Logan University is proud to announce that Richard M. Bruns, DC (’80), Norman W. Kettner, DC (’80), DACBR, FICC, and William D. Purser, DC (’53) are the inaugural recipients of the Spirit of Logan Distinguished Alumni Award. The award represents the highest distinction bestowed upon an alumnus for their accomplishments and for making a significant, lasting difference to Logan.
The inaugural winners were selected by the University based on the criteria of leadership, philanthropy, industry achievement and service. “This prestigious award formally recognizes individuals whose exemplary accomplishments, service and commitment have brought credit to Logan as well as the chiropractic community and profession,” said Logan President Clay McDonald, DC (’82), MBA, JD.
Each winner received a bronze medallion featuring Logan founder Hugh B. Logan and the Tower, engraved with the recipient’s name and year of the award. Drs. Bruns, Kettner and Purser were formally recognized at the Symposium Awards & Scholarships Luncheon on Friday, September 17, 2021, at the Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark.
Presenting the 2021 Winners:
Dr. Richard M. Bruns has dedicated his career to progressing chiropractic and championing the equality of health care. Through his leadership as past chairman of the American Chiropractic Association, past president of the Maine Chiropractic Association and government appointments to health committees, organizations and foundations, he has contributed significantly to legislative efforts to advance chiropractic and improve access for patients. Dr. Bruns is also a past member of Logan’s Board of Trustees. “It’s always been about the patient,” he said. “Any time I see a patient discriminated against because they chose chiropractic care makes me more motivated to continue. I’ve been in practice for 41 years, and I don’t plan to stop practicing or fighting for this profession any time soon.”
Dr. Norman W. Kettner, dean of research and professor emeritus at Logan, has worked tirelessly to further the field of chiropractic through research. Most notably, he’s spent the past two decades collaborating with researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital, the largest teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School, to study the neuroscience underlying integrative approaches to health care. The interdisciplinary collaboration has produced more than two dozen papers published in a variety of prestigious journals, including groundbreaking studies on acupuncture, chronic pain and spinal manipulation. His work has directly benefitted students, improved patient care and clinical outcomes, and profoundly impacted health care imaging nationwide. “Research is key to advancing our profession,” Dr. Kettner said. “When I looked around earlier in my career, I saw we lacked a high level of scholarship and research, and I knew immediately I wanted to dedicate my career to contributing in that direction.”
Click here to read Dr. Kettner’s remarks upon receiving the award.
Dr. William D. Purser has a long legacy of philanthropic support of Logan University. His contributions to scholarships over the years have made an invaluable difference to generations of students and will continue to do so in the future. He has also made significant contributions to Logan campaigns and capital improvement projects, including the William D. Purser, DC Center. “Dr. Purser represents the gold standard of giving from the heart,” Dr. McDonald said. “He’s given because he loves Logan and cares about students and the quality of their education.”
Congratulations, Drs. Purser, Kettner and Bruns!