New York Chiropractic College
November/December 2014
ADA Step Out Walk a Success
Participating in the ADA’s Step Out to End Diabetes Walk at Jones Beach on September were (from left) Dr. John LaFalce, Kathy
Albanese, Brandon Nadeau, Anthony Stirpe, Giselle Surrett, Dr. Lloyd Kupferman, Lauren Kronowitz, Jay Salik, Dr. Serge Nerli, Adam
Maurer, Sarah Johnson, Richardine Castor, Dr. Veronica Wicks, Ashley Cooke, Allison Russell, Francesca Aliberti, Brendt
Mendelblatt, and Melissa Murphy. Not pictured are Ardina Bacovic and Christina Markar.
S
TUDENTS, FACULTY AND STAFF
from the Levittown
Health
Center
banded
together
Sunday,
September 28, for the American Diabetes
Association’s Step Out to End Diabetes Walk at Jones
Beach. Under the direction of team captain Dr. Serge Nerli
and Drs. John LaFalce, Veronica Wicks, and Lloyd
Kupferman, 14 chiropractic interns treated approximately
60 participants, and scanned and evaluated another 42 for
Foot Levelers orthotics. Kathy Albanese staffed the
information table and kept traffic flowing throughout the
morning. Approximately 1,700 people were in attendance,
and many stopped by the health center’s tent for
information and educational materials about chiropractic
care, the College, and our programs.
may result in an increased number of follow-up visits to
the center, since the walk was held in the immediate
community and many participants are local residents.
“This was wonderful exposure for the College,” she said.
“We hope to make this an annual event for interns.”
Murphy says she’s grateful for the health center’s staff,
faculty, interns, and patients who contributed, whether by
participating in the event or making a donation to the total
of $935 raised for the American Diabetes Association.
“We have developed a nice working relationship with
ADA,” she said, “one that I hope will continue to grow in
the coming years.” She reminded students, “This type of
community service and fundraising is a great experience
for you as you prepare to launch your own careers in your
own communities.” SC
Melissa Murphy, MPA, administrator of the Levittown
Health Center, is hopeful that participation in the event
Spinal Column
Page 1
November/December 2014
Bedle Moderates “Challenge of the Unknown” at ACCR Workshop
A
WELL-REPRESENTED
NEW
YORK
Chiropractic College was very much in the
limelight at the American College of
Chiropractic Radiology’s (ACCR) 2014 Annual
Workshop and Business Meeting, held September
24-27 in Bloomington, Minn. The ACCR is a boardcertified professional association of chiropractic
radiologists whose members ─ Diplomates of the
American Chiropractic Board of Radiology
(DACBR) ─ have completed NYCC’s Master of
Science in Diagnostic Imaging (MSDI) program or
one of the twelve other radiology residency
programs and then passed the ACBR exam.
In attendance from NYCC were ACCR
Above (l-r), Drs. Michael Mestan, Jean-Nicolas Poirier, John Bassano,
members Drs. Michael A. Mestan, Chad Warshel,
James Bedle, Ashley Hook, Chad Warshel, Heidi Mendenhall, Wesley
Jean-Nicolas Poirier, and James Bedle; current
Cavanaugh, and Jamie Motley; Mr. Eric Stefanowicz; and Dr. Christopher
MSDI residents Drs. Christopher Borgerding and Borgerding attended the American College of Chiropractic Radiology
conference September 24-27.
Wesley Cavanaugh; and 10th-trimester DC student
Eric Stefanowicz. They also met up with two recent MSDI
after which discussion was opened to the audience. Then,
alumnae, Drs. Jamie Motley and Heidi Mendenhall; 2014
Bedle revealed the correct answer.
alumna Dr. Ashley Hook, a resident in Canadian Memorial
Chiropractic College’s radiology program; and 1995 alumni
Dr. Warshel, who successfully diagnosed all of the
Drs. John Bassano and William Atherton.
cases, first served on the Challenge panel 12 years ago, just
one year after achieving his DACBR status, with three
Each year, one ACCR member moderates “the
other panelists who had a combined 50 years of
Challenge of the Unknown,” a four-hour workshop during
experience. This time, he was excited to serve as the
which a panel discusses and diagnoses highly unusual cases
second-most senior panelist with his friend and coworker
selected by the moderator. This year the honor went to
Dr. Bedle as moderator. Additionally, having one of his
Dr. Bedle, who has read tens of thousands of cases for his
own residency teachers/mentors, Dr. Taylor, as senior
reading practice over the past two years and whom the
panelist and Dr. Motley, whom Warshel taught in her
ACCR selected following his excellent contributions to last
residency at NYCC, as the junior panelist, gave this year’s
year’s panel.
Challenge a “multigenerational, family feel.” “Dr. Bedle
did an excellent job challenging all of us, and I am very
Several months prior to
proud to work at NYCC with him,” Warshel said.
the workshop, Bedle sent
five separate cases, such as
The ACCR conference also included a business
interesting tumors, cancers,
meeting, academic meetings, and sessions at which current
and dysplasias, to each of
residents were quizzed by renowned radiologists. Open to
his four chosen panel
anyone, approximately 200 people attended the ACCR
members: Drs. Warshel and
workshop. In fact, it was only after Bedle had attended an
Motley; former NYCC
ACCR workshop as a non-member that he decided to
faculty member Dr. John
become a DACBR. “But let’s be honest,” he quipped,
Taylor, now at D’Youville
“this is a radiology nerd conference so not everyone would
College; and Dr. Hector
want to go.”
