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Life West Presidential Inauguration Photos

By Michael Dorausch, D.C.

This was a historic event in chiropractic and I wasn’t going to miss it. On Friday, August 5th, 2011, the Presidential Inauguration of Dr. Brian Kelly (as the 2nd president in history of Life Chiropractic College West) took place.

inauguration dr brian kelly life westInauguration of Dr. Brian Kelly – Life Chiropractic College West

It was a gala event, with chiropractic presidents, organization presidents, chiropractors, students, staff, and other dignitaries, all dressed to the nines. It’s not everyday I get to photograph chiropractors dressed formally, so my camera was flashing like a paparazzi’s. It brought back memories of when I photographed the dedication of the Life West Campus more than 11 years ago.

Frank Sovinsky Cathy Sovinsky Gilles LamarcheFrank Sovinsky, Cathy Sovinsky, and Gilles Lamarche

Always looking sharp, I snapped a shot of Frank and Cathy Sovinsky (photo from earlier in the day) with equally well dressed Gilles Lamarche, of Parker Seminars.

Bill DeMoss Mary Jane Matt HubbardSoCal Chiropractic Represents

I wasn’t the only SoCal Chiropractor visiting the bay area on this occasion, as I saw Drs. Darrell Crain, Phil Yamamoto, Howard Fleischer, and others, as I made my way towards being seating for the grand event. Mary Jane and Dr. Bill DeMoss (from DCS in Orange County) were in fine fashion for the evening, but Billy didn’t wear his top hat. Also looking sharp, San Diego Chiropractor, Matt Hubbard, did a great job as MC during the weekend events.

Brian Kelly Inauguration Chiropractic PresidentChiropractor Brian Kelly Presidential Inuaguration

The event proved to be a great experience for chiropractors gathering in fellowship and celebrating the welcoming of Dr. Kelly as new president at Life Chiropractic College West. In the above photo, Dr. Gerry Clum can be seen to the right (in gray), with Dr. Guy Riekeman (president at Life University in Marietta, Georgia). That’s Dr. Brian Kelly (delivering his inaugural address) at the podium.

Chiropractors Eric Plasker Life WestChiropractors Post Ceremony

After the inauguration, chiropractors gathered on the 2nd floor at the Oakland Marriott for food, drink and more celebration. Dr. Eric Plasker (center) visits California regularly as his 100 Year Lifestyle program is closely associated with continuing education programs put on by CCA.

Ruth Ribley Chuck Ribley John HofmannRuth Ribley (Sunshine Ruth) and Chiropractors Chuck Ribley and John Hofmann

For me, one of the highlights of attending events like these is getting to spend quality time with your mentors. Pictured above are 3 amazing chiropractic individuals, Ruth (Sunshine) Ribley, Chuck (River) Ribley, and John Hofmann. Dr. Hofmann was one of the first chiropractors I’d ever here speak. He left a lasting impression.

The words Service, Giving, Loving (and other feel goods) were spoken throughout the weekend, not only from podiums, but while at lunch and other meetings. I recall hearing Dr. Jay Handt at three times using the phrase “You cannot out give the giver.” It’s no coincidental accident that that’s been the foundation of Planet Chiropractic since it launched in the 1990s.

Jay Handt Liam Schubel Kathi HandtChiropractors Jay Handt and Liam Schubel, with Kathi Handt

More on mentors and amazing people, Kathi Handt is an amazing individual, and I had a great time seeing her and Jay (the Luau was fun, thank you) while in Oakland. And Jay, I was at New Beginnings in October 2010, so not a year yet (but almost).

Dr. Liam got to experience the Planet Chiropractic paparazzi as well, as he ended up in lots of photographs from the weekend, but not as many as for the Sharon Gorman fan club.

well dressed chiropractorsWell Dressed Chiropractors

I’m about to board a flight to Los Angeles (blogging in the OAK Airport), so I’ll update names and details on this post when I’m back online, I another set or 3 coming later in the week as well.

Presidents from other chiropractic colleges attended the event, and like I said earlier, it was great to have so many mentors and positive influentials in one place.

More to come.

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