The Parker College Alumni Association recognized alumni who have made a tremendous difference in the chiropractic profession during the Parker Annual Homecoming and Class Reunion in Dallas.
“Our alumni association members give so much to the chiropractic profession,” said Timothy Gunn, director of alumni relations. “It’s nice to honor them and show our appreciation for everything that they do.”
Dr. Marco La Starza (Class of ’04) was honored with the Young Alumni of the Year award, which is given to a recent graduate because of their passion and dedication to chiropractic and Parker College. While at Parker, he made deans list, was a part of almost every club possible, and participated in Chiro Games. Shortly after graduation he returned to Florida to open his own practice in Rockledge. He has focused his marketing on his community by getting involved in numerous nonprofit, civic, and government organizations. Not only did he receive patients from his involvement, he also received statewide press when a local news station ran a feature story on him called “Good Guy Chiropractor Volunteers Time.”
Dr. La Starza is a member of numerous chiropractic organizations such as the Florida Chiropractic Association, American Chiropractic Association, International Chiropractors Association, World Chiropractic Alliance, and Florida Chiropractic Society
The 2009 Alumni of the Year award was presented to Dr. Patrick Bodnar, assistant professor at Parker College, for his devotion to giving back. He is a very well-known entity at Parker due to his commitment with the students and all members of the Parker family. Dr. Bodnar is also a team teacher for Parker Seminars, where he lectures on a variety of topics including business methods, patient communication systems, functional assessment and treatment protocols, and advanced patient rehab.
“The Alumni Association is so proud to not only have him as a member, but [to also] have him as an advocate,” said Dr. Camille Reagan (’01), vice president of the Parker Alumni Association. “We feel his contributions will truly make this profession stronger by strengthening our communication and business skills.”
The James W. Parker Award was created by the Charter Class to recognize individuals who live the principles our founder left to guide us. He was a man who had a vision greater than himself and lived to make this world a healthier place for all. Dr. Michael Hall (Class of ’90) is the recipient of the 2009 James W. Parker Award. For more than 11 years he has taught the students enrolled at Parker College. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Parker Alumni Association and practices at Hall Chiropractic and Family Wellness Center in Dallas.
He has a background in neurology and has been a diplomat in chiropractic neurology since 1993. Dr. Hall is also certified in spinal trauma. He is a member of the International Association of Chiropractic Neurology, American Chiropractic Association, and Texas Chiropractic Association.
The annual Homecoming and Class Reunion event also included entertainment, a chance to reconnect with classmates, and meet others who walked the graduation stage before or after their graduation year. This year is the reunion year for graduates from classes 1989, 1994, 1999, and 2004.
Source: Parker College of Chiropractic
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