Rivera-Melo, of Los Angeles
Chiropractic College, who Above, Dr. James Bedle
Dr. Mestan, who served as the organization’s president
was a junior resident when moderated the Challenge of
from 2005 to 2007, reflected, “This workshop is not only
the Unknown at the
Bedle was the senior
something that DACBRs are required to attend for
resident there. During the American College of
continuing education, but also an opportunity for people
Chiropractic
Radiology
challenge,
each
panel
to reconnect as colleagues who share an NYCC
conference in Minneapolis
member presented and September 24-27.
heritage.” SC
diagnosed an assigned case,
Spinal Column
Page 2
November/December 2014
NYSCA Honors President Nicchi at Fall Convention
A
2014 FALL CONVENTION,
the New York State Chiropractic
Association honored NYCC
President Frank Nicchi, DC, MS
(NYCC’ 78), with a New York State
Assembly Citation. The New York State
Assembly honored Dr. Nicchi as an
individual who has demonstrated
dedication, devotion, and commitment
to promoting the highest quality and
standards in his field, recognizing his
unique personal achievements in his
professional endeavors. The award,
presented by Assemblyman Chad
Lupinacci (10th A.D.), recognized
Dr. Nicchi's contributions in promoting
the highest educational standards,
serving the health and well-being of the
citizens of New York, and on behalf of
the chiropractic profession.
that the College was selected by the
Chronicle of Higher Education as a “Great
College to Work For” for the sixth
consecutive year. In addition, NYCC was
named as the American Chiropractic
Association's very first recipient of its
Chiropractic College of the Year Award.
He also highlighted the Veterans
Administration’s
groundbreaking
creation of chiropractic residency
programs and the College’s academic
affiliation with two of the five chosen
facilities.
T ITS
Dr. Nicchi delivered a presentation
focusing on New York Chiropractic
College's current activities and recent
achievements. In particular, he reported
Assemblyman Chad Lupinacci (above,
right) presented a New York State
Assembly Citation to NYCC President
Dr. Frank J. Nicchi at the New York
State Chiropractic Association’s 2014 Fall
Convention.
In other highlights, Dr. Nicchi noted
that NYCC’s current enrollment of 985
students (in all academic programs)
represents 47 states, Puerto Rico, and
several foreign countries. Our most
recent alumni survey completed in spring
of 2014 revealed that 97 percent of our
alumni are actively engaged in practice
and they continue to report high levels
of satisfaction with their educational
experience. SC
Student E-mail System Change to Office 365
B
Y NOW YOU MAY HAVE HEARD THE NEWS:
On
December 22, 2014, the student e-mail system will
change from IMail to Office 365! From that date
on, all administrative e-mail from all systems – instructors,
administration, Student Portal, GoPrint, ExamSoft, D2L,
TextCaster Emergency Notification System – will go to
your Office 365 address.
familiarizing yourself with Office 365 and resolve any
issues prior to the December 22 changeover. Here’s how:
1. Go to https://outlook.com/nycc.edu.
2. Enter your new e-mail address, which is your portal
[email protected]; e.g., [email protected].
3. For the password, enter your Student ID followed
by a lowercase “x”; e.g., A00000009999x. (You can
find your Student ID number on the Student Portal
under Registrar/Enrolled Student>How Do I?)
4. Click on the Sign In icon. Once you’ve signed in,
you will be required to change your password.
Why the switch? Look at what you’ll be getting:
 Online access from any device with an Internet
connection
 Larger mailbox (50 GB) with more user features
 FREE Office 2013 software (Word, Excel,
PowerPoint, OneNote, etc.)
 Outlook e-mail interface
 A much shorter e-mail address
 1 TB (1,000 GB) OneDrive cloud storage for
documents
As of January 1, 2015, your IMail account will no
longer be accessible. Therefore, any e-mails you wish to
keep that are currently in your IMail inbox, sent box, or
other folders must be forwarded to your Office 365 e-mail
by December 31, 2014.
If you have any questions or difficulty accessing your
new e-mail/Office 365, please contact the IT Department
at [email protected] or 315-568-3223. SC
If you haven’t already done so, you are encouraged to
sign in to your account immediately so you can begin
Spinal Column
Page 3
November/December 2014
“NYCC Blue” - 19th Annual Convocation
E
1992
to overcome difficulties within their
class,
establish
traditions,
and
collectively verbalize their commitment to
professionalism and ethical behavior ultimately
resulted in NYCC’s annual Convocation. As a
gift to NYCC, they composed an Aspirational
Code, an important part of every Convocation
since, to serve as an inspiration for the entire
College
community.
At
this
year’s
Convocation, held October 2 in the Delavan
Theater, Student Government Association
executive officers Noble Thomas, president,
Stephanie Kahler, vice president, and Deepa
Gulrajani, secretary/treasurer, led the audience
in reciting the oath.
