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Graduate from Class of 1947 Returns (6/03)

The Swedish Institute welcomed a returning graduate, Valerio Pasqua ('47 MT) who spoke at a special lunch time forum for students and faculty on June 10, 2003.

Pasqua, now a chiropractor, was a vibrant speaker who shared vivid memories of being a massage therapy student during the time Capt. Theodore Melander was director of  the Swedish Institute.  Capt. Melander, originally from Sweden, founded the Swedish Institute School of Physiotherapy in 1916.  For the past 56 years Dr. Pasqua has lived by the principles of "physical culture" which he learned at the school.

"It was more than massage," said Dr. Pasqua, who at 77 still has an active part-time chiropractic practice.  "It was called 'physical culture' and included principles of exercise, right diet, and clean living.  It was a holistic approach." Dr. Pasqua demonstrated the precise way of applying strokes that he learned and practiced as a student.  Training included working at NYC hospitals for the chronically ill.

He told listeners that it was just after Capt. Melander died that physiotherapy, which was what he studied, was separated into physical therapy and massage therapy.  The Swedish Institute chose to keep its focus on massage therapy. Although techniques and attitudes may change," Pasqua concluded,  " hands-on natural healing will always be an important part of health care." 

Among the attentive audience was current Swedish Institute president Paula J. Eckardt.  "Dr. Pasqua's visit was a welcome chance to remember our origins," she remarked later.  "After the past few years of rapid growth at the school (expanding the massage therapy curriculum to include an Associate in Occupational Studies Degree and adding a School of Acupuncture) it was nourishing to reflect on the past efforts of our founders and remember the common mission we share."

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