LIFE honors drs. sid and nell williams’ legacy
It was approximately one year ago that Drs. Sid & Nell Williams returned home to LIFE’s campus to be honored, including having their feet and hands preserved in concrete for display on a campus “Path of Heroes.” Their return, among hundreds of chiropractors, guests, and students was both a healing experience and the unveiling of a legend unknown to some students. On Thursday, July 21, both Sid and Nell came back to LIFE, this time, their legacy was to be immortalized by a series of dedications and unveilings.
With approximately 400 doctors and a multitude of students in attendance, Dr. Riekeman introduced Drs. Sid and Nell at Lyceum Park to a welcoming applause and chants of “Sid, Sid, Sid.” The ceremonies proceeded with a walk to Celebration Plaza, where two monuments were to be unveiled next to D.D. Palmer’s, one honoring D.D.’s son B.J., and the other for Sid. After exposing Sid’s monument, the crowd was riding an emotional ridge. When Dr. Riekeman read the tribute’s inscription, he and the crowd choked up and many tears were shed. The ceremony then moved to the entrance of the Nell Williams Library, where reconstruction has been ongoing since the end of the spring quarter. The library was rededicated as the Drs. Sid E. & Nell K. Williams Library & History Center, which contains Williams’ family memorabilia and LIFE history not before seen. The ceremonies were concluded at a luncheon to dedicate the Dr. Sid E. Williams Center for Chiropractic Research. Then as a surprise to all, Dr. Riekeman presented Sid with a set of keys to his permanent office on campus, which eventually will be reconstructed with the administrative offices. LIFE has opened its doors and hearts to Sid being home on campus.
LIFE’s dedications to Sid and Nell were moving experiences to all those who attended that day. In honoring the legendary couple who helped create a school and defend the chiropractic profession, both the LIFE and chiropractic communities shared the glory. For Sid, the pride he has for his followers, his institution and the profession must be insurmountable. There will come a day when new students will not have the opportunity to be in Sid’s presence, to discover him. According to Miguel Hastings, “It is the students, after all, that Sid adores most.”
Dr. Sid may not be the president of LIFE, but this campus still reflects his accomplishments, passion, and commitment. The university was Sid’s outlet for his lasting purpose of protecting and growing the chiropractic profession. Each student, employee, and member of the community has been impacted by his creation. He plays a part in the destinies and influence of the LIFE community as he helped make them possible. There is euphoria about his presence that makes the campus feel more alive. Will LIFE be able to capture this, so that the Williams legacy is felt on campus forever? By the reactions of visitors and the Williams’ themselves on July 21st, it was a huge step in that direction and Life University made it right.
