October 30, 2023

A tribute to my friend Dr. Gerry Clum, from Dr. Carl S. Cleveland III

The first time I met Dr. Gerry Clum was in 1981 at a Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE) meeting. We were both youngsters among the chiropractic leadership of that day. Dr. Gerry was just 28 years old, and the new president of Life West, and I was 35, and Vice President of Cleveland Chiropractic College Kansas City. Reflecting back on the four decades of working together, I am honored that our paths so often crossed. It has been quite a journey.

Gerry set an example as a most respected statesman and effective leader for this profession and his many accomplishments included…

• Special acknowledgement at his Palmer College commencement in 1973 for seeing the most clinic patients during his senior internship.

• Served as Palmer faculty upon graduation, and then as a charter member of the inaugural faculty at Life Chiropractic College in Atlanta.

• Appointed as the founding president of Life West and successfully achieved CCE accreditation, then later served as an officer of CCE.

• Relocated Life West’s campus from the San Lorenzo site to the internationally recognized chiropractic educational complex in Hayward, California.

• Served as founding member and incorporator of the Association of Chiropractic Colleges, later becoming its president and initiating the Chiro Loan program, filling a gap in financial aid which allowed thousands of students across all chiropractic colleges to complete their education.

• Served on the Board of Directors of the International Chiropractors Association, and was a founding member of World Federation of Chiropractic, having passed through all of the chairs including its President, making a profound impact on the chiropractic profession at the global level.

• Served as spokesperson and member of the Board of Directors of the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress.

• Contributed significantly to chiropractic through countless research studies, thought pieces, and as co-author of the 2009 book “Chiropractic Peace” with Drs. Reed Phillips and Ashley Cleveland.

My father and mentor Carl Cleveland Jr. D.C., had tremendous respect for Dr. Clum, and trust in his untiring commitment to the core principles and concepts that make chiropractic unique among the healing arts professions. And, I too, share that respect for Dr. Gerry, as do the thousands of Life West graduates that are today caring for patients around the world.

In 2022, Dr. Clum celebrated five decades of service to the chiropractic profession since his Palmer graduation in 1973. He did more in those five decades than most could do in two life-times.

I will truly miss Dr. Clum’s leadership, his tireless commitment to the importance and value of a specific chiropractic adjustment and its significance in the restoration of health, well-being and vitality. Most of all, I will miss his friendship.

So many will join me in mourning the passing of this brilliant, kind giant in the chiropractic profession, and I am personally grateful to have known and worked alongside Gerry. May we all leave such an enormous legacy.

Carl S. Cleveland III, DC

President Cleveland University–Kansas City

Chiropractic and Health Sciences