YEL Spring 2017

S P R I N G 2017

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V O L U M E 10

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ISSUE 1

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LIFE UNIVERSITY’S ALUMNI AND FRIENDS MAGAZINE

Yo ur Extrao rdin ary

Eagle Madness

LIFE Leadership Weekend

New Student Orientation

Career Fair 4 LIFE

Graduation

Fall CElebration

LIFE Vision

Golf Tournament

PRESIDENT’S LETTER

Greetings, LIFE Alumni and Friends!

I recently posted a clip on Facebook from my speech at our 2016 fall graduation ceremony that received its fair share of interaction; as I was addressing our most recent group of students set to begin their journey in Chiropractic. If you know me, you know I am a lover of music, artists and, especially, film.

Specifically, I spoke on the critically acclaimed movie “Hacksaw Ridge,” which is a film I strongly encourage every chiropractor to see.

This movie, based on a true story, is about a young man who felt an obligation to serve his country during World War II, but because of his religion, was not allowed to use, or even pick up a weapon. Nevertheless, he enlisted in the Army without their knowledge of his religious commitments. And though he faced many detractors and challenges during his training, he never waivered from his commitment to serve his country. Ultimately, he survived the Battle of Okinawa, saved 75 wounded infantrymen and received the Medal of Honor.

This young man never stopped, even in the face of resistance, even in the face of what some would say were impossible odds of survival. He held fast to his pact with his God, his commitment to others and his integrity to honor his words and belief systems. And when he was saving his fellow infantrymen on that grave day of battle, he repeatedly looked up to the heavens and said, “Save just one more.”

Now of course, we aren’t in a literal war within the profession; however, you all know that lives are being lost every day that we, as chiropractors, could be saving by committing more and more each day to service, while also opening up people’s eyes to their innate potential without interference. If we all could just adopt the mantra that this young man did, “Save just one more,” we would see Chiropractic thrive as it never has before.

S p r i n g 2 0 1 7 | Alumni.LIFE.edu

‘Life University continues to thrive, and I am thrilled to see this issue of Your Extraordinary LIFE highlighting the efforts from so many of our stars.’

Life University continues to thrive, and I am thrilled to see this issue of Your Extraordinary LIFE highlighting the efforts from so many of our stars who oversee, manage and execute our flagship events both on and off campus each year. These events are critical to our success at LIFE, as they are vital cogs in bringing in prospective students to the University, ensuring our students are successful both during their tenure here and when they leave, and providing our alumni with events for further education and inspiration.

Also in this issue, you can read about our newest degree offerings, as we continue to grow our vitalistic undergraduate offerings in our Department of Nutrition and Department of Positive Human Development and Social Change. Growing our undergraduate and graduate student bases is one of our top priorities for our 2020 Vision, and we know that the graduates we produce from these areas will go on to positively impact vitalistic health care in the world, and some will even go on to become chiropractors themselves.

It’s a great time to be at LIFE. Springtime is here, and that means rugby! I can’t wait to see both our men’s and women’s teams in their first full season at the beautiful Lupo Family Field, surrounded by the beautifully wooded campus with blooms in abundance. 2017 is just getting started, and here’s to it being you and your family’s best year thus far.

Yours in Chiropractic,

Guy F. Riekeman, D.C. President

CONTENTS

You r E x trao r d i n a r y

Spring 2017 | Alumni.LIFE.edu

LIFE UNIVERSITY’S ALUMNI AND FRIENDS MAGAZINE

ON THE COVER: Read about how Life University puts on so many big events each year without missing a beat.

NEW SOUTH PUBLISHING INC.

LIFE UNIVERSITY

Jamie Ryan Publisher

Guy F. Riekeman, D.C. President

Larry Lebovitz President

Greg Harris Vice President for University Advancement

John Hanna Vice President

Mary Ellen Leffard Director of Alumni Relations

Lindsay Penticuff Editor

Kelsey Donaldson Alumni Relations Coordinator

Amy Fine Production Coordinator/ Circulation Manager

Will Brooks Communications Coordinator

Garon Hart Graphic Designer

Mel Burton Photography David Honeycutt Integrated Content Creator

YOUR EXTRAORDINARY LIFE magazine is published three times a year by New South Publishing, 9040 Roswell Road, Suite 210, Atlanta, GA 30350.

(770) 650-1102; Fax: (770) 650-2848. Postmaster: Send address changes to Your Extraordinary LIFE, 1269 Barclay Circle, Marietta, GA 30060-9854.

It is the purpose of Your Extraordinary LIFE to promote the events, accomplishments, accolades and philosophies of Life University and its faculty, staff and students to current, prospective and former students, as well as the academic community at large. Life University is a private, nonprofit institution founded in 1974. For more information, write to Life University, 1269 Barclay Circle, Marietta, GA 30060, or visit LIFE.edu.

Material in this publication may not be reprinted without written permission from the editorial offices in Marietta. All rights reserved. © Copyright 2017 Life University. Printed in the USA.

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Events for a LIFEtime

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LIFE Reunions 2017

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LIFE Alumni Association Committees

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Corporate Partnerships Build Resources for LIFE

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LIFE’s Two Newest Bachelor’s Degrees

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Estate Planning

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Adjusting Mannequin to Aid in Research and Teaching

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Serving in Public Office Through Lasting Purpose DEPARTMENTS

2 LIFE on the Road

Life University’s Executive, Enrollment and Advancement Teams

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Upcoming Events Calendar

Opportunities to Connect with LIFE

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Athletics Roundup

22

Alumni and Friends Update

Keep in Touch with LIFE Graduates, Friends We’ve Lost

Reader Comments See something you are excited about?

How about something that makes your blood boil?

Write in and tell us about it!

Please submit all comments to Alumni@LIFE.edu.

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ON THE ROAD

Wear your Life U gear with pride at conferences! We are traveling the country year-round to connect and engage.

To see where we are headed next, check out our Events Calendar at Alumni.LIFE.edu/Events and if you see us out and about, be sure to introduce yourself!

Here’s where we visited from September to December: KENTUCKY

Dr. Douglas Krift (’98) and Leffard at KAC.