FFORTS BY STUDENT LEADERS IN
Students inducted into the Phi Chi Omega Honor Society recite the Society’s oath
at the Convocation on October 2.
and the profession, took a leap of faith and moved with
the College when it transitioned to Seneca Falls in upstate
New York. Some overcame seemingly insurmountable
obstacles and personal health concerns, yet put their faith
in NYCC, never missing a beat in their commitment to the
College and its mission. And, she reminded us that when
the school's insurance carrier decided to make serious cuts
in chiropractic and acupuncture coverage, NYCC
President Frank J. Nicchi, DC, MS, immediately gave the
order to look elsewhere for a health insurance provider
that would better respect NYCC and what we do here. She
expressed her appreciation to the College for recognizing
and providing benefits for the spouses of all employees.
These are all examples of what it means to be NYCC Blue.
NYCC has been named for the sixth consecutive year as a
“Great College to Work For” by the Chronicle of Higher
Education. This too, she said, is NYCC Blue. In conclusion,
Finn invited all present to look to each other for
inspiration and quality leadership.
NYCC Blue
Professor
Margaret
“Maggie” M. Finn, DC
(NYCC ‘92), a member of
the NYCC faculty for
more than 20 years, began
her keynote address by
sharing her understanding
of Convocation as an
opportunity for each of us
to formally rededicate
ourselves to NYCC and its
Keynote speaker
mission and commitment
Dr. Maggie Finn
to academic excellence,
quality patient care and professional leadership. Dr. Finn
called to mind members of the NYCC community she has
known over the years who stand out as examples of what
she called “NYCC Blue”; for instance, hearing- and
visually impaired students who, rather than let their
challenges define or defeat them, forged ahead with grace,
strength, determination, hard work and humor that
inspired others. “A sense of humor is a great gift to get
through the many acute and chronic challenges that each
of us will need to live through,” she said. She spoke of
brave students who, in the face of intense adversity, seem
to be thriving and teaching us all. And, she commented on
the determination of students who worked hard to
maintain and improve NYCC’s stellar efforts on board
exams and its positive reflection on both the institution
and the profession.
Awards and Honors
Dr. Nicchi presented the Student of the Year award to
ninth-trimester chiropractic student Nicholas Maio, noting
the significant impact he has had on the campus
community. Those nominating Maio wrote that he
embodies leadership and is a strong role model, capable,
generous, genuine and professional.
Students maintaining a GPA of 3.5 or better for three
consecutive trimesters were inducted into the Phi Chi
Omega Honor Society. Associate Professor Hunter
Mollin, DC (NYCC ‘80), and Finger Lakes School of
Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Professor Marnae
Ergil, MS, LAc, presented the 77 inductees with pins and
certificates, and led them in reciting the Phi Chi Omega
Society Oath.
It’s not just the students who are “bringing it home,”
Finn remarked, pointing to a number of faculty and staff
who, with dedication to NYCC, chiropractic education,
(Continued on page 5)
Spinal Column
Page 4
November/December 2014
The Faculty Excellence in Citizenship Award was
conferred on Associate Professor Gerald Stevens, DC
(NYCC ‘01), MS, MPH. Veronica Mittak, DHEd, was the
recipient of the Excellence in Research and Scholarship
Award. Staff Recognition awards were presented to
Educational Technology/Telecommunications Administrator Bernie Cecchini and Billing Manager Irene Millis.
Raffle winners were Systems Administrator Shelley Stuck
and seventh-trimester DC student Justine O’Callahan.
Dr. Nicchi closed the ceremony by commending the
NYCC community for their drive toward excellence. He
also lauded NYCC chiropractic students on their
organization, attendance and participation at the recent
Student American Chiropractic Association (SACA)
Convention at the Foot Levelers headquarters in Roanoke,
Va. SC
At the Convocation on October 2, NYCC President Dr. Frank J.
Nicchi (standing, at left) presented awards to (from left)
Dr. Gerald Stevens, Dr. Veronica Mittak, Irene Millis, Nicholas
Maio, and Bernard Cecchini.
Wright Elected CCAOM President
Donohue Re-elected to CCE Council
B
A
FALL 2014 meeting
held in Oakland, Calif.,
the Council of Colleges
of Acupuncture and Oriental
Medicine (CCAOM) elected
FLSAOM Dean Jason Wright as
its first new president in over a
decade.
DONOHUE, DC, MS,
NYCC’s director of accredittation, has been re-elected for
a second term to the Council of the
CCE — the decision-making body
responsible for all matters pertaining
to the accreditation status of Doctor
of Chiropractic programs.
The
Council’s
primary
mission
is
to
advance
acupuncture
and
Oriental
medicine
by
promoting Dean Jason Wright, LAc
educational excellence in the field, and its membership
consists of 55 acupuncture schools with either full
accreditation or accreditation candidacy status with the
Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental
Medicine (ACAOM).
In a recent announcement,
NYCC President Frank J. Nicchi, DC, MS, explained that
candidates for the CCE Council are nominated, and
approved, on the basis of their diversity of academic
expertise, professional activities and affiliations. The
Council Bylaws membership ranges from 13-24 members
who represent program/institutional representatives,
practicing DCs, and public and at-large members. Dr.
Donohue’s three-year term commences at the end of the
January 2015 meeting, at the expiration of her current
term.
T ITS
Dr. Beth Donohue
The membership of the Council meets twice each year
for dialogue and planning around the major issues
affecting AOM education and the AOM profession.
