Parker University’s student body presents awards
Written by Phil Cerroni
At a recent assembly, the Parker University Student Senate presented four individuals with awards for their commitment to the university and chiropractic. The awards, called the Who’s Who of Parker, were given to a faculty member, a clinic faculty member, a staff member, and a student.
“We know that Parker is considered one of the top chiropractic schools in the world,” said Jarrett Browning, former student senate president and presenter of the awards. “We are the best because we have the best faculty, staff, and students making the campus thrive. The student senate wanted to give these awards on behalf of the student body to show a greater level of appreciation from the student body.”
Dr. Michael Perryman, professor of Parker University, received the Student Body Faculty Member of the Year Award. He was chosen for his outstanding work with Parker students. He understands the students and shows great dedication to their education. They appreciate that he is a medical doctor who understands the chiropractic philosophy and teaches at a chiropractic school.
The Student Body Clinic Faculty Member of the Year Award was presented to Dr. Eric Pearce, associate professor and faculty doctor in the university’s chiropractic wellness clinics. He oversees the clinics’ interns and their patients and goes out of his way to look after anyone in the
clinic. Students see him as approachable and always ready to help.
Stanley Johnson, a facilities technician, received the Student Body Staff Member of the Year Award. He has a long history with Parker and its founder, the late Dr. James W. Parker—he started out as the doctor’s chauffeur and will celebrate his 20th year with the university in January. He has dedicated his working life to make learning possible and keeping the school grounds beautiful. He is often seen fixing chiropractic tables raking leaves, cleaning the fountains, and anything else that will ensure Parker's vision stays alive.
“I have been given an award for something that I enjoy and am called to do, so it truly is icing on the cake,” Johnson said. “I work with many great people at Parker, so I’m deeply moved and humbled that I was chosen. It means the world to me.”
Tri 7 student Shawna Turner was presented with the Student Body Student of the Year Award for living the chiropractic philosophy. Her husband was in an accident when she was in Tri 4 and was told, among other things, that she would have to drop classes and that her husband would never walk again.
With the help of chiropractic, her husband has beaten his doctor’s prognosis, and she is still on track to graduate on time. In addition to the award, the graduating class of Spring 2012 donated $1, 771, the remainder of their class budget, to the Turners.
“For me the award is not about what I've accomplished,” she said. “It's more a symbol of the journey my husband and I have been on for the last year. It's about the strength and determination I gain from him as he knocks down every barrier placed in his path. I am humbled and honored by the award. I don't feel like I've done anything extraordinary, I simply do what I am passionate about.”
Source: Parker University
