University of Western States recently held its 2015 homecoming and Northwest Symposium. The event culminated in a celebratory homecoming dinner on Oct. 17, when Federal Way chiropractor Dr. James Kurtz was selected as the 2015 “UWS Alumnus of the Year.”

Kurtz works as the team chiropractic physician for the Seattle Seahawks football team. He has also worked as the co-team chiropractic physician for the Seattle Sounders, the PGA TOUR and for the 2007 and 2008 Paralympic teams. Dr. Kurtz owns Northwest Sports Rehab with locations in Seattle and Federal Way. This award was designed to highlight the exceptional work of University of Western States graduates. Nominees were submitted by their peers and chosen by a selection committee.

“I am truly honored to even be considered for this award. Thank you to [University of Western States] for helping to give me a vision of what I could do and for giving me the foundation to build an incredible career upon,” Kurtz said. “Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think my career could be this rewarding. I have been on the sidelines for two Super Bowls and I have been able to share that with my incredible wife Dr. Ming Ming Su-Brown whom I met while in school at [University of Western States]. It’s been a very rewarding career and there is still more to accomplish.”

Phillip Snell, DC, was given the 2015 Award for Excellence in Integrative Health Care from the Northwest Center for Lifestyle and Functional Medicine at the university. The purpose of the award is to honor an integrated health care professional who promotes healthy behaviors and positive lifestyle changes as a path to optimal health.

“This distinction from the university is an honor. I have spent a large part of my career working to increase awareness regarding the importance of making every day healthy lifestyle decisions,” Dr. Snell said. “To be honored by my alma mater for this work is truly gratifying.”

Dr. Snell works at the Hawthorne Wellness Center, an interdisciplinary wellness center. He also created the websites fixyourownback.com and myrehabexercise.com as tools for patients to become active participants in their own care.

“Both of these individuals are great examples of [University of Western States] alumni that are elevating the field of chiropractic health care,” said Dr. Joseph Brimhall, the president of the university. “They are also excellent ambassadors making a difference in their communities. We are proud of their work and honored to recognize them for their service to humanity.”

University of Western States provides a science-driven curriculum that delivers a solid foundation and competitive edge in preparing students for clinical practice. It is a regionally accredited, independent non-profit institution dedicated to improving the health of society through its educational programs, research and clinical services.

To learn more about University of Western States and its academic programs, go to uws.edu.