Fall travel kicked off with a huge milestone as the Kentucky Association of Chiropractors celebrated its centennial birthday at the annual convention. Alumni Relations Director Mary Ellen Leffard represented Life University throughout the weekend, and LIFE President Dr. Guy Riekeman was part of the superstar speaker line-up for the weekend. Thank you to Dr. Douglas Krift (’98) who signed up to be LIFE’s newest President’s Circle contributor!

NORTH CAROLINA While Leffard represented LIFE in Virginia, Vice President for University Advancement Greg Harris and LIFE Spring 2017 | Alumni.LIFE.edu

VIRGINIA As September travel was well underway, Director of Development Erin Dancer ventured to Reston to meet with Dr. Chris Perron (’96) who is one of our newer Unified with LIFE Doctors and also serves as treasurer on the Unified Virginia Chiropractic Association Board (UVCA). Perron’s practice is thriving as he is looking to add on an associate later this year. After the visit, he signed aboard to serve as a State Representative for Virginia.

A few weeks later, Leffard and LIFE Recruiter Lili Montoya, headed to Roanoke to attend the UVCA’s fall conference.

In addition to maintaining a thriving state partnership with the state association, LIFE was the sponsor of the President’s Reception.

Congratulations to Dr. Joe Foley (’90), who was named the 2016 Chiropractor of the Year by the Drs. Jeffrey Bowers (’95), William Sonak (’99) and association.

Tom Wetzen (’89) at UVCA.

Recruiter Jasmin Collins were the faces of LIFE at the North Carolina Chiropractic Association fall conference in Greensboro. In addition to LIFE’s booth and partnership with the association, Harris addressed the members at their annual business luncheon. The Tar Heels for LIFE partnership has flourished to 47 doctors, and the North Carolina Student Club has expanded to 75 students.

MICHIGAN In addition to visits to Virginia and North Carolina, LIFE attended the Michigan Association of Chiropractors fall convention the very same weekend. Provost Dr. Rob Scott and

Director of Student Recruitment Erica Michaels hosted a very successful early morning LIFE-sponsored breakfast. Scott led a presentation and discussion on various opportunities for alumni and friends to become actively involved with the University.

It was great being back in the Great Lake State!

COLORADO Just a few days after the conclusion of our Fall CElebration event, Leffard headed to the Midwest to attend the Colorado Chiropractic Association (CCA) annual convention in Denver. This was LIFE’s first time attending CCA’s

LIFE ON THE ROAD

convention, and enjoyed connecting with new faces like Drs. Tim Murphy (’94) and Michelle Wozniak. Looking forward to returning next year for its Centennial Celebration!

NEW YORK The following weekend, more than 140 alumni and friends packed the room at a LIFE-sponsored luncheon and presentation at the New York Chiropractic Council’s annual convention. The partnership between LIFE and the council has generated lots of excitement among the association. In fact, the council was able to award its first two student scholarships last fall to LIFE students Kenneth Benfante and Max LaBrague.

Director of Institutional Effectiveness, Planning and Research Dr. Vince Erario for winning Humanitarian of the Year and Dr. Leana Kart (’87) for winning Chiropractor of the Year during the ceremony!

WISCONSIN

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NEW JERSEY To cap off fall travel, Collins headed north to the Association of New Jersey Chiropractors annual conference. She had a great weekend visiting with some of our esteemed alumni and friends and is already looking forward to returning later this year. Thank you to Drs. Michael Eosso (’01) and Stacy Stefanski (’00) for committing to serve as State Representatives for New Jersey!

STAY IN TOUCH Visit Alumni.LIFE.edu/MyProfile to

GEORGIA

ensure that we have your correct contact information.

If you have recently been married, please be sure to update your information Drs. Dean Sheperd and Pete Heffernan at CSW.

Elam, Dr. Ken Register (’97) and Dr. Vince Erario at GCA.

As always, the LIFE team had a terrific time at the rockstarthemed 104th Annual Conference and Tradeshow for the Georgia Chiropractic Association, which was chaired by Dr. Leana Kart (’87). In addition to the state partnership between LIFE and the association, LIFE was the sponsor of the President’s Luncheon & Awards Ceremony, and Dr. Riekeman was one of the featured continuing education speakers. Congratulations to LIFE

While some of the LIFE team partied like rockstars in Georgia, Leffard headed to the Badger State to attend the Chiropractic Society of Wisconsin’s annual convention.

Wisconsin is one of our newest state partnerships and was officially kicked off at the conference. Thirtysix doctors signed up to be a part of the Badgers for LIFE partnership, and we are eager to have our first Wisconsin speaker here on campus in May — Dr. Scott Bautch. LIFE Trustee Dr. Peter Heffernan received the Presidential Award, and Dr. Jay LaGuardia (’90) was presented with the Chiropractor of the Year Award during the weekend.

with us and provide both your maiden and married names.

NO ONE LIKES SPAM! To ensure that you continue to receive all of the latest news and events, please add Alumni@LIFE.edu to your email address book or safe sender list.

Alumni.LIFE.edu | Spring 2017

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UPCOMING EVENTS

calendar

For more information or to register, please visit Alumni.LIFE.edu or contact the Department of Alumni Relations at (800) 543-3203.

APRIL 20 Career Fair 4 LIFE Life University Register at Alumni.LIFE.edu/ CareerFairEmployers 21-23 New York Chiropractic Council State Partner & Booth Verona, New York 22-23 LIFE Leadership Weekend Life University Interested students register at LIFE.edu/Events/LIFE-LeadershipWeekend 22-23 LIFE Vision Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Marietta, Georgia Register at LIFEVisionSeminars.com 28-30 Michigan Association of Chiropractors Booth #38 & LIFE Lunch Kalamazoo, Michigan Register to attend LIFE Lunch with MAC at (517) 367-2225

Spring 2017 | Alumni.LIFE.edu

MAY 4 Estate Planning Seminar Indian Paintbrush Ranch Lake George, Colorado More information at Alumni.LIFE. edu/EstatePlanning

JUNE 2-4 Alabama State Chiropractic Association Booth Montgomery, Alabama

5-7 USA Rugby College XVs National Championships Lupo Family Field Life University

2-3 Collegiate Rugby Championship PPL Park Philadelphia, Pennsylvania More information at LIFERunningEagles.com

5-7 Unified Virginia Chiropractic Association State Partner & Booth Tyson’s Corner, Virginia

9-11 Georgia Chiropractic Association State Partner & Booth #28 Savannah, Georgia

18 Running Eagles Scramble for LIFE Golf Tournament City Club Marietta Golf Course Marietta, Georgia Register at Alumni.LIFE.edu/Golf

15 Undergrad/M.S./D.C. Graduation TIC Auditorium Life University 22-25 South Carolina Chiropractic Association Booth Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

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Events for a LIFEtime Maximizing the Life University Experience

BY LINDSAY PENTICUFF

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If you haven’t attended an event at Life University recently, well, you haven’t tried.

