Forty-Nine Complete Doctor of Chiropractic Program at Sherman College

by Cheri Anderson-Hucks

Spartanburg, SC (06/24/2025) — Spartanburg, S.C. - Forty-nine students from across the U.S. and multiple countries received the doctor of chiropractic degree from Sherman College of Chiropractic in Spartanburg, South Carolina, on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at the college's 149th commencement, honoring graduates from the June and September 2025 classes.

"Congratulations to our newest Sherman graduates on earning your Doctor of Chiropractic degrees," said Sherman College President Dr. Jack Bourla. "Your dedication, perseverance, and pursuit of excellence have prepared you to make a meaningful difference in the world through chiropractic. As you begin your professional journeys-whether here in Spartanburg, your hometown, or across the globe- you carry with you Sherman's proud 52-year legacy. We are confident you will uphold the highest standards of the profession and bring lasting, positive change to the vitality and well-being of your communities. Know this: you are ready. You have earned the title of doctor of chiropractic, and we could not be more proud. Welcome to the profession."

Many students were recognized throughout the ceremony for academic honors, outstanding service and volunteerism, clinical excellence, and exceptional philosophy distinction. Bobby Findley, D.C., A.C.P., Sherman instructor of clinical sciences and case doctor at the college's Chiropractic Center, delivered a humorous and genuine address, offering memorable advice to the DC2Bs on what not to do as they embark on their chiropractic journey to help and serve others.

The student farewell addresses to classmates were given by Nofar Gabay Nugent, a native of Israel, for the June class, and Riley Block of Virginia, for the September class.

Recipients of the Academic Achievement Award for the June class was, Nofar Gabay Nugent, graduating summa cum laude with a 3.896 grade point average, and for the September class was, Alex Annis, graduating summa cum laude with a 3.850 GPA. This award is given to the individual in each graduating class who maintains the highest grade point average throughout their studies at Sherman, while completing nearly 5,000 hours of graduate study.

The Service Distinction Award is presented at graduation only when a student has made significant and distinguished service contributions in three key areas throughout their studies at Sherman: the college, the local community, and the chiropractic profession. This award recognizes individuals who go above and beyond, demonstrating a commitment to service and excellence at Sherman. It is a testament to their dedication and impact within the academic environment and the broader community. Lauren Haar is the award recipient and was recognized for her unwavering service to Sherman clubs as a member and officer, volunteerism at Sherman community chiropractic events, and as the founder of multiple internal events and activities.

The Clinical Excellence Award honors successful practices by interns in the Sherman College Chiropractic Center. The college's on-campus center is where Sherman interns, under the supervision of licensed doctors of chiropractic, attend to their patients, providing more than 30,000 patient visits per year to local community members. This Clinical Excellence Award is given to an intern in each class who has diligently worked to develop skills in the philosophy, science and art of chiropractic, maintained, at a minimum, an A average throughout their internship, excelled in all phases of clinical practice from technical skills in the examination and care of patients to showing strong respect and consideration of patients, and encouraging good health practices including lifetime spinal care. The recipients have attended more than the required number of patient visits, caring for their patients with great skill and extraordinary compassion. They have been exemplary in their concern for patients' time and have made informing patients of valuable principles an integral part of their practice. The recipient for the June class was Jessica Haven Wood-Duncan of South Carolina, and the recipient for the September class was Riley Block of Virginia.

The B.J. Palmer Philosophy Distinction Award is presented only when a student distinguishes themselves in scholarship, leadership, and service, representing chiropractic's philosophical base to their peers, profession, and the public. Recipients demonstrate these areas by winning scholarships and introducing and helping others better understand the underlying philosophy and principles of chiropractic, as reflected in their efforts to go beyond the curriculum and graduation requirements. Because philosophy provides a foundation that drives chiropractic science and is expressed through the art of adjustment, this award is especially significant when presented to a deserving student. The recipient of this award was Kyle Lange of Minnesota.

The commencement address was given by Bobby Findley, D.C., A.C.P., who serves as an instructor of clinical sciences and case doctor at the college's Chiropractic Center, combining decades of clinical experience with a deep passion for mentoring the next generation of chiropractors. A 1986 graduate of Life University, and at the time, the youngest to do so at the age of 21, Dr. Findley was immersed in chiropractic care from an early age, receiving his first adjustment just 30 minutes after birth. Chiropractic runs deep in his family, as his father, sister, and uncle also chose the profession.