Dr. Nicchi stated, “Dr. Donohue’s nationally
recognized expertise is a testament to the College’s
leadership in a variety of areas.” About her re-election,
Donohue said: “It is indeed an honor and privilege to have
been re-elected to serve a second term as a CCE Council
for the profession’s accrediting agency. It is the fulfillment
of a lifelong goal to serve the profession in this very
important role.”
Dean Wright has served as an at-large member of the
Executive Committee of the CCAOM since 2010, vice
president since 2013, is the chair of the Council’s Herb
Committee, and serves as the liaison between the CCAOM
and the national professional organization, the AAAOM.
Congratulations, Dean Wright! SC
Spinal Column
ETH
Congratulations, Dr. Donohue! SC
Page 5
November/December 2014
Student Clubs Host Veterans Day Flag Raising
N
YORK CHIROPRACTIC College’s
Student Veterans of America Club,
along
with
the
Canadian
Chiropractic Club, invited Commander Mike
Gallina and members of the Veterans of
Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 1323 of Seneca
Falls to NYCC to conduct a flag-raising
ceremony on the College campus November
11 in honor of Veterans Day (Armistice Day)
and Remembrance Day.
The reading was following by a rifle
salute, the playing of Taps, and raising of the
flag to half-mast in honor of those who
made the ultimate sacrifice.
EW
Sixth-trimester DC student Lauren
Hall, president of the Student Veterans of
America Club, shared that the idea for a
Veterans Day flag-raising ceremony had
been in the making for the past year. She
and ninth-trimester DC intern Nick Maio
coordinated the event, with promotional
help from the Student Life office and fellow
students Kristi Mennitto and Amy Gjakova.
They reached out to the Canadian Club to
include Remembrance Day, which is the
same date as Veterans Day each year, and
helped them sell poppies to raise funds for the Canadian
Legion. Hall has received positive feedback from several
people who attended, a number of whom asked if it would
be an annual event. Commander Gallina said he would be
very happy to make that happen.
Surrounded by members of the NYCC
community, Gallina recited WWI Canadian
soldier John McCrea’s touching poem In
Flanders Fields:
In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Hall stated that the Student Veterans of America
Club’s focus is on serving veterans both at the College and
in the surrounding community. She stated, “That is why
we were really happy to connect with the VFW, so we can
become more aware of volunteer opportunities in the
community through that organization.” She is grateful to
the Facilities staff for providing a new flag, all the veterans
on campus for serving our country, and everyone who
came to make the event a success. SC
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
An honor guard from VFW Post 1323 of Seneca Falls
gave a 21-gun salute.
Members of the NYCC campus community gathered for the
Veterans Day flag-raising ceremony on November 11.
Spinal Column
Page 6
November/December 2014
NYCC Hosts SACA Leadership Conference
By Brendan McCann, 7th Trimester DC
I
SEPTEMBER, NYCC PROUDLY
played host to the 11th annual Student
American Chiropractic Association
(SACA) Leadership Conference in
Roanoke, Va., Chiropractic students Deepa
Gulrajani and Brendan McCann (both
seventh trimester) organized the event,
held this year at the Foot Levelers
headquarters, while the College provided
logistical and financial support. In total,
100 students from 14 chiropractic college
campuses attended, including 34 from the
NYCC SACA chapter who travelled
together to the Roanoke valley.
N
The conference featured 15 speakers
from a variety of chiropractic backgrounds,
among them sports, military, management,
academia, and integrative care — each
bringing a unique perspective on leadership
in their own career. Students learned about
the numerous opportunities available to
chiropractors and some of the strengths
that lead to success on those paths.
NYCC was well-represented at this year’s SACA Leadership Conference. At center,
surrounded by NYCC students, faculty, and NYCC President Dr. Frank J. Nicchi are
NYCC alumna Dr. Julie Scarano and Foot Levelers CEO Kent Greenawalt.
Many students also attended the SACA business
meeting, held at the National Chiropractic Legislative
Conference (NCLC) and Leadership each year. As the
student segment of the American Chiropractic
Association, the docket included issues of a national scale
such as health legislation, military affairs, and keeping
chiropractic students connected to each other. Elections
for a new SACA national executive board resulted in
McCann being named National Chair and Gulrajani, Vice
Chair. After a day-long meeting, Foot Levelers CEO Kent
Greenawalt ushered attendees from the different chapters,
leaders, and mentors into his grand Roanoke home for
dinner and drinks in the scenic manor. Providing students
with time to connect socially, the event set a gracious,
genuine, and social tone for the weekend.
working alongside doctors of all professions, Dr. Anthony
Lisi said, “You’ll be surprised how much they want to
learn from you. All doctors tend to like to learn new
things.”
Business Skills
Dr. Nicole Ingrando, of the North Orlando Spine
Center, in Florida, runs a booming clinic thanks to her
sharp business acumen. What does that mean? To her, it
means good communication skills and consistent, positive
clinical results. She emphasized knowing very specifically
what you want to do and why. This shapes how you make
decisions, set priorities, and teach others about your work
and goals. Expounding on the theme, Dr. Sarah Potthoff
taught about various modern business models, like patientcentered
medical
homes
and
accountable-care
organizations, and what leadership skills may complement
them.
