Graduation Awards

Awards available to Year IV students approaching graduation.

Value: $500

In tribute to the memory of Dr. David Artis, this award is given to a student who has demonstrated an understanding of what it means to be a Chiropractor.  As one of the first chiropractors of colour in the 1960s, Dr. Artis made a lasting impression on his patients, the community he served, and the chiropractors that knew him.  He constantly strived to inspire and mentor fellow doctors, deliver neurologically-based care, and spread the message and importance of principled chiropractic and living a chiropractic lifestyle. It is open to graduating students who submit an autobiographical sketch and an essay (250-700 words) on the topic, “What it means to be a Principled Chiropractor in the historical context and in relation to present-day practice.”

Value: $750

The Board of Governors’ Chair’s Award is presented to a graduating student who has represented the student body in discussions and dealings with the administration and the Board of Governors while maintaining a satisfactory academic record.

Value: $500 + 1 year OCA membership

This award was established by the Ontario Chiropractic Association to recognize Dr. Michael Brickman’s dedication to students. The award is presented annually to the graduating student identified by their peers as best exemplifying the traits of passion, dedication and enthusiasm for the chiropractic profession as well as outstanding proficiency in adjusting techniques. It includes a one year membership in the Ontario Chiropractic Association.

Value: $500

Dr. Douglas Brown graduated from CMCC in 1955 and provided distinguished service to CMCC and the chiropractic profession as a member, and then as Chair of the CMCC Board of Governors. He was a long time and dedicated supporter and volunteer for all of CMCC’s fundraising activities; President of the Canadian Chiropractic Historical Association; and the most published historical researcher in Canada. This award, established by CMCC in honour of Dr. Brown, is presented to a graduating student who maintains a CGPA of 3.0 while demonstrating exceptional dedication and exemplary contributions to CMCC and the chiropractic profession.

Value: $300

The Chiropractic College of Radiologists (Canada) gives this award to recognize a student who has demonstrated a thorough understanding of clinical and radiological entities, as demonstrated by having the greatest number of correct submissions in the X-ray Case of the Week Contest.

Value: $500

The President’s Award is presented to a graduating student who, in addition to having obtained high academic and clinical standing, has made an outstanding contribution to CMCC life over the four years of study.

Value: $300

This award is presented to the student who has demonstrated excellence in rehabilitation as part of their clinical internship.

Value: $750 + 1 year CCPA membership

In recognition of both his 28 years leading the Canadian Chiropractic Protective Association and his unshakeable support of CMCC and the chiropractic profession, this award was established to honour Dr. Paul Carey. The award will be presented to a Year IV student with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.3 who has held a leadership position through which they have partnered with CMCC faculty and/or administration to develop new initiatives or programs that enhance the student experience, the curriculum, or the chiropractic profession.

Value: $500

The Class of 1980 established this scholarship to recognize a CMCC graduating student who has been accepted into the CMCC Graduate Studies program and who through their undergraduate studies has demonstrated a commitment to excellence in chiropractic and expresses a desire to further that through teaching and/or research. This person will have demonstrated leadership skills and a willingness to advocate for the profession and patients.

Value: $500

The Grad Fund of the Class of 2000 established this scholarship to recognize the perseverance of a graduating student who, over the course of their education at CMCC, has overcome exceptional personal adversity, and continued to be an active member of their class.

Value: $500

The Class of 2003, remembered for being the first graduating class to complete the integrated curriculum, established this award at the time of their graduation. The award is given to a student who has taken a leadership role in creating a new initiative that has benefited or will benefit the students at CMCC. The ideal candidate is a person who leads the way for others in a selfless manner and may be viewed as the “unsung hero” of the class.

Value: $500

The College of Chiropractic Sciences (Canada) Award honours Dr. Glenn Engel, a founding member of the CCS, for his dedication to clinical sciences, patient-centred care and chiropractic education. This goes to a graduating student who has been accepted into the Clinical Sciences Graduate Studies Program. The recipient will have demonstrated a commitment to exceptional, evidence-informed patient care, and an interest in research and peer mentoring.

Value: $750

Dr. R. D. Farnsworth, Class of 1951, was a dedicated lifelong learner and an accomplished chiropractor who provided care to anyone in need. He had a deep respect and appreciation for the chiropractic adjustment to heal his patients.

This award is presented to a graduating student who has attained the highest score in the Meta-competency Outcome (MCO) of Adjustment/Manipulation, used to evaluate Year IV interns. This signifies outstanding skills in employing adjustment and manipulation techniques to address joint and neurophysiologic dysfunction and reflects proficiency in applying clinical knowledge, cognitive understanding, and psychomotor skills.

Value: $1000

This memorial to Dr. Andrea Fefferman was created by family, friends, colleagues, and patients who were touched by her warmth, generosity, and nurturing spirit. Dr. Fefferman graduated from CMCC in 1987 and practiced in Ottawa for 25 years. Her dedication to others helped make her a profoundly effective healer, a loving and devoted mother, an exemplary role model, and above all a true and loyal friend. She is perhaps remembered best by her patients, family and friends for her smile, which could light up a life. The awards committee selects a student who best demonstrates how the applicant has aspired to help others reach their goals and potential.

Value: $500

Dr. Hoskins was a founding member and Secretary of the Board of Governors of CMCC. Dr. Sommacal was a founding member and Chair of the Board of Governors. In appreciation of their contributions, this award is presented by CMCC to an intern who has shown outstanding proficiency in Clinical Education.

Value: $500

Brian Ferguson, MD, Celina White, MD and Silvano Mior, DC, PhD have established the Interprofessional Collaborative Patient Care Award. This award was created in the true spirit of interprofessional collaboration as exemplified by their professional careers and recognizes excellence in patient diagnosis, care, education and research.