Dr. Findley practiced for more than 25 years in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where he built and operated a high-volume, objective-straight chiropractic practice, utilizing primarily Gonstead and Diversified techniques. After retiring from practice at the age of 47, he, his wife, and their five children operated a four-diamond country inn, restaurant, and wedding venue in the Virginia countryside for 10 years.

In 2023, Dr. Findley joined the college's Chiropractic Center as a case doctor, providing student interns with patient oversight and hands-on guidance in technique and clinical training. He is also a proud Sherman Regent donor, committed to supporting the college's mission and future. Dr. Findley is deeply passionate about the philosophy of chiropractic, having just earned his membership into Sherman's Academy of Chiropractic Philosophers earlier this year.

Additionally, Dr. Findley's leadership extends beyond the Chiropractic Center. He has served on the S.C. Board of Chiropractic Examiners (1998-2002), S.C. Chiropractic Association's board (1994-1998), and is an active member of the Palmetto State Chiropractic Association. His contributions over the years have earned him several honors, including the "Board Member of the Year" from the South Carolina Chiropractic Association and the "Service to the Profession" Award from the Palmetto State Chiropractic Association.

A sought-after speaker, Dr. Findley has presented at major chiropractic events nationwide, including Dynamic Essentials, MileHigh, New Beginnings, Ignite License Renewal seminars, and the Jones Family Philosophy Forum. He was named the 2024 MileHigh National Speaker Contest Winner, highlighting his energetic and principled approach to chiropractic philosophy.

Originally from Hartsville, South Carolina, Dr. Findley now lives in Woodruff with his wife of 34 years, Paula. They have five grown children and one granddaughter. Outside of work, Dr. Findley has also served as an elder and elder chair in his local church, as well as on the board of directors of his local Chamber of Commerce.

The following forty-nine students were awarded the doctor of chiropractic degree from Sherman College on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at the college's 149th commencement.

Class of June 2025 Graduates:

Talley Addison Barnhill, North Carolina

Taylor Catherine Boseman, Georgia

Amgad Demetry, North Carolina

Fabiola Juliana de la Caridad Feliciano Gonzalez, Puerto Rico

Chase Howard Foote, Arizona

Nofar Gabay Nugent, Israel - summa cum laude

Jonathan Geus, South Carolina - magna cum laude

Toby Joe Hall II, Kentucky

Soren Kai Harajdic, Canada - magna cum laude

Jesus Emmanuel Jimenez Diaz , Puerto Rico

Kade McKenna Kelso, Iowa

Marina Manuppelli, Pennsylvania - cum laude

Daniel J. Ostrow, North Carolina

Sydney Elizabeth Patterson, South Carolina

Teah Alane Patton, Texas

Jocelyn Peay, North Carolina

Lita Robison, Montana

Dillon Ryan Rogers, South Carolina - cum laude

Savannah Lee Roseberry-Layton, Alabama - magna cum laude

Jerry Scotti, Jr., New York

Megan Renae Sole, Missouri - magna cum laude

Jocelyn Isabelle Voss, Michigan

James Williams, North Carolina - cum laude

Jessica Haven Wood, South Carolina - cum laude

Class of September 2025 Graduates:

Alexander Averna, California

Brooke Mikela Barton, Pennsylvania

Gavin M. Barton, Pennsylvania - magna cum laude

Riley Block, Virginia - magna cum laude

Sylvia Frierson, South Carolina

Eric Jerrell Gregory, North Carolina

Lauren Haar, New York - magna cum laude

Tanner McRae Johnson, South Carolina

Jessica Brynn Kirkpatrick Tyndall, North Carolina - cum laude

Kyle Lange, Minnesota - magna cum laude

Meagan Lee, Florida

Julie Ludovici Ward, North Carolina

Amelia Grace Majcina, South Carolina

Isabella Anna Martincic, South Carolina - cum laude

Jecamy Morgan , New York

Tara Nicole Mueller , Florida

Peri Peeler, North Carolina

Madeline Powers, New Hampshire

Rachel Elizabeth Rich, Maryland

Joshua Daniel Schreiber, Pennsylvania

Molly Elizabeth Shelton, North Carolina

Riley Sturm, Canada

Daniel E. Tallon, South Carolina

Jacob Thomas, Ohio

Ahiga Xi-Amaru, California

Photos are available for download via Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/199729886@N05/albums/72177720326857374/with/54594023893/

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