The George Arvidson Award for Meritorious Service to Chiropractic
74th Annual Congress
Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards
May 6, 2000
Seattle, Washington

Overview: This award is the Federation's highest individual honor. Named for FCLB Past President Dr. George Arvidson of Minnesota, it recognizes integrity, service, sacrifice, vision, and commitment in the arena of chiropractic licensure.

The George Arvidson Award for Meritorious Service to Chiropractic was created by the Federation in 1992 to honor the integrity and service of a man whose entire life stood proudly for chiropractic.

George believed in the political process, and he believed in the obligation of each doctor to sacrifice to better the profession.

He balanced gentleness and human compassion with tough actions against those whose practiced outside law or regulation.

He had a dream, a vision for the Federation, and no one could have been prouder than he was when we moved into a new era of professional service to licensure in the past ten years.

This is the Federation's highest individual honor.

The selection of the recipient is made thoughtfully and with joy as we continue to keep alive the dreams of George Arvidson, the gentle man with the great heart, the radiant smile, and the deep love for chiropractic.

Each year, a right choice clearly emerges to uphold the honor represented by this prestigious award. This year is no exception.

Our 1993 award began the tradition with Don Petersen. The quality of his support for licensure is undiminished.

The 1994 winner, Dr. Rex Wright of Kansas, combined both current and past service. He enriched our history with what he gave, and our present with his bold vision for tomorrow.

In 1995, the award went to the man to whom George had passed the torch of FCLB leadership - with confidence that he would make the dream they shared together come true - Dr. Brent Owens of Florida.

In 1996 the award went to co-winners, Drs. Paul M. Tullio and Frank G. Hideg, Jr., for their combined regulatory service and their untiring efforts to secure a sound future for the our organization.

1997 focused on Canada's humble and relentlessly dedicated visionary, Dr. Daniel Saint Germain. In 1998, Dr. Peter D. Ferguson was honored, not just for what he has given regulation but also for the call he has answered - and what he has yet to contribute to national service.

1999 sent the award around the world to Australia, where Dr. Ed Devereaux has
shaped the Australian regulatory story with his passionate commitment to public protection.

The dawning of the new millennium in 2000 presents yet another opportunity to shine a light upon a man who has sacrificed much for chiropractic licensure and regulation.

This year's winner is nearing the half century mark in his professional career.

The twinkle in his eye and easy smile might come from 33 years of successful private practice, or perhaps from having a loving wife and many, many friends.

On the other hand, it might be from a great golf game. Or it might emanate from ten years of distinguished service on his regulatory board, followed by an additional 16 years of special consultant status.

As dedicated to his profession as he is to public protection, he has always understood that law is the most fundamental underpinning of health care. He invested ten years as legislative chair for his national association.

He rose to the top leadership position in both his state and national associations, where he was recognized for Meritorious Service to Humanity and Chiropractic from the American Chiropractic Association four different times.

Respected in national politics, he served as a special advisor to President Reagan's Health Task Force.

Naturally comfortable in a leadership role, and having served with distinction in both the regulation and association arenas, he turned his focus to the one area remaining: education.

Selected president of a chiropractic college in 1989, his commitment to developing young people has been matched only by his unusual skill in hiring and empowering a talented and dedicated teaching faculty and administrative team.

With grace and limitless energy, he shepherded his college through a complete relocation of the campus and expansion of educational facilities. And now, standing at the doorway of the next chapter of his brilliant and remarkable career, he continues to lay the issues on the table with the same passion and compassion that have marked his service on three fronts.

For his vision, his integrity, his self-sacrifice, and his exceptional ability to inspire in others the courage to change and grow, the 2000 George Arvidson Award is presented to a true leader and a gentleman,

Dr. Kenneth W. Padgett.

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