By Dennis Marchiori, D.C., Ph.D. (`90) Chancellor and CEO

Palmer College of Chiropractic recently surveyed graduates from across generations. You told us what Palmer means to you, how you stay connected, where we are doing well, and where we can do better.

What emerged was both affirming and instructive. The data confirmed what many of us feel instinctively: Palmer alumni care deeply about our College, take pride in the Palmer name, and believe their education prepared them well for practice and leadership. And the survey gave us direction on how we engage alumni in ways that reflect where you are in your careers and lives today.

This “behind the scenes” look is about what we learned, and how we’re turning insight into action.

Pride runs deep — so does expectation
One of the strongest findings in the survey was alumni pride. Graduates overwhelmingly associate Palmer with quality education, professional credibility, and a legacy that still matters in today’s health care landscape. That pride spans decades, geographies, and practice settings.

It also comes with expectation. Alumni told us they want Palmer to remain the clear leader in chiropractic education, advocacy, and professional relevance. They want us to speak confidently about the value of chiropractic, to innovate responsibly, and to protect the reputation they carry into their communities every day.

That feedback reinforces our responsibility as stewards of the Palmer name. It informs how we communicate publicly, how we invest in academic quality, and how we position the College nationally and globally.

Tradition and progress must move together
Alumni perspectives on Palmer’s current direction reflect both strong support and a thoughtful vision for the future. Respondents expressed confidence in the College’s emphasis on evidence-based practice, academic rigor, and modernization, recognizing these priorities as essential to chiropractic’s credibility and leadership within today’s health care system.

At the same time, some alumni underscored the centrality of Palmer’s philosophical foundations and distinctive identity. Taken together, the message is not divided, but clear: alumni want Palmer to lead confidently into the future while honoring the principles that define its legacy. That balance between heritage and innovation is central to how we are shaping academic programs, institutional strategy, and the way Palmer positions itself within the profession.

Engagement looks different than it used to
Another clear takeaway: alumni engagement is not one-size-fits-all. While most alumni value traditional touchpoints — our College magazine, reunions, and campus events — others engage more selectively or digitally. Career stage matters. Geography matters. Time constraints matter. Alumni told us they want engagement opportunities that are relevant, flexible, and meaningful.

We also heard that alumni want clearer pathways to stay involved. Many are willing to mentor students, support scholarships, attend events, or advocate for the profession, but they want invitations that respect their time and align with their interests. This insight is shaping how we design alumni programming going forward: fewer assumptions, more intentionality, and better alignment with alumni motivations.

Connection is strongest when it’s personal
One of the most powerful findings from the survey was the importance of personal connection. Alumni who reported stronger engagement often pointed to specific relationships — a faculty mentor, a classmate, a Palmer staff member, or a meaningful student experience.

That tells us something important: engagement doesn’t start with an email or an event. It starts with relationships.

As a result, we are investing more deeply in regional outreach, targeted alumni communications, and staff roles that prioritize relationship-building over transactions. You will see more efforts designed to meet alumni where they are — professionally and geographically — and fewer generic approaches that try to reach everyone the same way.

A shared responsibility
No matter when you graduated or where life has taken you, you are part of the Palmer story. This survey reminded us that alumni engagement is something we build together. Thank you to every alum who participated. Your continued willingness to engage, offer feedback, and stay connected strengthens Palmer for the generations that follow.

What happens next
Listening only matters when it leads to action. Because of what alumni shared, you will see Palmer focus on:

• More personalized engagement, with programming and communications tailored by career stage, interests, and location.
• Stronger regional and digital connections that make it easier to stay involved without traveling to campus.
• Clearer pathways for alumni involvement, including mentoring, advocacy, and volunteer leadership.
• Greater transparency and storytelling around impact, especially related to student success and affordability.
• Continued investment in the Palmer experience, so today’s students become tomorrow’s engaged alumni.

This work is already underway — and it will continue to evolve as we keep listening.