It is presented to a student from the graduating class who demonstrates a high academic standing, practices patient centred and collaborative care, engages in their community through participation in outreach activities and has demonstrated a keen interest in interprofessional collaboration research or process.

Value: $300

Grad Fund ’91 established a trust fund in memory of classmate Dr. Stéphane Julien. An award is presented to the graduating student who, during the course of study at CMCC, has demonstrated great dedication to helping other students in academics or technique.

Value: $500

This award was established through donations from the Students’ Council, faculty, and staff of CMCC in memory of Dr. Robert Kilgannon. The recipient is in good academic standing and exhibits the following qualities: good rapport with patients, including a capacity to instill confidence, and a commitment to education.

Value: $300

The Class of ’83 established an award in appreciation of the leadership and inspiration imparted by Dr. Ron King, a former faculty member and Clinic Director at CMCC. It is given on the basis of excellence in clinical chiropractic diagnostic skills.

Value: $500

In recognition of the long standing devotion of Dr. Herbert Lee as evidenced by his academic, clinical, voluntary and altruistic contributions to CMCC for over 55 years, this award is given to a graduating student who has consistently demonstrated dedication to the CMCC community through involvement in a variety of endeavours.

Value: $500

This award was established in memory of Dr. Bruce Makos, a great husband, father, grandfather, colleague, leader in the chiropractic profession and the public at large, by Grad Fund ’91, his family and friends. The award is given to a graduating student who has displayed the same attributes as Dr. Makos did in terms of leadership, dedication and a sincere desire to help both their fellow classmates and the profession.

Value: $500

Established by her family, this award honours the memory of Dr. Jane Mannington, a valued faculty member whose enthusiasm and encouragement helped female students strive for excellence. The recipient is a female graduating student who has maintained a good academic standing and who has given outstanding service to CMCC and the profession.

Value: $500

Dr. Mitchell, Class of 1970, a board-certified chiropractic radiologist (DACBR and FCCR(C)) practiced for over 30 years in the BC Interior, treating many patients from farming, forestry, and mining industries. He was a strong advocate for the use of X-rays when needed to rule out pathologies and other structural anomalies prior to managing his patients. This award is presented to a BC graduating student who has received the highest overall grade in diagnostic imaging.

Value: $500

In recognition of the significant contribution made by Mr. Jim Morrison to the educational experience of students at CMCC during his 20 years as CMCC’s Registrar, the Awards Committee selects a student who has made a significant contribution to student life in an unassuming, altruistic and diligent manner.

Value: $5000 maximum

Funded through the generous support of CMCC members, alumni and supporters, the Jean A. Moss Fellowship ensures that the next generation of young alumni/ae and emerging chiropractors can continue the legacy of Dr. Moss’ leadership in global health and community development. Each year, Year IV students in the DC program will be invited to submit proposals for the fellowship. If the proposal is successful, one graduating student will be awarded a one-time fellowship of up to $5000 to support their participation in a global health and community development initiative.

Value: $500 + 1 year OCA membership

An award including a one year membership in the Ontario Chiropractic Association is presented to an Ontario graduating student. The Awards Committee selects the recipient based on the following criteria: successful completion of the program with a good academic record, as well as demonstration of outstanding leadership and service to CMCC and the student body.

Value: $500

Made possible through generous donations by administration, staff and faculty, this award is given in recognition of the valuable services rendered by the support staff of CMCC, as exemplified by Marilyn Phillips, a former employee in the Accounting Department. The Awards Committee selects as the recipient a student who has shown leadership and service to the student body and CMCC.

Value: $500

The Royal College of Chiropractic Sports Sciences (Canada) Award goes to a CMCC graduating student who has been accepted or is seeking acceptance into either the Sports Sciences graduate program at CMCC or a university based sports sciences residency program, who has demonstrated significant contribution to the sporting community and has attained a high academic standing.

Value: $500

The Students’ Council grants this award in appreciation of Dr. Sutherland’s dedication and contribution to the advancement of CMCC during his term as President. The Awards Committee selects as the recipient a student who has maintained a high academic average during the four years, while being active in student affairs and demonstrating leadership and initiative.

Value: $500

Friends, family members, CMCC staff and faculty, and CUPE Local 4773, established this scholarship in memory of Dr. Oryst Swyszcz who was widely recognized not only for his kind and generous presence, but also for the contributions he made to embedding integrated learning into the Doctor of Chiropractic program. A coach and mentor to many students, his sage advice on keeping the patient at the centre of chiropractic care remains among the most valuable of lessons he taught to generations of CMCC students. This scholarship is awarded to a graduating student who demonstrated significant progress in the provision of patient centred care, while embodying the values of grace, humour and kindness, during their clinical internship.

Value: $250 + 1 year CCPA membership

Dr. Watkins served the chiropractic profession faithfully and honourably for more than 33 years. Following a successful career as a caring practitioner, Dr. Watkins had the distinction of having held office as Executive Director for The Canadian Chiropractic Association (CCA) and the Canadian Chiropractic Protective Association (CCPA). The CCA and CCPA have created this award to honour his distinguished service to the profession. Candidates will be graduates with strong academic standing who have demonstrated an interest in the Students’ Council and/or Student Canadian Chiropractic Association. 

Value: $500 + 1 year OCA membership

The late Dr. Vern Welsh was an active member of the Board of Directors of the Ontario Chiropractic Association (OCA) and a loyal supporter of CMCC. The award includes a one year membership in the OCA. The recipient must be an Ontario resident who has achieved academic excellence in the subject area of diagnostic imaging.

Value: $500

This award is presented to a graduate who plans to establish a practice in the Toronto/York Peel region. The Awards Committee selects the recipient based on the following criteria: a good academic record, an altruistic attitude, good rapport with patients, and a record of volunteer service.