LIFE hosts a few events nearly every month, and each quarter there’s an event cluster on at least one weekend. It is rare that all these events include just one department.

Often, more than five departments are involved, in addition to faculty participation.

And all this activity yields positive reviews from participants.

So, just how is it that LIFE hosts so many events successfully?

LIFE Vice President for University Advancement Greg Harris says the hard work and dedication starts with President Guy Riekeman, D.C. “Dr. Riekeman wants us to deliver the ‘wow’ factor and to be creative, entertaining and accurate with the theme and content presented. Guests won’t see the same event schedule or the same campus layout

every year,” he says. “Positive change has been fully engrained into what we do and how we do it.”

Harris coordinates the annual Fall CElebration on campus, which drew more than 1,700 registered attendees to LIFE in 2016 — nearly 75 percent of whom were University alumni. Following 10 months of planning meetings involving numerous departments and off-site vendors, the five-day event is hosted by everyone on campus. For a minimum

CAREER FAIR 4 LIFE

LIFE VISION

LIFEFORCE

Date: April 20, 2-5 p.m.

Location: Life University, Center for Athletics and Sport Health Science, 3rd Floor Upper Gym Details: This is an opportunity for alumni and friends to mix and mingle with LIFE’s most promising students and seek out the perfect individual for a current internship, associateship or employment within their office.

Register: Alumni.LIFE.edu/CareerFairEmployers

Date: April 21-22 Location: Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel in Galleria Specialty Mall, 2450 Galleria Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30339 Details: This powered-up conference format is for the modern chiropractor and CA who is seeking insights, friends, memories and contagious excitement, while preparing themselves for success — mentally, physically and spiritually.

Register: LIFEVisionSeminar.com

Date: April 21-23 Location: Life University Details: Join LIFE for a LIFEforce 1000 Insiders’ Weekend full of opportunities to share your passion for Chiropractic, to connect with fellow LIFEforce 1000 doctors and to experience personal and practice growth from inspiring guest speakers throughout the weekend.

Register: Past.Life.edu/lf1000

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‘WHEN WE PLAN EVENTS, WE TRY TO MAXIMIZE THE NUMBER OF OPPORTUNITIES TO SHOWCASE LIFE ‘S PROGRESS AND SUCCESS TO OUR GUESTS. IN A SINGLE WEEKEND, OUR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS MAY BE ABLE TO PARTICIPATE IN A CONTINUING EDUCATION SEMINAR, A STUDENT RECRUITMENT EVENT, A RIBBON CUTTING TO A RENOVATED AREA AND A BASKETBALL GAME.’ – GREG HARRIS, VP FOR UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT of a half-day, each employee trades their full-time duties for helping with the event. To invoke the Ritz Carlton guest experience, employees serve as hosts for their shifts and conduct a variety of functions, such as scanning guests in and out of CE classes, serving as tour guides, working the registration tent and hosting any of the multitude of events held on campus.

Fall CElebration is just one of many events LIFE hosts throughout the year. Others include Career Fair 4 LIFE, LIFE Vision, LIFEforce 1000, the Running Eagles Scramble for LIFE Golf Tournament, Eagle Madness, LIFE Leadership Weekend, New Student Orientation and Graduation. And by the way, the fall student orientation occurs during Fall CElebration, just on the other side of campus!

GRADUATION

FALL CELEBRATION

Date: March 24, D.C. only; and June 16, undergrad, graduate and D.C. Location: Center for Athletics and Sport Health Science TIC Auditorium (main gym) Details: Life University holds four commencement ceremonies per year —— Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall —— to recognize students who have completed their collegiate careers from an undergraduate, graduate or Doctor of Chiropractic degree program.

Register: LIFE.edu/academic-pages/ registrar/graduation-information/

Date: Sept. 27-Oct. 1 Location: Life University Details: Fall CElebration is LIFE’s annual staple fall event where more than 1,600 alumni and friends come to campus for continuing education, class reunions and special events.

Register: Past.LIFE.edu/Fall_CE

RUNNING EAGLES SCRAMBLE FOR LIFE GOLF TOURNAMENT Date: May 18 Location: City Club of Marietta, 510 Powder Springs St. SE, Marietta, GA 30064 Details: This fourth annual event invites people to play golf, win great prizes, enjoy drinks and a delicious sitdown dinner, and bid on silent auction items that will benefit the General Athletics Fund at Life University.

Register: Alumni.LIFE.edu/golf

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And while each of these events is typically held at a designated time during the year, many overlap.

“When we plan events, we try to maximize the number of opportunities to showcase LIFE ‘s progress and success to our guests,” Harris says.

“In a single weekend, our alumni and friends may be able to participate in a continuing education seminar, a student recruitment event, a ribbon cutting for a renovated area and a basketball game.

It’s the Google model of having multiple offerings and letting users choose what works best for them.”

This plan helps alleviate pressure on space.

“There’s a lot of demand for space on campus,” he says. “We have to hold Fall CElebration at the end of September when students are on Fall Break because it’s really the only time that we can host almost 2,000 people

EAGLE MADNESS Date: March 4 Location: Life University Socrates Café Details: Eagle Madness Preview Day is an event for prospective undergraduate students to preview LIFE’s undergraduate degree programs, meet with faculty and current students, and explore the campus.

Register: LIFE.edu/admissions-pages/ visit-life/undergraduate-preview-day/

Spring 2017 | Alumni.LIFE.edu

on campus and have plenty of seminar and event facility space on campus.”

