Yearlong series of events celebrates centennial birthday of university’s namesake
Kenmore, Wash. (Dec. 22, 2011)— Bastyr University is throwing a party—a century in the making. Dr. John Bartholomew Bastyr, the visionary, pioneer and leader of science-based naturopathic medicine for whom the university is named, would have turned 100 years old in 2012. To celebrate his birthday and honor his legacy, the university will host a centennial celebration with events planned each month in 2012.
Known in the Seattle, Washington, area as a beloved physician and researcher for many decades, Bastyr is also commonly referred to as the father of the modern naturopathic medicine movement. He was an ardent lobbyist for widespread recognition of the field and an inspiration to generations of practitioners through his successful medical practice and profound teachings. Bastyr’s achievements span multiple generations and have impacted tens of thousands of people, well beyond Seattle’s borders. Since its founding in 1978, Bastyr University has awarded nearly 2,000 Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine degrees to physicians who now practice around the globe.
“Our founders unanimously named our institution after a man who dedicated his life to helping patients help themselves, a man who saw and demonstrated the value of his practice at a time when skeptics dismissed the validity of natural medicine,” said Bastyr University President Daniel K. Church, Ph.D. “We celebrate the 100th anniversary of Dr. Bastyr’s birth not just as a reminder of how far we have come, but as a guidepost for how much further we can go.”
The yearlong celebration will feature major events for students, staff, faculty, alumni and friends of the university and of John Bastyr. Events include a kickoff reception Jan. 25, the annual Spring Luncheon in May (set for Bastyr’s actual birthday, May 16) and the grand opening of the university’s new campus in San Diego, California, on Sept. 14. A full schedule of events for the public will be forthcoming.
About Bastyr University
Located north of Seattle, Washington, Bastyr University is an accredited institution internationally recognized as a pioneer in natural medicine. Bastyr is the largest university for natural health arts and sciences in the U.S., combining a multidisciplinary curriculum with leading-edge research and clinical training to educate future leaders in fields, such as naturopathic medicine, acupuncture and Oriental medicine, and whole-food nutrition. Founded in 1978 as the John Bastyr College of Naturopathic Medicine, Bastyr University now offers more than 15 accredited degree and certificate programs. Bastyr was the nation’s first natural health arts and sciences university to receive funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the Bastyr University Research Institute plays a key role in the growth of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) research. For additional information about Bastyr University and its teaching clinic, Bastyr Center for Natural Health, visit www.bastyr.edu or www.bastyrcenter.org.