VA Residencies
Five chiropractic residency directors from Veterans
Administration hospitals, including NYCC’s own Dr. Paul
Dougherty from the Canandaigua VA and Dr. Andrew
Dunn (NYCC ‘99) from Buffalo, presented on the
opportunities of the residency for newly minted doctors,
and discussed leadership principles used to create the new
positions. Residency offers advanced clinical competency,
and experience required for modern healthcare. Of
Spinal Column
Goal Setting
ACA CEO James Potter presented a workshop on
setting goals in a way that sets you up to truly achieve
them. The SMART goal template is familiar: Goals should
Continued on page 8
Page 7
November/December 2014
be specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and timebound. Todd Reiter, a doctor of both chiropractic and
medicine, had yet another perspective on goals: Just set a
goal, no matter how ridiculous; your immediate instinct is
to begin strategizing how you could accomplish it. It helps
get you started on a road to some ridiculous successes.
As the conference came
to a close, students shared
highlights
from
the
weekend and talked about
goals for themselves and
their campuses in the
coming
year.
The
conversations brought to
mind some of Morgan’s
words: “Leading requires a
spirit of gratitude,” he said,
and talking to those who
attended
this
year’s
leadership conference, it is
a spirit that is not hard to
find.
NYCC Speakers
Dr. Lisa Bloom (NYCC ‘90), currently a doctoral
candidate in leadership studies, worked to build a new
conception of leadership with communication and
collaboration at its core. Dr. Julie Scarano (NYCC ’09)
spoke briefly about being a young female doctor in the
historically male-dominated field of sports chiropractic,
and expressed the importance of having a mentor in
developing your leadership and your career.
Sunday consisted of student-led workshops and a few
final presentations, including one by Dr. William Morgan
of the Walter Reed Military Medical Center. Dr. Morgan
shared stories from his past that emphasized servant
leadership, humility, and pragmatism.
Brendan McCann and Deepa
Gulrajani received plaques of
appreciation for coordinating
the
SACA
Leadership
Conference in September.
We would like to thank our NYCC family for their
support and encouragement in helping the success of the
conference: Dr. Frank J. Nicchi, Diane Dixon, Sue
Ruzicka, Diane Zink, Amanda VanTassel, Cindy Wayne;
and Drs. William Lauretti, Lisa Bloom, Julie Scarano,
William Morgan, and Paul Dougherty. SC
A Helping Hand for a Good Friend
O
N SATURDAY,
NOVEMBER 8, a group of about 30 NYCC
staff, faculty, friends, and family members descended on
the home of Mike Hoover, of the IT Department, to help
cut, split, and stack 30 face cords of firewood. (One face cord is
approximately 8’ x 4’ x 12-18”!) Mike has been out of work since
this past summer, recuperating from a sudden illness. The Hoovers
heat their home with wood, and have been unable to cut and split
the huge logs they’d had delivered. Volunteers provided food and
beverages for the hard-working crew, wood splitters and other
equipment, and three additional loads of split wood. The family is
now set for the upcoming winter.
In addition to the woodcutting, a fundraiser in Mike’s honor
was held on campus in October. Faculty and staff donated money
to help offset some of his medical and living expenses while he’s
out of work. Mike was also able to take advantage of the NYCC
sick bank, which provided 20 sick days of additional time thanks to
the generosity of those who contributed.
Mike says he and his family are humbled by the outpouring of
support from the NYCC community, including all of the cards and
well-wishing they have received during this difficult time. SC
Mike and Charlotte Hoover (center, left) with some of
the 30 NYCC staff, faculty, friends and family
members who cut wood for them on November 8.
Spinal Column
Page 8
November/December 2014
NYCC Athletes Bring Home the Bronze!
N
NYCC STUDENT ATHLETES
received a rousing send-off on
October 29 before embarking on their
journey to Cocoa Beach, Fla., the next day for
the 23rd Chiropractic Games. This marked
NYCC’s 16th year participating in the games. In a
letter to the athletes prior to their trip, NYCC
President Dr. Frank J. Nicchi wrote, “The
Chiropractic Games started in 1992 and have
since become an annual tradition, ranking as one
of the athletic and social highlights of the
academic year for many of the college students
across the nation. These athletic competitions
offer you the student athletes the chance to
meet, compete, socialize and forge friendships
that can last a lifetime.”
INETY
Attendees at the rally — coordinated by
athletes showed support at the Chiropractic Games by attending other
Director of Health & Fitness Education Rhett NYCC
teams’ events when their own wasn’t competing.
Ticconi and Associate VP for Administrative
Services Dick Worden — cheered as Ticconi introduced
NYCC brought home the overall third-place trophy - its
the team captains, who in turn introduced their team
best finish since 2005! Congratulations to all of the
members. Unable to attend due to his travel schedule,
athletes!
Dr. Nicchi wished participants his best via a prerecorded
video. Chartwells and Pepsi provided snacks and beverages
NYCC’s track team lived up to its winning reputation
for the rally and Chelsea Klinger, captain of the track team,
by taking first place for the third year in a row after placing
was the lucky winner of a 48” TV donated by Pepsi!
in the top three in 2010 and 2011. Congratulations,
Captain Chelsea Klinger and team members Matthew
Caulfield, Matthew Henly, Brendan McCann, and Rebecca
Pierotti! Captains Jessica Kowalski and Siobhan
McDonagh led the women’s basketball team to a secondplace victory – its best since finishing third in 2000. The
women’s soccer team followed suit, finishing second with
Stephanie Kahler as captain – its best since placing in the
top three at the 2003 and 2004 games.
