Founder, University of Bridgeport College of Chiropractic
Founder, University of Bridgeport College of Chiropractic
The entire chiropractic profession is mourning the loss of Francis Albert Zolli. My first thought and prayers are to his wife Adelia, who has been at his side as a partner and advisor during his entire journey and held his hand to the last minute with humor, dignity, and love.
Dr. Zolli was a visionary who forever changed the chiropractic profession’s landscape by creating the first university-affiliated chiropractic degree program in the United States, which wasn’t his greatest accomplishment. That honor goes to creating an academic foundation for thousands of chiropractors with a level of education by offering a “true university” environment that allowed diverse opinions so the students could choose their path in our profession. He did it with humility, compassion, an open door, and encouragement for every student. He fiercely negotiated with the University of Bridgeport’s administration to ensure the faculty’s benefits and security to safeguard continuity in the highest level of education.
In Dr. Zolli’s book Higher Education on the creation of the University of Bridgeport, College of Chiropractic, he wrote, “Since those original efforts began, circumstances have changed, which have led me now to write this book. Individuals originally associated with the project, either because of sickness or death, no longer play an active role in influencing the fortunes of either the chiropractic profession or the University of Bridgeport.” I strongly disagree with this, as Dr. Zolli’s influence will forever be felt in the chiropractic profession through his graduates and the example of how he lived his life cherishing chiropractic and a steadfast moral compass.
Dr. Zolli served the chiropractic profession in many capacities. For example, he served on the Association of Chiropractic Colleges, the Council on Chiropractic Education, and the Northeast Chiropractic Council in many capacities. The Academic Consortium for Complementary and Alternative Health as a Board member, Chiropractic Colleges Education and Research Foundation Board of Director, University of Arizona advisory committee, and numerous positions within the University of Bridgeport and New York Chiropractic College. Dr. Zolli was honored as Chiropractor of the Year by the Connecticut Chiropractic Association and has received numerous other awards for his long service to our profession.
Peter Gorman DC, his classmate in New York Chiropractic College [Class of 1980], a lifelong friend, remembers him tearfully as politically correct at every level, even refusing to cheer for his class’s softball team, the “Nads.” His strongest memory is that his doctrine was always “How can we help our students” and he did it selflessly. Nothing would get him to deviate from his mission. Nothing... Ever!
Carl Cleveland III, DC, the President of Cleveland Chiropractic College, shared the following: “Among the many memories having known Dr. Frank Zolli for over three decades was in June 1994. The Commission on Accreditation of the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE) announced the addition of the University of Bridgeport College of Chiropractic (UBCC) to the list of US accredited colleges. Dr. Frank effectively navigated the complexities, the biases, and confronted the skepticism, the politics, and uncertainties necessary to position a chiropractic college within an existing institution of higher learning. Yes, he had a loyal team of dedicated administrators and faculty supporting him, but it was Dr. Frank’s leadership that kept UBCC alive in the formative years. He was an experienced practitioner, author, and seasoned educator and taught in the classroom each week, and this was in addition to his administrative responsibilities as Dean. His never-ending thirst for knowledge led to him earning his Doctorate in Education (Ed.D). Also, Dr. Frank served as president of the Association of Chiropractic Colleges. Dr. Frank, in his 66 years, did more than most could do in two lifetimes. He gave his all to the college and to the profession he loved and continued to serve right up to the end. He left nothing in the tank. May God bless Dr. Frank’s memory and the lives of all he touched. I am proud to have called him my friend.”
Anthony Onorato DC, Associate Director Of Clinical; services at UBCC, and perhaps Dr. Zolli’s oldest friend in chiropractic shared, “To have known Francis Zolli is to know he is a man of paradox. Courageous, steady, tenacious, and unyielding, when his mind and passion dictated. Brash, witty, mischievous, and yes, offensive, from time to time. Frank was all of those things and more. Yet very humble.”
