Pasadena Citizen - News
Namesake of Pasadena, local college building remembered
By YVETTE OROZCO
A prominent figure in chiropractic profession has passed away, but his name will remain part of Pasadena.
William M. Harris died Nov. 9, but his legacy will remain a member of Pasadena’s health service community with the William M. Harris Administration Building, part of the Texas Chiropractic College (TCC) complex.
Harris was a member of the Board of Trustees of Life University in Atlanta, Ga., and an influential figure in the chiropractic field, but his ties to the TCC goes back a long way.
In 1991, Dr. Shelby Elliott, then president of TCC, asked Harris to contribute to the funding of initiatives that would renew the institution after a difficult time.
Harris contributed a $15,000 grant to fund a 10-year plan that would play a part in making TCC thrive.
Harris later contributed a $140,000 grant to further the school’s success.
“He certainly was a prominent member of the national chiropractic family, and will be sorely missed by all of us who knew him and respected his love and support for chiropractic education,” said Richard G. Brassard, DC, president of the Texas Chiropractic College, in a statement after Harris’ death.
William M. Harris was born on July 28, 1918 in Opelika, Ala., and was inspired to dedicate his life to chiropractic practice after watching his father suffer a debilitating illness.
For many years, Harris flew one of his own planes across the United States, speaking at seminars and lecturing at colleges. Throughout 1970s, Harris created a group of business management seminars that grew into Practice Consultants, Inc., which provided instruction in office management to hundreds of chiropractors throughout the United States.
In the 1980s, Harris established a non-profit foundation for funding for chiropractic research as well as to colleges and institutions such as TCC. Harris also contributed to various organizations and causes outside of his profession, earning a reputation as a dedicated philanthropist, including the creation of a campaign to support battered woman.
“Bill Harris was one of those once-in-a-lifetime characters that you get to meet in life’s journey,” said Brassard.
William M. Harris died Nov. 9, but his legacy will remain a member of Pasadena’s health service community with the William M. Harris Administration Building, part of the Texas Chiropractic College (TCC) complex.
Harris was a member of the Board of Trustees of Life University in Atlanta, Ga., and an influential figure in the chiropractic field, but his ties to the TCC goes back a long way.
In 1991, Dr. Shelby Elliott, then president of TCC, asked Harris to contribute to the funding of initiatives that would renew the institution after a difficult time.
Harris contributed a $15,000 grant to fund a 10-year plan that would play a part in making TCC thrive.
Harris later contributed a $140,000 grant to further the school’s success.
“He certainly was a prominent member of the national chiropractic family, and will be sorely missed by all of us who knew him and respected his love and support for chiropractic education,” said Richard G. Brassard, DC, president of the Texas Chiropractic College, in a statement after Harris’ death.
William M. Harris was born on July 28, 1918 in Opelika, Ala., and was inspired to dedicate his life to chiropractic practice after watching his father suffer a debilitating illness.
For many years, Harris flew one of his own planes across the United States, speaking at seminars and lecturing at colleges. Throughout 1970s, Harris created a group of business management seminars that grew into Practice Consultants, Inc., which provided instruction in office management to hundreds of chiropractors throughout the United States.
In the 1980s, Harris established a non-profit foundation for funding for chiropractic research as well as to colleges and institutions such as TCC. Harris also contributed to various organizations and causes outside of his profession, earning a reputation as a dedicated philanthropist, including the creation of a campaign to support battered woman.
“Bill Harris was one of those once-in-a-lifetime characters that you get to meet in life’s journey,” said Brassard.
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