Accompanied by Ticconi and Worden, the group
arrived in Cocoa Beach late Thursday, October 30. Friday
was a day of meetings and other preparations for the
games, with some time left over for the beach, relaxing,
and getting to know competitors from the other 13
participating chiropractic colleges. The competitions
started Saturday morning and, following a social on
Saturday, continued on Sunday until the closing ceremony.
For the fourth consecutive year,
the swimming team placed in several
events. Captain Robin McDowell
came in second in the 100-meter
freestyle as well as the 50- and 100meter backstroke; Harmony Bell was
third in the 50-meter freestyle;
Benjamin Hosler took third in the 50meter butterfly; and Emily Mickle
took third in the 100-meter freestyle.
The medley-relay team also succeeded
in taking third place. The men’s
basketball team earned third place,
with Arturo Aldarondo as captain –
the first time the College’s team has
Chiro Games athletes and their fans enjoyed a rousing send-off in the North Dining Hall the
day before departure.
Spinal Column
Page 9
Continued on page 10
November/December 2014
placed since 2003! The tennis team, with Jennifer Briggs
as captain, came in fourth — the closest it has coming to
winning a medal since 2007, when it took first place.
NYCC teams also competed in the following events:
softball — Shane Gallaher, captain; beach volleyball —
Cheyne Ashline, captain; golf — Antonio Perez and
Meaghan Brown, captains; and men’s soccer — Alex
Swartz, captain. For next year, NYCC is signed up to
participate in flag football, hockey and table tennis, which
will increase our odds of finishing in the top two.
Ticconi, who joined NYCC this past summer, was
impressed by the dedication of NYCC’s athletes, practicing
twice a week beginning in July and continuing until
departure. “You could see from the time and effort the
students put into this — from meetings with the captains
to the amount of time they practiced — that this was not a
vacation for them,” he said. “They took it seriously enough
that there was no need for a curfew. Saturday and Sunday
were all business.” Worden agreed, expressing that NYCC
students “stand above” and that he and Ticconi received
comments in Cocoa Beach about the high level of
professionalism our students displayed. They also enjoyed
meeting up with former NYCC Director of Health &
Fitness Education Tony Petroccia, who retired in June
NYCC’s track team took first place at the Chiro Games in
November. Team members are (from left) Matthew Henly,
Chelsea Klinger (captain), Brendan McCann, Rebecca Pierotti,
and Matthew Caulfield.
and, having been intimately involved in the Chiro Games
since the College began participating, coordinated this
year’s event for Space Coast Sports Promotions.
Visit www.facebook.com/nycchealthfitness for more
photos. SC
Domestic Violence Awareness
O
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS
Month, and NYCC students and did their best to
bring the issue to the fore with a display and the
collection of hygiene products for donation to the Seneca
County Domestic Violence Program. The event was
organized by Amy Gjacova, who, prior to matriculating at
NYCC, worked in the psychology field and gained
experience with victims of domestic violence. Sharon
Pinckney, executive director of the program, brought
drawings done by a victim as part of her therapy.
CTOBER IS
For additional information, or if you feel you or
someone you know is a victim, you are encouraged to
contact Counseling Services at 315-568-3064; Holly Waye,
Title IX coordinator, at [email protected] or 315-568-3055;
or Sharon Pinckney at [email protected]; or the
Domestic Violence hotline at 315-539-1607. SC
Above (l-r), Alicia Saunders, Amy Gjacova, Jordan Estrada
and Nicolas Aunkst with their domestic violence awareness
display in the Main Lobby in October.
Spinal Column
Page 10
November/December 2014
Research Corner
…keeping the NYCC community informed about what is going on in the world of Research.
 SAVE THE DATE: Tuesday, January 27, and Thursday,
January 29, 2015, from 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., for the
18th Annual NYCC Research Symposium.
Compatible Electro-Pneumatic Device for Delivering a
Painful Pressure Stimulus over the Lumbar Spine.”
 The Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics
has accepted for publication a manuscript submitted by
Drs. Terry Koo, Jing-Yi Guo, Christina Ippolito and
Jamie Bedle titled “Assessment of Scoliotic Deformity
Using Spinous Processes: Comparison of Different
Analysis Methods of an Ultrasonographic System.”
 The Somatosensory and Motor Research Journal has accepted
for publication a manuscript submitted by Drs. Owen
Papuga, Jeanmarie Burke, and Paul Dougherty titled
“The Reliability of a Novel Magnetic Resonance
For more details on the Research Symposium or to find out about research projects,
stay tuned to the Research Corner, call Anne Smith at 315-568-3868, or stop by the Research Building.
CCDPS On the Move
My Cool Space
Above, seventh-trimester DC and CCDPS work/study student
Jayde Gray explains the Chiropractic Economics 2014 Salary and
Expense Survey to first-trimester DC student Brett Hodshon.
Above (from left), seventh-trimester DC students David
Corasaniti, Zachary Edmonds, Eric Wolk and Warren Carr enjoy
their “cool space.”
O
I
OCTOBER 19, THE CENTER FOR CAREER
Development and Professional Success hosted a
poster display of the Chiropractic Economics
Magazine 2014 Salary and Expense Survey. This annual
survey highlights some of the key financial topics
impacting the chiropractic profession. Students attending
the event received a “snapshot” overview of these topics
that can be used in formulating future practice plans.