Dr. Onorato continued, “Married to the love of his life for over 30 years, truly his other half, his beloved Adelia, Frank lived life with a passion. A passion for family (his mother survives him), chiropractic, education, and above all, “the students.” His commitment to the students is perhaps what pulled all the divergent, sometimes conflicting qualities together in Frank and drove his successes. Always, always, get it done for the students. His love for chiropractic and his students was his rudder. His body’s health ebbed and flowed over the decades, and most could not have gone on. But, Frank?
If he had the energy to smile, a jest would soon follow, always taking the most life offered with humor and appreciation. Frank eagerly learned from senior chiropractors, perhaps most of all, Ernest G. Napolitano, the late President of NYCC. Later, when he was approached to begin the chiropractic program at UBCC, Dr. Napolitano’s influence would prove prescient, as Frank took on the immense responsibility of beginning the first university-based chiropractic program. After the 1st class entered in 1991, Frank would be tested many times —often facing grave consequences—but again and again, he pushed on, rallying the students.
“Francis Albert Zolli will never die because we are all his legacy, and we will never stop talking about him."
His confidence in moving forward and being awarded accreditation may have looked like Don Quixote tilting at windmills, but for Frank and the students, it was a dream worth believing in—and fighting for. His honesty and passion were evident to the students, and those who followed him through the early years were not disappointed.
The students respected and trusted Frank. Especially that first class, now ten students who were not sure if they would graduate from an accredited program. But they believed in Frank and said with resolve,” if Dr. Zolli says he can do it, we will stay,” and they did. On a Friday afternoon, we’d be matter factly unloading adjusting tables from trucks as onlookers watched. Always on the lookout for space, Frank saw growth in the future and never failed to scout out opportunities to gain square footage at the University. He saw us grow, and grow we did. Why did Frank envision this future? Why did he see pathways when others saw brick walls? Why this relentless effort, constantly overcoming obstacles that popped up with stressful regularity? Why do it? The answer was always the same: his love for chiropractic and for the students.
In June 1994, Frank took one of his biggest trips for the college. A trip to Arizona to go before the CCE. It was unusual that the CCE would give a decision regarding accreditation status immediately, but perhaps, Frank promised them some Cuban cigars? Somehow, he got them to give him an answer: yes, UBCC had achieved accreditation. Why did Frank drive so hard so many obstacles? He made sure this first group who entered an unaccredited program would graduate from a CCE accredited program. For Frank, “No,” was not a choice.
A few years back, Frank decided to retire from his Dean’s position for health reasons and took on the role of a faculty member. He taught a number of courses over the years, but it was chiropractic history he loved. He loved being a chiropractor, working with patients, especially working with the students. I am thankful that we got to share the journey for 40 years .”
David Wickes DC, the President of Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, and Dr. Zolli’s immediate successor as Dean when Dr. Zolli stepped down due to health problems at the UBCC, shared the following, “Over the years we shared time at meetings, at social events, and at accreditation sessions. I admired his ability to weave through difficult issues with clarity and respect, but also his intolerance for attempts to steer the outcomes by people with obvious personal agendas. One of his outstanding characteristics was that you always knew “exactly” where Frank stood on an issue. Frank persevered in his quest to develop the nation’s first university-based chiropractic degree program, overcoming obstacles placed in his path by other chiropractic colleges, chiropractors with their agendas, lack of start-up funding, and pockets of resistance in higher education. He was a force to be reckoned with, a chiropractor with aspirations to raise the bar in chiropractic education, a loving husband, and a great friend. He will be missed greatly.”
It is said that when you die, you do so three times. The first is when you stop breathing, the second is when you are in your final resting place. The third is when people stop saying your name. Francis Albert Zolli will never die because we are all his legacy, and we will never stop talking about him. On a personal note, to my dearest friend and inspiration, I will never forget the words you shared in your final days; philosophy is the study of truth; never deviate from that quest.
