Betty Gelardi - Gallery of Honor

A native of Illinois, Dr. Betty Gelardi was a registered nurse when she met and married Thom, having earned her degree at Moline Public Hospital School of Nursing. After Thom introduced her to chiropractic philosophy, she read most of B.J. Palmer’s writings and became an enthusiastic supporter of chiropractic as a profession and a way of life.

In the early days of her marriage, Dr. Gelardi dedicated herself to raising their five children and took care of all the home matters, allowing Thom to devote his full attention to his chiropractic practice, professional responsibilities and the establishment of Sherman College of Straight Chiropractic.

Dr. Gelardi shared her husband’s vision of starting a college centered on the vertebral subluxation. Her unselfish role as partner, confidant, caretaker, and adviser allowed Thom the time and energy to make his dream of founding a college a reality, and to help it grow and prosper.

By the time the college opened in 1973, Dr. Gelardi was ready to enroll in the pioneer class and pursue her career in chiropractic. After graduation in 1976, she joined the college faculty as an instructor and later in leadership positions that included chairing the technique department and serving as dean of clinical sciences. Dr. Gelardi also lectured and conducted technique seminars for continuing education programs, including frequent presentations at Sherman College Lyceums.

She has been active in the Sherman College Alumni Association and served as its president in 1986. ShermanCollege has recognized her invaluable contributions with the Service to Sherman College Award in 1983 and the Distinguished Service Award in 1987. Retiring from the college in 1996, she continues to travel and conduct technique seminars.

Of her five children, Tonine, Carmen and Joshua have followed in her footsteps to become doctors of chiropractic and graduates from Sherman College. Tonine is a current faculty member at Sherman.