Three Parker University College of Chiropractic graduates and a recently passed chiropractic icon will be honored for their accomplishments at the Parker Alumni Awards on October 23, 2014, at the Sheraton Dallas Hotel.
Bart Patzer, DC ‘93, will receive the Alumni of the Year Award, recognizing the individual whose remarkable accomplishments speak well for the range and quality of a Parker education. A third-generation doctor, Dr. Patzer has practiced at Austin, Texas-based Patzer Family Chiropractic for the past 17 years, and is an active member of the International Chiropractic Association, Chiropractic Society of Texas, Texas Chiropractic Association, World Chiropractic Alliance, and Travis County Chiropractic Society. He was awarded the B.J. Palmer Award by the Upper Cervical Health Centers, and was named Chiropractor of the Month and awarded the Chiropractor Excellence Award by the Chiropractic Leadership Alliance in 2001, 2004, and 2007.
Andrew Hatch, DC ‘93
Andrew Hatch, DC ‘93, will receive the International Alumni of the Year Award, recognizing the individual whose remarkable accomplishments speak well for the dynamic opportunities available to Parker graduates abroad. A founder and former vice president and secretary of the Portuguese Chiropractors’ Association (APQ), Dr. Hatch has spoken on a number of occasions on television and in front of the Portuguese Congress on behalf of the chiropractic profession in Portugal. In 2001, he created Global Practice Solutions, a training center geared toward teaching chiropractors around the world how to operate and manage an ethical, efficient, high-volume wellness practice. Dr. Hatch served on the Parker Board of Trustees from 2005 to 2013, serving as Chairman of the Global Development Committee, Chairman of the Academics Review Committee, and Vice Chairman of the Board.
Courtney Gowin, DC ‘13
Courtney Gowin, DC ‘13, will receive the Young Alumni of the Year Award, recognizing the graduate whose accomplishments in the five years following their graduation speaks for the readiness and capability of new Parker graduates. Following the opening of her clinic in April, Dr. Gowin has experienced continuous growth in her patient-base through strong partnerships she has formed with several area businesses and organizations. She has also been appointed the sole chiropractor on an advisory board for UT Southwestern Medical Center in an effort to examine depression in perinatal women. Dr. Gowin has been an active participant in the After Hours Clinic Visit program for Parker students. Additionally, she was nominated as an ambassador for the Metroplex Chamber of Commerce and was awarded the ‘Compassion for the Community’ Award for her chiropractic business plan, which includes mentoring youth, school district outreach, and continued support for Parker University programs.
James Sigafoose, DC
Dr. James Sigafoose will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing the health and wellness professional whose accomplishments throughout the course of their lifetime represents the service and care at the foundation of Parker University and the greater chiropractic profession. A featured speaker at Dynamic Essentials (DE) for over 45 years and a previous Team Speaker at Parker Seminars, Dr. Sigafoose was considered one of the top speakers in the chiropractic profession and a recognized leader in the world of natural healing. He spoke internationally in Japan, Australia, Spain, and other countries around the world and was honored as Chiropractor of the Year numerous times by various chiropractic colleges and organizations. He was the developer of The Sigafoose System, which helped chiropractors learn the philosophy and develop practices through individualized mentoring, one-on-one practice analysis, and counseling. Dr. Sigafoose participated in many chiropractic missions throughout the world including mission trips to Panama, Haiti, and Tobago. Additionally, Dr. Sigafoose served in the U.S. Army. He and his wife, Patsy Sigafoose, had six of their children follow in his footsteps by becoming chiropractic leaders, in addition to his son-in-law, nephew, and daughter-in-law.
To RSVP for the Parker Alumni Awards, visit parker.edu/alumni-friends/alumni-events/. To learn more and get involved with the Parker University Alumni Association, visit http://parker.edu/alumni-friends/.
About Parker University
Dallas-based Parker University is one of the world’s leading educators of health care professionals. Founded in 1982, this private, nonprofit, educational institution prepares men and women to become doctors of chiropractic. In addition, Parker University awards additional health and wellness degrees online and on-campus. Parker University also includes Parker Research Institute, which provides sound, scientific evidence supporting health and wellness; two chiropractic wellness clinics in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex; Parker Seminars, the largest chiropractic seminar organization in the world, and Parker SHARE Products that provide innovative, high quality products, and current information on chiropractic wellness. For additional information about Parker University, visit www.parker.edu.
