In fall 2023, the Dr. Steve Edward Oliver memorial scholarship will be established by his partner of 49 years, Ray Matlock Smythe, BA, MAT, to help ease the financial burden of future chiropractic physicians. This annual $5,000 scholarship will be awarded fall term to one returning student enrolled in the University of Western States doctor of chiropractic program.
“When Steve was a senior at UWS, he spent an entire summer painting all the buildings on campus,” said Smythe. “While he enjoyed it and he made a positive difference, that on top of studying and all the reading he had to do, it really tired him out. The Dr. Steve Edward Oliver memorial scholarship was created not only to honor Steve and his legacy, but to help alleviate stress for a student, so they can focus more on their studies and rest mentally, physically and emotionally during their studies.”
Dr. Oliver, UWS professor emeritus and alumnus (Class of 1975), passed on February 23, 2022. He was born and raised in Portland, Oregon, and attended Jefferson High School, Portland State University, and University of Western States (then Western States Chiropractic College).
Dr. Oliver maintained a private practice in Portland and served as the academic dean of the UWS college of chiropractic, vice president of the university and chiropractic technique instructor. In 1978, at the age of 29, Dr. Oliver was named Chiropractor of the Year for the state of Oregon. He earned professor emeritus status in June 2012. One of Dr. Oliver’s proudest achievements was establishing the Student Health Center at UWS, where students had more opportunities to practice their techniques.
“Steve loved being a chiropractic physician,” said Smythe. “It was the supreme joy and passion of his life and it was truly amazing to witness. He contributed so much to his patients, students, colleagues and everyone around him. It’s an honor to recognize him in this way and I know he would be proud.”
Students can find this and other scholarship opportunities here.
For information on how you can support UWS, visit uws.edu/donate or contact giving@test.uws.edu.