During Fall CElebration, for example, there is a lot occurring between the University-hosted CE classes, class reunions, alumni parties, sporting events and other special events. “This multi-event format pulls University resources together and allows cooperation between departments and programs,” Harris says. “It may be more intense, but by us working together and sharing staff time and other resources, it’s better for the University.”

Harris adds there’s no competition with the

NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION

LIFE LEADERSHIP WEEKEND

Date: March 30-31 Location: Life University Details: New students go through orientation and the registration process over a two-day period guided

by Life University’s Office of Student Services.

Register: LIFE.edu/campus-lifepages/orientation/

Date: April 21-22 Location: Life University Details: LIFE Leadership Weekend is an event for future Doctor of Chiropractic students to be introduced to LIFE’s extraordinary educational experience by mingling with current students, faculty and staff, while hearing from dynamic speakers, engaging in leadership training and touring downtown Atlanta.

Register: life.edu/admissions-pages/ visit-life/life-leadership-weekend/

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‘WE UNDERSTAND THAT WE OWE THE STUDENTS THE BEST EXPERIENCE THAT WE CAN POSSIBLY GIVE THEM, AND THAT REQUIRES COLLABORATION BETWEEN THE DEPARTMENTS.’ – MARC SCHNEIDER, D.C., VP OF STUDENT SERVICES events among the University coordinators and staff. “All the departments are supportive of all the events,” he says. “At Fall CElebration, for example, I make sure that research, recruiting, athletics and LIFEforce 1000 all have the opportunity to network with our guests. And that ‘all in’ mentality carries to the other events.” However, Harris adds that anyone in attendance may struggle deciding which class, party or speaking engagement they want to check out because every option offers something beneficial to their personal and professional growth.

AN ALL- IN EFFORT Marc Schneider, D.C., LIFE’s Vice President of Student Services, manages 11 functional areas at the University, including six graduation ceremonies each year, as well as New Student Orientation held at the beginning of each quarter. Similar to Fall CElebration, he works year-round to make sure each event goes off without a hitch.

“One of my jobs is to protect the sanctity of a commencement exercise and make sure everyone is having fun, but understand that it’s a serious thing,” Schneider says. “People have put a lot of time, effort and money into attaining those degrees, and I want to make sure they walk out of here feeling special about achieving those degrees.”

Schneider works with a coordinator, who then manages a committee for each graduating class. “They are given an opportunity to put the flavor of their class into the awards and banquet convocation,” he says. “The commencement ceremony is pretty programmed, working in conjunction with the President’s Office to make sure the program goes like it should.”

Efforts for graduation alone include support from many departments on campus, including the Registrar’s Office, Career Services, Dean’s Office, Student Services, Media Services, catering, grounds and facilities. The team begins set up for each ceremony at the beginning of each week with Thursday and Friday being the host days for ceremonies and banquets to honor graduates. “There are a thousand moving parts to get students prepared and out the door,” Schneider says. “It’s a big deal for us.”

For Doctor of Chiropractic graduation ceremonies alone there are between 1,0001,200 people on campus. Another 600-700 visitors are welcomed during the undergraduate commencement events.

Schneider also coordinates New Student Orientation, which he says takes a quarter-long prep with his team of about a dozen, and is a two or three-day event on campus that welcomes anywhere from 100-500 new students each quarter.

“We are trying to prepare them for their first day of class, making sure they have all the nuts and bolts of being a student here at Life University and get them oriented to our environment,” he says.

The biggest orientation is held each fall, right before Fall CElebration. Schneider says it takes a lot of logistical engineering on the part of his team.

“We’ll bring in nearly 500 students while [Harris] is bringing more than 1,700 alumni, friends and vendors around the same period of time. ... It’s amazing!s” New Student Orientation includes campus tours; hearing from the school’s Registars Office and President Riekeman about the University’s “Getting to Well” initiative; learning about campus events, such as Fall CElebration, LIFEforce 1000 or Career Fair 4 LIFE; getting parking information; visiting an exhibit hall to learn more about the college community; and participating in an experiential learning activity.

Schneider believes LIFE is able to juggle so many events at once because of the dedication of the staff and faculty to their students. “We understand that we owe the students the best experience that we can possibly give them, and that requires collaboration between the departments,” he says. “We work in these silos, and we have athletics, student services, academics or advancement doing their things, but if they aren’t communicating with one another, it’s chaos, and everyone is butting up against the other for services because we have a limited amount of resources.

“I think we do such a great job of communicating with one another and ensuring that the people who come on campus have a very seamless experience. Where we may know that we’ve messed something up, the outside observer knows nothing.”

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‘[ LIFE VISION ] IS ABOUT PERSONAL GROWTH, BUT WE ALSO OFFER [ PARTICIPANTS ] A VARIETY OF CLASSES THAT WILL ENHANCE THEIR COMMUNICATION SKILLS.’ – GILLES LAMARCHE, D.C., VP OF PROFESSIONAL RELATIONS

Gilles LaMarche, D.C., LIFE’s Vice President of Professional Relations, couldn’t agree more.

He coordinates LIFE Vision and LIFEforce 1000, which is held in conjunction with LIFE Leadership Weekend. “If the moving parts were not managed well, they would be seen by those sitting in the audience.”

Between scheduling dates, speakers and host sites, and shuttling participants between the campus and hotels, it is a process LaMarche has learned to perfect as best as he can over the last three years.

Planning for LIFE Vision, which will include four different events in 2017 — two in Atlanta, along with one in Montreal, Canada, and another in Rome, Italy — starts about a year in advance and sometimes earlier. He has already started planning the 2018 events.

“My role is to build and expand the LIFE Vision brand,” he says, adding that he primarily coordinates LIFE Vision on his own, but with some support from the University’s marketing department, which creates flyers for the event and helps boost its social media presence, in addition to support from student volunteers. “I beg, borrow and steal help along the way when I need it,” he says with a smile. In 2017, a LIFE Vision Committee was launched and meets every few weeks to offer insights into the programming of speakers.

LIFE Vision was originally launched as a philosophy seminar, LaMarche says, but now it is a way for graduates and students to discover their own LIFE Vision by providing them with the tools to implement their unique professional and personal plan. “It is about personal growth, but we also offer them a variety of classes that will enhance their communication skills, for example, their ability to communicate the message of Chiropractic,” he says.