N THE OCTOBER ISSUE, THE SPINAL COLUMN
started
“My Cool Space” to find out where on campus
students, faculty and staff enjoy spending their
unstructured time. We recently caught up with seventhtrimester DC students David Corasaniti, Zachary
Edmonds, Eric Wolk, and Warren Carr in the Museum
Lobby of the Administration Building.
N
Why this space? It’s got a TV and is close to the
Servery, so it’s a good place to wait while your food is
cooking on the grill. SC
During the Winter trimester, the CCDPS will host a
CareerFest on January 22, Dr. Nicole Ingrando on
February 5, On the Move February 19 and March 12, and
SCORE on March 26. Stay tuned for details! SC
Spinal Column
Page 11
November/December 2014
Welcome, New Employees!
C
SMITH is the new
office assistant at the
Campus Health Center. The
daughter
of
Sonya
Smith,
administrative assistant in the
Registrar’s office, Colleen was born
and raised in Seneca Falls and
graduated from Mynderse Academy,
where she was on the softball and
basketball teams. She attended
Colleen Smith
Finger Lakes Community College,
where she also played basketball, and is in the process of
completing a Bachelor of Science in Childhood Education
online through Everest University. For the past five years,
she was a preschool teacher at Seneca County Head Start,
in Seneca Falls. She and her 3-year-old son, Cashius, live in
Seneca Falls and enjoy spending time together. Colleen is
on a bowling league and is also teaching Cashius how to
bowl. She can be reached at [email protected] or 315-5683164.
water, as well as all types of music, especially jazz and
blues. He is also certified as a clinical hypnosis practitioner
and life coach.
OLLEEN
Thompson’s office is located in the AAESS suite on
the lower level of the Library/Anatomy building. He can
be reached at [email protected] or 315-568-3123. To
make an appointment, please call his assistant, Dawn
Stedge, at 315-568-3064.
THE HUMAN RESOURCES office
recently welcomed SHELLEY
BOWMAN as the new HR
Assistant. She comes to us from
Geneva General Hospital, where
she was a medical transcriptionist
for 24 years. Shelley and her
husband, Ken, live in Seneca
Falls and have two grown
children: Adam, 25, who is
Shelley Bowman
married; and Kendra, 21, a senior
at SUNY Oswego. They also have a Lab mix named
Tucker. In her spare time, Shelley enjoys cooking, baking,
crafting, and bowling in a fun league. She can be reached at
[email protected] or 315-568-3303.
PETER THOMPSON has joined
NYCC as director of the
Academy
for
Academic
Excellence and Student Success
(AAESS).
Originally
from
Philadelphia, Pa., he holds a
Master’s in Counseling and
Human Relations from Villanova
University and is currently
completing
an
Education
Doctoral Degree in Human
Peter Thompson, MS
Development at the Warner
School of Education at the University of Rochester.
Thompson was a school counselor in the Philadelphia area
for ten years, serving as director of the district-wide crisis
intervention team and the student assistance program. An
avid swimmer and former water-polo player during his
undergraduate years at the University of Richmond, he has
coached swimming at all levels. In addition, he has taught
graduate education courses at Niagara University as well as
sports science, stress management, and alcohol and drug
use and abuse education at Ursine College, in
Pennsylvania. For the past eight years, he was the head
men’s and women’s swimming coach at the University of
Rochester. The topic of Thompson’s research for his
doctorate is positive psychology interventions (best
motivational practices), for adolescents and young adults.
BILLY JEAN POLLOCK is the new
Office Assistant at the Seneca
Falls Health Center. Billy was born
in Watertown, N.Y., and grew up
in Sandy Creek. For seven years
prior to joining NYCC, she
worked in medical transcription,
with a brief stint in patient
registration for an emergency
room. She is currently completing
a bachelor’s degree in healthcare
Billy Jean Pollock
management and plans to further
her education with a master’s degree focusing on nonprofit
management.
Billy and Tim, her husband of 14 years, have three
children: Abigail, 11; Aaron, 9; and Johnathan, 7. Now
living in Seneca Falls, the family also has three English
bulldogs and a miniature pinscher mix that they rescued,
not to mention a rabbit and four guinea pigs that started
out as a 4H project and have since become permanent
family members.
Thompson currently lives in Pittsford N.Y. In his
spare time, he enjoys reading, sports, bicycle riding, and
Spinal Column
(Continued on page 13)
Page 12
November/December 2014
When not working, Billy loves to do anything outside
and nature-related, and also loves to knit. Four years ago,
her family started a homestead in Mannsville, N.Y., with
goats, chickens, ducks, and gardens in order to become as
self-sufficient as possible. They plan to do the same thing
in this area and continue their goals toward selfsufficiency. Billy can be reached at [email protected], or
315-568-3166.
career. He attended Touro College in New York City,
where his instructors included current FLSAOM faculty
members Kevin Ergil, LAc, MS; Marnae Ergil, LAc, MS;
and Kathy Taromina, LAc, MS. After completing his
master’s in Oriental medicine in the fall of 2005, he spent
two months as a volunteer acupuncturist in India and,
upon his return, opened a private practice with offices in
Brooklyn and Manhattan. He now welcomes the
opportunity to blend his love for academics and clinical
practice.
