| See also: In Remembrance - Rita Molthen Schroeder, DC, and William F. Hynan, DC, DABCO. |
Dr. Beatrice Hagen died on April 8, 2005, after a long bout with illness. Dr. Hagen is credited with breaking two notable chiropractic gender barriers: serving as the first woman president of an accredited chiropractic college (Logan, 1981-1992) and of the Council on Chiropractic Education (1986-88).
Dr. Beatrice Hagen died on April 8, 2005, after a long bout with illness. Dr. Hagen is credited with breaking two notable chiropractic gender barriers: serving as the first woman president of an accredited chiropractic college (Logan, 1981-1992) and of the Council on Chiropractic Education (1986-88).
Born in Rome, New York, in 1919, Beatrice B. Hagen graduated from Logan in 1940, eventually becoming an instructor and clinical director at her alma mater. From 1959-1980, she and her late husband, Dr. Otto Hagen, whom she had met at Logan, lived in Frankfort, N.Y., sharing a successful chiropractic practice and raising four children. During this time, Dr. Hagen was active in local professional activities, and chaired several committees on the New York State Chiropractic Association.
Prior to her presidency at Logan, Dr. Hagen served for eight years on the Logan Board of Trustees (1972-1980), including the last three years as board chair. As college president, she helped broaden and modernize the school's curriculum, and expanded its research program. Under Dr. Hagen's leadership, the Dale C. Montgomery Health Center and the $3.5 million Science, Research and Ergonomic Center came to fruition. She also directed a local outreach program through the college, providing chiropractic care to the homeless at the Salvation Army's Harbor Light Center and at the Shamrock Club in St. Louis.
Dr. Hagen received numerous professional accolades during her distinguished career, including the "Chiropractor of the Year" award from both the American Chiropractic Association (1982) and The American Chiropractor (1987). Upon her retirement from Logan in 1992, she returned to New York to be near her children, and to pursue research and teaching.
She is survived by a daughter, two sons, a sister, three brothers, 10 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Memorial contributions can be made to:
The Otto H. and Beatrice B. Hagen Scholarship Fund:
Logan College of Chiropractic
1851 Schoettler Road
Chesterfield, MO 63017-5529
In Remembrance: Rita Molthen Schroeder, DC
Dr. Rita Molthen Schroeder passed away on April 8, 2005 at the age of 82. "Dr. Rita," as she was known to many, inspired her own six children to become chiropractors, and was considered the matriarch of the "largest chiropractic family in the world" (68 doctors of chiropractic and counting).
Rita Molthen was born in 1922, the daughter of Dr. Ruth Molthen (a professor of histology and nutrition at Cleveland Chiropractic College in Los Angeles, Calif.) and Dr. Frank J. Molthen (credited with being the first DC to bring chiropractic to Asia in the 1930s). She attended UCLA, majoring in chemical engineering; and then Palmer College of Chiropractic, training directly under B.J. Palmer. She received her doctor of chiropractic degree in 1949. Dr. Rita married Dr. Richard Schroeder and practiced in Brooklyn, N.Y., until 1959, and then moved to Fresno, Calif., in 1961, practicing chiropractic for a total of 44 years.
Among Dr. Rita's notable and diverse accomplishments, she was elected president of Pacific States Chiropractic College in 1980 (PSCC became Life Chiropractic College West soon thereafter); traveled with a delegation to China to present chiropractic to health care practitioners in 1983; was installed as a member of the Royal Chiropractic Knights of the Round Table; worked with George Goodheart on applied kinesiology research; and sang with the Holy Spirit Parish Choir for Pope John Paul II in Los Angeles.
Surviving family members include her six children, all of whom practice chiropractic in Fresno/Clovis, Calif.; two sisters, a brother, 19 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
In Remembrance: William F. Hynan, DC, DABCO
On Feb. 9, 2005, Dr. William F. "Bill" Hynan passed away at the age of 82. Born in 1923 in St. Paul, Minn., William Hynan graduated from the University of Minnesota and then attended National College of Chiropractic, receiving his doctor of chiropractic degree in 1950.
His distinguished chiropractic career included more than 25 years as a member of the Minnesota Board of Chiropractic Examiners, including 10 years as president; and recognition as the Minnesota Chiropractor of the Year (1959) - the youngest DC (to this day) to receive that honor. He also served on the Board of Consultants for National College and on the Board of Trustees for New York Chiropractic College.
On a national level, Dr. Hynan served on the board of the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE) and as vice chair of the CCE Commission on Accreditation (COA). He is survived by his wife of 55 years; two sons (both chiropractors) and two daughters; and eight grandchildren.