LIFEforce 1000 is a much smaller event, usually with only about 25 people in attendance, and events are held typically during LIFE Leadership Weekend. “There’s a competition for time of the doctors because they are needed at LIFE Leadership [Weekend] to assist, and then they attend the meals and want to be involved in whatever is going on on campus, so there is a tendency to have an extremely Spring 2017 | Alumni.LIFE.edu

booked weekend for the LIFEforce doctors who plan to come,” LaMarche says.

Cynthia A. Boyd, D.C., LIFE’s Vice President for Enrollment and Marketing, whose team coordinates LIFE Leadership Weekend, Eagle Madness and several other events on campus, agrees that there is wonderful collaboration among all the people that plan events on campus. “Each event offers a different experience and outcome for the participants. The events work well with each other and complement one another in providing any interested student, alumnus and friend, no matter the program, an opportunity to experience Life University. The prospective student events provide

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‘IT IS A MACHINE THAT REQUIRES CONSTANT LOVE AND CARE AND GETS TUNED UP ALL THE TIME.’ – CYNTHIA A. BOYD, D.C., VP FOR ENROLLMENT AND MARKETING

a good structure for helping someone determine if LIFE is the right institution for them to continue their education and showcases what sets LIFE apart from other institutions.” says Boyd.

She adds that there is also a University Event Committee that meets weekly to discuss the University calendar and the impact it will have on the University and the campus resources, including different departments that need to carry out the necessary functions for set up and participation. “This helps keep the integrity of the programs,” says Boyd.

The events Boyd oversees are held on campus at varying locations, including the Lower Gym, Socrates Café and the Ian Grassam Treehouse lounge. However, Student Recruitment Events are held off campus. “My role in every event is to oversee the creation, implementation and coordination of each event,” she says. “Our events office works with every department on campus, vendors off campus and LIFEforce doctors to carry out these events and tours.”

2017 events for Boyd’s team include LIFE Leadership Weekends in Atlanta and Rome, which will draw anywhere from 75-400 people, as well as Eagle Madness Preview Day, which is hosted twice a year and could draw as many as 150 visitors to campus. “The planning that takes place is vast. It is ongoing and never stops. It involves all pieces of event management, from initial student registration, staying up to date on website details, communications with prospective students, guests, University departments, doctors, vendors and more,” Boyd says. “There are so many behindthe-scene details; securing space, room design and layout, catering, transportation, audio visual needs, grounds needs. The planning involves just about all departments on campus and really never stops. It is a machine that requires constant love and care and gets tuned up all the time.”

To manage the undertaking of such logistics, Boyd says it takes a team — one she’s happy to be on with Magi Rodgers, Director for Enrollment Events and Tours, and Brenda Boone, Director of Special Events for Marketing. “It’s definitely a team effort to manage the major events that we

host on campus,” she says. “Much of the pre-event planning, event execution and post-event follow-up for most Uuniversity events are done by Boone.

Specifically though, Rodgers performs most of these functions for Enrollment events. However, it takes the help of the entire Enrollment Department, as well as our Student Ambassadors, to effectively perform such large-scale events and ensure that they are successful.” They also rely on other departments, similar to Harris when preparing for Fall CElebration — Financial Aid, the Student Success Center, Clinic Staff and Faculty, Athletics and much more. l Alumni.LIFE.edu | Spring 2017

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athletics ROUNDUP FALL SPORTS REVIEW Men’s Soccer/Women’s Soccer 2016 marked the inaugural season for both men’s and women’s soccer. While both teams had rocky first seasons, with the men finishing 1-15 (1-7 in Mid-South Conference play) and the women finishing 2-13 (1-7 in MSC play), both teams are poised to make significant strides forward in 2017 under the leadership of Coach Alex Pama, on the men’s side, and Coach Sam Clark, on the women’s side.

Volleyball In its second year, the Running Eagles volleyball program had a banner year, finishing 20-12 (6-10 in MSC). The program saw its first MSC Tournament win as the squad knocked off the University of the Cumberlands in four sets with a 25-23, 23-25, 25-23, 25-23 victory. Unfortunately, the Running Eagles fell in the second round of the tournament to nationally ranked Lindsey Wilson. Senior Nohema Garcia Torres and junior Janaya Simmons were named MSC Setter of the Week and Attacker of the Week, respectively.

Cross Country The Running Eagles Cross Country team also experienced success in 2016, racking up five top 20 finishes and three top three finishes. At the Mid-South Conference Championships in November, Life U finished fourth in the conference. Senior Cora Atkinson led the squad, finishing 12th overall with a time of 19:48.

WINTER SPORTS UPDATE Men’s Basketball Under new Head Coach Keith Adkins, the Running Eagles have seen great success this season. As of press time, Life U leads the Mid-South Conference with a 10-2 record (14-10 overall). Senior Dalarian Williams has been named MSC Player of the Week three times this season, including consecutive honors in late November and early December.

Williams also leads the MSC and is seventh in the nation in points per game with 20.88 points. Junior Zach Landis also received MSC Player of the Week honors once this season and leads the conference in assists (4.29 per game) and steals (2.54 per game).

Spring 2017 | Alumni.LIFE.edu

Women’s Basketball In its inaugural season, Coach Anthony Maxwell and his team have had a tough time, as many new programs coming out of the gate, compiling a 5-22 record.

However, this young team has a bright future ahead with 10 of its 11 players being freshman and gaining invaluable experience on the court together. Freshman Kayla Kelly leads the MSC in steals (2.28 per game) for the season.

Men’s Wrestling First-year Head Coach Omi Acosta has his squad running in fine form as it is ranked No. 11 in the nation.

The Running Eagles finished the regular season ranked third in the MSC with a 7-2 record (11-3 overall). In the NAIA National Duals in Fort Wayne, Indiana, in January, the Running Eagles finished third out of 16 teams.

Women’s Wrestling Coach David Matthews and his team have had a successful season. At the NWCA National Duals, the squad finished seventh. They competed at the WCWA College Nationals in Oklahoma City Feb. 10-11. All-American Nadine Fiege finished in fourth place in her division.

