Logan University President H. Garrett Thompson, DC, PhD will present the 2025 Spirit of Logan Distinguished Alumni Award to Lori Bents, DC (’84) and Patrick Montgomery, DC (’76), MS (’15), LCP, FASA, FICC, Logan professor during Logan’s Symposium 2025 May 1-3 on campus.
The Spirit of Logan Distinguished Alumni Award is the highest distinction bestowed upon an alumnus for making a significant, lasting impact on Logan. Winners are selected based on leadership, philanthropy, industry achievement and service.
Dr. Lori Bents
In addition to providing chiropractic care for more than 40 years, Dr. Bents has given back to Logan and the profession.
“I was on a pre-pharmacy track while earning my bachelor’s degree,” Dr. Bents said. “I decided to visit a chiropractor nearby and after the discussion, I knew this profession was my calling.”
Dr. Bents was able to meet Logan’s fifth president, Beatrice B. Hagen, DC (’40). Dr. Hagen was confident Dr. Bents would choose Logan’s Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) program, and she was right.
“My time as a Logan student was excellent, from the phenomenal instructors to the wonderful clinical experience,” Dr. Bents said. “I was also fortunate to help cut the ribbon during the dedication for the Montgomery Health Center.”
After graduating, Dr. Bents completed a research residency in Logan Basic Technique, practiced in Hayward, Wisconsin, and taught at Northwestern University. She then established Bents Chiropractic P.C. in 1989 in Newport News, Virginia, and opened another practice, Bents Chiropractic Center S.C., eight years later in Wisconsin. Now Dr. Bents is the Wisconsin state representative for the International Chiropractic Association and a member of the Wisconsin Chiropractic Association. Her connections to Logan have remained strong.
“One way I have contributed was launching the Dr. Lori Bents Scholarship for Logan Doctor of Chiropractic students,” she said. “I received scholarships that made a big difference, so I wanted to give back in the same way.”
Dr. Patrick Montgomery
Dr. Montgomery has been immersed in the chiropractic profession since childhood. His father, Dale C. Montgomery, DC (‘46) was a long-time anatomy instructor at Logan.
“I grew up with Logan and the chiropractic profession,” Dr. Montgomery said. “I knew all the teachers, and I was raised to show great respect for DCs.”
After earning his DC degree, he opened his first practice while assisting his father and D.P. Casey, DC, former Logan dean and vice president at their practices. He was also involved with Logan’s Alumni Association.
“While on the Alumni Association Board of Directors, Logan’s Board of Trustees asked us for support funding the construction of the Montgomery Health Center, named in honor of my father,” Dr. Montgomery said. “Our Building Committee led the fundraising team that raised $3.3 million.”
Other highlights of Dr. Montgomery’s career include serving as president of the Missouri Chiropractic Physicians Association, helping lead efforts to add chiropractic care to Missouri’s Medicaid program, and fostering a 20-year partnership between Logan and the St. Louis Scottish Games and Cultural Festival. He has also found it rewarding to help students contribute to the profession and involve them in the political process for chiropractic legislation.
“I’ve mentored countless students as a professor,” Dr. Montgomery said. “I’ve shared the Logan Basic Technique with students and professionals nationwide at other institutions, seminars and conferences for more than 45 years.”
Dr. Montgomery remains involved in the industry. He is president of the American Chiropractic Association Council on Women’s Health and past president of the Association for the History of Chiropractic and the Faculty American Chiropractic Association, among other affiliations and accolades.
Register for Symposium 2025 here and view the award presentation information here.