MICHAEL PINGICER, MSOM,
LAc, has joined the faculty of the
Finger
Lakes
School
of
Acupuncture
and
Oriental
Medicine of NYCC, where he is
overseeing students in the
Campus Health Center part-time
until January 1, when he will be a
full-time assistant professor,
teaching Clinical Skills II and
Michael Pingicer,
Treatment of Painful Conditions,
MSOM, LAc
and continuing to supervise
students at the Campus Health Center.
Pingicer and his wife, Kelly have settled in Seneca
Falls for the time being and are expecting their first child
— a daughter — in mid-December. Outside of work,
Pingicer enjoys photography, meditation, riding his bike,
playing soccer and tennis, and cooking with his wife. His
office is located in Academic 3, Room 207, and he can be
reached at [email protected] or 315-568-3314.
SEPTEMBER HERGERT recently
joined NYCC as a faculty secretary.
Originally from Geneva, she was
raised there and in Waterloo, where
she now lives. September holds an
Associate in Human Services from
Finger Lakes Community College
and worked for 12 years in the
September Hergert
International Export Department at
ITT Goulds Pumps. She and her husband, Jason, have
four children: Ashley, 20; Giovanna, 14; Kallista, 11; and
Dylan, 5. Dogs Angel and Bentley, and cats Skittles and
Mitsy, complete the family. In her spare time, September
enjoys yoga and walking. Her office is in Academic 1,
Room 204, and she can be reached at [email protected]
or (315) 568-3205. SC
Born in Perth Amboy, N.J., and raised primarily in
Rhode Island, Pingicer entered The College of William and
Mary, in Williamsburg, Va., with aspirations of becoming a
doctor or medical researcher, but later changed his major
to anthropology with a minor in chemistry with the
intention of becoming an academic. While there, he
became a self-taught photographer and, after completing
his bachelor’s degree, moved to New York City, where he
did freelance editorial and commercial photography and
worked in a photo archive.
Still interested in medicine, a positive experience with
acupuncture influenced his decision to pursue it as a
Harvest Luncheon
Costume Contest
S
COUNCIL ONCE AGAIN HOSTED a
Harvest Luncheon for staff and faculty on
Friday, October 31. This year’s event was
coordinated by committee chair Angela Thomas.
TAFF
At right, from left, Pat Watters, Kathi
Colella, Melodie Loughney, Sabrina Barilla, Bill
Valois, and Jason Wright, LAc, added to the life
of the party with their imaginative costumes.
Thanks to Kathi Colella, who won the costume
contest as Judge Judy, her department will enjoy
a luncheon by Chartwells. SC
Spinal Column
Page 13
November/December 2014
D
ecember
Students
1
2
4
5
6
Nicholas Aunkst
Alexandra Morando
Shannon Keiper
Matthew Duray
Abby Dante
Reni Fairman
Alexa Veeder
8 Alex Allard
Tara Flor
Kirsten Gilmour
9 Kellsie Davis
10 Garrett Abadom
Victor Abadom
Wade Branstetter
Harpreet Ghuman
Robert Guzzo
11 Salvatore Fantauzzo
11 Antonio Perez
12 Nadege Hoeper
Minh Dao Nguyen
13 Oliver Grover
Timothy Moller
14 Allison Heffron
Joshua Kramarenko
David Tucker
Ariel Wachowiak
15 Kristopher Bright
Cory Marone
16 James Flood
17 Chantal Ali
Connor Robertson
18 Roger Mitchell
19 Aaron Barnhart
19
20
22
23
24
26
27
28
29
30
31
Holly Snyder
Eric Perez
Bradley McAdam
Alyssa Hickey
William Mitchell
Dzmitry Dadonau
Noble Thomas
Francesca Aliberti
Derek Moore
Scott Allen
John Colon Velazquez
Stephanie Kahler
Brandon Nadeau
Jane Pavalkis
Sarah Moreau
Nicolette Olree
Faculty & Staff
1
Daniel Bailey
Colleen Smith
3 Michael Penkin
5 John Bailey
Christina Knapp
David Petters
Samantha Sessler
8 Melissa Baxter
Brenda Bedell
10 Michael Millis
11 Lisa Bloom
Spinal Column
12 Christine Cunningham
13 Paul Katz
14 Karen Gana
Christina Ippolito
15 Peter Nickless
16 Dorothy Anthony
Joyce Lichtenbeerger
18 Margaret Gonzalez
Patricia Merkle
19 John D’Amico
20 Carla Martin
Page 14
20 Peter Thompson
Veronica Wicks
23 David Aberant
Amy Simolo
Diane Zink
25 Jeffrey Cohen
Julie Murante
26 Michael Hoover
27 Ralph Mangels
29 Cynthia Wayne
Matthew Zdilla
November/December 2014
Spinal Column
Page 15
November/December 2014
Spinal Column
Page 16
November/December 2014
Spinal Column
Page 17
November/December 2014
Spinal Column
Page 18
November/December 2014
Spinal Column
Page 19
November/December 2014
Spinal Column
Page 20
November/December 2014
Spinal Column
Page 21
November/December 2014
Spinal Column
Page 22
November/December 2014
Spinal Column
Page 23
November/December 2014