Bowling In its second season, Coach Jeff Halen and his team have made significant strides. With two top 10 finishes and strong showings in tournaments in Las Vegas, which include some of the top-ranked teams in country, the Running Eagles have put the rest of the MSC on notice. They competed in the conference championship Feb. 17-19, advancing to the third round of the consolation bracket.

Swimming Coach Anthony Byrne and his squad continue to grow in their third season of competition. At the MSC Championships, Life U had three swimmers qualify for NAIA Nationals. Senior Crystal Caldron, junior Julia Amos and sophomore Kirsten Coetzee competed in Columbus, Georgia, March 1-4.

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Spring Rugby Preview Jayme Pendergast Named New Athletic Director On Nov. 1, 2016, Jayme Pendergast was appointed as the new Director of Athletics. She was promoted from her previous post as Assistant Athletic Director for Academic Support/SWA. Pendergast joined Life U in November 2014, when she took the position of Director of Athletic Compliance and Academic Support.

During her time at LIFE, the Athletic Department has grown extensively, including the addition of eight new varsity teams in the past three years alone.

“I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to be the Athletic Director at Life University,” Pendergast says. “The Athletic Department has seen a tremendous amount of growth and success recently, and I am excited to continue working with the athletics’ and University staff to provide our student-athletes with the best possible experience. We have a great team of individuals that will continue to push a mission of education and excellence.”

Prior to arriving in Marietta, Pendergast spent several years at NCAA Division I Elon University in Elon, North Carolina. She began her time there as an Academic Coordinator for Athletics in 2008 and was promoted to Assistant Director of Academic Support for Athletics in 2011.

Pendergast attended Miami University for her undergraduate, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in exercise science. Pendergast also holds a master’s degree in sport psychology from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

Pendergast is a member of the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics and the National Association of Collegiate Women Athletics Administrators.

Pendergast and her husband, Tripp, reside in Marietta, Georgia, with their son, Brooks, and daughter, Logan.

Life U’s flagship men’s and women’s rugby programs are set to continue their excellent play in 2017. Last year, the varsity undergraduate men’s team was as good as it gets, running the table with a 12-0 record in route to its second D1A National Championship victory in the past four years over St. Mary’s College (appeared in each).

The undergraduate women’s team was just as impressive, compiling a 16-0 record up until a tough, 6-point loss to Penn State University in the D1 Elite Semifinals.

Life U’s Lupo Family Field will be the host of this year’s USA Rugby College XVs National Championships May 5-7. If the Life U men’s and women’s teams advance to the championship games, they could surely benefit from a raucous, home field advantage. Head Coaches Scott Lawrence (men) and Rosalind Chou (women) will do their best to lead their consistently strong teams to national championships.

Collegiate Rugby Championship, June 3-4 The Penn Mutual Collegiate Rugby Championship (CRC) is set for June 3-4. Since the men’s team made its CRC debut in 2013, Life U’s rugby program, from its athletes to its fan base, has made even more of a name for itself than ever before.

The women’s team in just its second trip to Philadelphia for the tournament, broke through and shocked the country with its fierce competitiveness, drive and teamwork en route to the 2016 CRC Championship.

This year, they will most certainly have a target on their backs, as a strong field of teams will look to dethrone them. Coach Rosalind Chou and her team will most certainly be ready for the challenge.

With strong showings in each of its four appearances, the men still have yet to grasp the championship trophy in this event, and this year seems primed to be the year they do.

Head Coach Colton Cariaga’s squad, who won the 15s D1-A National Championship in 2016, will look to add to their recent hardware in the 7s arena in June.

Visit LifeURugby.Fans for ticket packages and more information. l

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LIFE Reunions 2017

Class of 2002 Dr. Toya Burton Dr. Erika Hamer Dr. Marcus Milnes Dr. Craig Stoller Not pictured: Dr. Timothy DeBruyn Class of 2007 Dr. Zev Mellman Dr. Jay Wittgreen Class of 2012 Dr. Spencer Callahan Dr. Sebastián Colón Dr. Jared Rose Dr. Wendy Sanches Dr. Thomas Taylor Not pictured: Dr. Jennifer Nogueras

Spring 2017 | Alumni.LIFE.edu

1982 1987 1992

Class of 1997 Dr. Sherry Baer Dr. Gary Barker Dr. Renee Foster Dr. Fotine Myers Dr. Elizabeth Skorupa Dr. David Trax Dr. Keita Vanterpool Not pictured: Drs. Jason Kennedy, Yvette Rosa, Roger Roughley, Harry Spooner and Rick Wooten

1997

Class of 1992 Dr. Robert Watkins Not pictured: Dr. Lisa Totino

2002

Class of 1987 Dr. Scott Brown Dr. Dean DePice Dr. Jayne Foster-Mizraji Dr. Patrick Gallagher Dr. Stephen Saroli Dr. Brian Solofsky

2007

Class of 1982 Dr. Laurie Briegel Dr. Gary Domanick Dr. Meryl Foster Dr. Patti Giuliano Dr. Kennth Osia Dr. Keith Rau

2012

Class of 1977 Dr. Debra Flynn Dr. Anas Khalaf Not pictured: Dr. Michael O’Daniel

1977

Special thanks to our team of more than 40 alumni who have signed up as class reunion co-chairs and committed themselves to ensuring that this is the best reunion possible. Reunions are a place to celebrate successes. Join us in an effort to reach out to your classmates and become a reunion co-chair. Contact Alumni Relations Director Mary Ellen Leffard at (800) 543-3203 or Alumni@LIFE.edu for more information.

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LIFE Alumni Association Committees The LIFE Alumni Association works diligently to serve its alumni and friends while simultaneously serving LIFE. The association’s success is built not only on the hard work and dedication of its board of directors, but also a key group of alumni and friends who serve in committee roles. The board is actively working to expand its committees and needs your leadership. If you are interested in serving your fellow alumni in one of these respective committees, please reach out to the respective committee chair via their email below.

ATHLETIC COMMITTEE

Chaired by Anthony Maxwell (’99) IAALUAthletic@LIFE.edu The Athletics Committee will seek to establish a group of “tailgaters” in cities frequently traveled by the LIFE athletics teams to aid in the promotion and attendance of athletic events.

MASTER’S/UNDERGRADUATE COMMITTEE

Chaired by Delma De La Fuente (’13) IAALUUG@LIFE.edu The Master’s/Undergraduate Committee will serve as the voice and sounding board for both the students and alumni of the master’s and undergraduate programs at LIFE.

