthplace of chiropractic honored 73 new D.C. graduates at its Class #252 commencement on June 20, 2025. 

The president and faculty saluted the academic excellence and philosophical conviction of this diverse cohort from 28 states and countries. 

Valedictorian honors went to Ryan Timothy Hayter, Tyler Lee Watermann, and Cameron Jay Whitehead, while Colin Connors and Makayla Kaytlynn Kulow earned Salutatorian distinction. 

Eleven graduates were recognized for Academic Excellence, and six earned Summa Cum Laude honors. The Virgil V. Strang Philosophy Award, a hallmark of principled dedication, was awarded to Robin Ostermeier, with Marie Le and Jonathan Hunter Wigington also nominated. 

These graduates now carry forward the legacy of Palmer and the vision of chiropractic’s founders.

Palmer College of Chiropractic – Florida Campus

Palmer Florida’s 77th commencement on June 20 celebrated 44 new Doctors of Chiropractic, representing 15 regions across the globe. 

Dr. Misty Lagasse, a Palmer alumna, delivered the keynote address, igniting a spirit of service and integrity in the graduates. 

Academic accolades included Valedictorian honors for Adam Marogil and Ethan Shim, and Salutatorian for Matthew Gabriel. Eric Daniel Varga received the Virgil V. Strang Philosophy Award, while Miranda Rose Torres earned the Clinical Excellence Award. The James Buerkle Memorial Award was presented to Olivia Anne Cramer-Chavarria, and Alexis Marie Hannah was recognized with the Research Honors Award. 

With 21 graduates earning honors distinctions and 10 achieving Academic Excellence, this class exemplifies the bright future of principled chiropractic.

We also congratulate graduates of other schools with earlier spring commencements. 

Cleveland University Kansas City held its spring commencement on April 24th, 2025. 

As these new doctors take their place in the world, the ICA stands ready to support them with mentorship, leadership opportunities, and a principled global community. We celebrate their achievement and the lifelong service they are prepared to give to humanity through specific, scientific chiropractic care.

We are dedicated to serving chiropractic students during their education journey and throughout their professional careers. 

Learn more about our Student (ICA) program here: https://www.chiropractic.org/ica-membership/ 

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