Philanthropy Committee Chaired by Dr. Amanda Hess (’03) IAALUPhilanthropy@LIFE.edu The Philanthropy Committee will be the driving force of alumni committed to garnering support for the President’s Circle at LIFE. Committee members will provide volunteer support to advise and assist for seeking out new contributors and expanding the program’s reach.

RECRUITMENT COMMITTEE

Chaired by Dr. Stu Katzen (’97) IAALURecruiting@LIFE.edu The Recruitment Committee seeks to spread the message of LIFE to prospective students by encouraging alumni and friends to hold Student Recruitment Events.

Introducing our newest Board member Coach Anthony Maxwell Anthony Maxwell is Life University to the core! A 1999 graduate of LIFE with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, he’s been a Running Eagle for more than 20 years. Maxwell was a captain and starter on Life University’s first national championship basketball team and twice named NAIA All-American. He returned to LIFE as an assistant coach with men’s basketball from 2011-2015 and is now in his first year as head coach for the new women’s basketball program at LIFE. Maxwell has strong ties in the community and a great network of friends that help him promote Life University and its opportunities.

SOCIAL WORKING AND ACTIVATION COMMITTEE

Chaired by Dr. Larry Marchese (’83) IAALUSocialMedia@LIFE.edu The Social Working and Activation Committee will develop a social media and web presence to best promote LIFE’s initiatives and activities while spreading the vitalistic message to the masses.

STATE REP COMMITTEE

Chaired by Dr. Jeff Getbehead (’09) IAALUPresidentElect@LIFE.edu The State Rep Committee will consist of regional coordinators focused on the growth and expansion of the State Rep program through monthly communication to current Reps and the recruitment of additional Reps in vacant states. l

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CAMPUS LIFE

Corporate Partnerships Build Resources for LIFE Life University’s development team works in collaboration with faculty to secure in-kind gifts of software, equipment, products and training that support and enhance teaching and research on campus. In just the past 12-18 months, more than 100 items, valued at more than $430,000, have been donated.

In-kind gifts offer long-term benefits to both the companies donating and the faculty and students who have the opportunity to use them. With in-kind gifts, LIFE faculty and students are able to use a wide variety of the latest models of equipment and products available on the market. These contributions enable the University to have the most up-to-date equipment without taxing budget resources. A few of the companies providing these tools are Foot Levelers, Standard Process, BrainCore Systems, Chiropractic BioPhysics Nonprofit

for aspiring D.C.s.

Foot Levelers also provides complimentary custom orthotics for LIFE faculty, staff and students; substantially discounted custom orthotics for patients from the broader community; cutting-edge assessment technology and clinical support; and Drs. Esposito and Riekeman of LIFE with Drs. Fletcher Brock Brascho of CLA. free monthly webinars with acclaimed national speakers with computers and hardware for faculty and students. (electrocaps, sensors and Standard Process is a generous headphones) for use in the labs partner that has financially in the Advanced Instrumentation supported capital projects and class. LIFE is the first chiropractic student scholarships. In addition, college to offer the opportunity when LIFE began to look at to use brain mapping for athlete care from a nutrition assessment and neurofeedback perspective, Standard Process for treatment to its students as kindly provided several products part of the core curriculum. This and educational seminars to cutting-edge treatment provides help improve nutritional levels. an alternative approach to health “We are incredibly thankful care for the central nervous for the support that Standard system by offering Quantitative Process has provided our studentElectroencephalogram-based

In-kind gifts offer long-term benefits to both the companies donating and the faculty and students who have the opportunity to use them.

Board and the Chiropractic Leadership Alliance (CLA).

Foot Levelers has a longstanding legacy of giving back to Chiropractic. In its ongoing partnership with LIFE, Foot Levelers has supported the renovation of a number of campus buildings, underwritten chiropractic research studies and established scholarships

Spring 2017 | Alumni.LIFE.edu

athletes. Their dedication to the nutrition of our studentathletes supports LIFE’s mission of offering the proficiencies necessary to achieve optimum personal performance,” says LIFE Athletic Director Jayme Pendergast.

Neurobiology innovator BrainCore Systems donated 10 complete BrainCore Systems

biofeedback to people dealing with symptoms of ADHD, anxiety, insomnia, depression, stroke, chronic pain and many other neurological dysregulations. Without this generous donation from BrainCore, our students would not be able to see this technology in action and experience for themselves the process of using it

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Equipment Needs for X-Ray Lab

Students Ryan Cipriani and Tyler Stewart, along with C-HOP Faculty Clinician Teri Stockwell, D.C., demonstrating CBP equipment.

in research and testing.

In 2016, CLA donated nine neurological diagnostic systems (hardware and software) for use in the classroom and in the outpatient clinic, as well as several thermal scanners. “As an instructor, I’m happy to be able to provide students hands-on experience with these real-world technologies,” says Associate Professor of Chiropractic Sciences Dr. Susan Esposito.

“CLA is a proud educational partner with LIFE‘s Teaching Clinics. CLA’s INSiGHT scanning instruments provide every intern and graduate a new level of certainty as they recommend their care plans and make a difference in their communities,” adds CLA Chief Clinical Officer David Fletcher.

Chiropractic BioPhysics (CBP) Nonprofit Board donated

equipment in late 2016 for mirror-image traction and exercises designed to restore spinal curves to their normal configuration. “Thanks to the generous donation from CBP and Dr. Deed Harrison, we can give our students a background in structural rehabilitation that is researched, validated and effective,” says Dr. Teri Stockwell, lead instructor for the CBP class. “As these students begin practice, they can offer their patients structural-based care that has been shown to enhance wellbeing.”

In-kind gifts are important to both the education of students and improvement of care for patients in the clinics. The University appreciates every company and individual that chooses to support LIFE’s academic and research programs. l

Life University has two rooms that need new X-ray equipment. The current equipment students are using is at least two decades old.

The smaller of the two rooms is Lab Room 121, located in the Center for Graduate and Undergraduate Studies.

The lab needs two non-active systems, one with tilt capabilities, and a third unit that is a system suit equipped with a float top table and a floor mounted tube stand. The total cost for the equipment, discounted

by BlueRidge X-ray, is $65,000.

The College of Chiropractic has budgeted $25,000 for the purchase, therefore $40,000 must be raised.

LIFE is seeking 11 donors who will donate $3,500 each. A plaque listing the donors will be placed inside the lab for the life of the equipment.

The lab room can be named for a minimum of 10 years for the donor who contributes the full $40,000.

The first donor to this project is LIFE Board of Trustee Peter Heffernan, D.C. Heffernan’s prior gifts provided his naming of the Heffernan Case Presentation Room in the Center for Health and Optimal Performance. Now, he is supporting this project because he firmly believes that chiropractic students should learn how to X-ray patients.

He stresses the need for X-rays in Chiropractic, explaining that “X-rays to a chiropractor are like blueprints to builders.”

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Food for Thought: LIFE Adds Two New Bachelor’s Degrees to Ever-Growing Undergraduate Offerings

BY WILL BROOKS

One of the goals for Life University’s 2020 strategic vision is to grow undergraduate and graduate enrollment significantly, specifically with sights on reaching 3,000 undergraduate students and 1,000 graduate students by that point in time. One tactic to execute that vision involves growing the number of degree programs offered, providing a more diverse array of degrees to appeal to a larger base of prospective students, while aligning these new academic programs with LIFE’s vitalistic philosophy and objectives to attract students with a purpose to the campus.

Two new degrees have recently been added to the College of Graduate and Undergraduate Studies: a Bachelor of Science in culinary nutrition began classes in Fall 2016, and LIFE’s first Bachelor of Arts degree, positive human development and social change, began enrolling in Winter 2017.

B.S. CULINARY NUTRITION In both 2015 and 2016, LIFE’s nutrition program was ranked in the top 50 programs in the United States by Public Health Online. The B.S. in culinary nutrition joins a robust Nutrition Department, which includes a B.S. in nutrition, as well as dietetics — the only accredited Spring 2017 | Alumni.LIFE.edu

program in metro Atlanta, an M.S. in clinical nutrition and one of a handful of dietetic internship programs in metro Atlanta.

LIFE’s nutrition facilities include six state-of-the-art teaching

culinary nutrition prepares students to respect food and the food system as an integral part of health and healing.

Coursework focuses on culinary arts, functional nutrition, culinary nutrition, food science, sustainability, entrepreneurship and food service management.

Graduates will be able to merge culinary nutrition skills with traditional business skills, such as entrepreneurship and technical writing, to lead the growing field of using food restoratively and therapeutically to promote vibrancy. They will also understand that nutrients feed the entire body, removing interferences and allowing each person to reach their full potential of wellness.

kitchens and a professional demo kitchen and educational facility.

“With the new culinary nutrition program, students will be very uniquely prepared: They’ll have the strong nutrition background but also the culinary skills,” says Denise PickettBernard, Ph.D., assistant dean of the Department of Nutrition.

“They’ll be looking at using food for healing diseases and food science, as well as build a strong marketing and business background. They can take these principles and use them in a lot of different areas.”

The Bachelor of Science in

B.A. POSITIVE HUMAN DEVELOPMENT AND SOCIAL CHANGE LIFE’s new Bachelor of Arts degree in positive human development and social change (PHDSC) is unique among liberal arts degrees in the country for many reasons. It was developed to capture the original strength of a liberal arts education, while preparing students for the rapidly changing economic, intellectual, cultural and social challenges of the 21st century.

“As we were developing the program, we were doing lots of research on current approaches

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LIFE’S NEW BACHELOR OF ARTS DEGREE IN POSITIVE HUMAN DEVELOPMENT AND SOCIAL CHANGE ( PHDSC ) IS UNIQUE AMONG LIBERAL ARTS DEGREES IN THE COUNTRY FOR MANY REASONS.

to liberal arts education, while at the same time trying to address some of its deficiencies,” says Dr. Thomas Flores, co-developer of the new degree program and assistant professor of PHDSC. “We took notice of the now commonly acknowledged ‘skills gaps’ among Millennials in relation to employment trends.

Across virtually every sector of employment markets, research shows greater demand for skills in more holistic critical and creative thinking; effective communication and conflict resolution; leadership and working in team structures; and cultural diversity. What used to be considered ‘soft skills’ are now absolutely necessary in the job market.”

The degree offers a cuttingedge interdisciplinary curriculum and educational model. “What ties the degree together is that

it is not interdisciplinary for the sake of being interdisciplinary.

Rather, all the courses feed into the same thread of inner development and sustainable social change, and the interdependent relationship between the two. The very name ‘positive human development and social change’ embodies the University’s commitment to an education that leads to greater personal integrity and responsible global citizenship. The various parts of the degree fit together like puzzle pieces, all facilitated by the educational model,”

adds Dr. Brendan Ozawa-de Silva, also a co-developer of the PHDSC degree and assistant professor of Positive Psychology.

The PHDSC degree is housed with the Department of Positive Human Development and Social Change. It will prepare students for graduate work in various fields, such as peace and conflict studies, business, management, contemplative studies, leadership, psychology and other fields. It will also prepare students for work in the following fields, as well as jobs in fields that have yet to be created. Some current examples include: •• Business, entrepreneurship, corporate philanthropy, nonprofit and/or humanitarian work in any size NGO •• Teaching (with credentialing process), social work, peace research and education, ministry or life coaching •• Creative Economies (film, music, entertainment, etc.)

•• Human resources, sales, marketing and strategic planning •• With further training, meditation instructors, consultants or developers of interventions that employ contemplative approaches and/ or secular ethics in education, health care and other fields. l

For more information on the Bachelor of Science in culinary nutrition, visit LIFE.edu/academic-pages/undergraduate/bachelor-of-science-culinary-nutrition/.

For more information on the Bachelor of Arts in positive human development and social change, visit LIFE.edu/academic-pages/undergraduate/bachelor-artspositive-human-development-social-change/.

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Estate Planning

BY GREG HARRIS, VICE PRESIDENT FOR UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT

It is important to have an organized process to transfer your property to your heirs. An organized process requires a plan. Without a plan, the settlement of your assets will be subject to probate court, which could mean long delays for court approvals, high fees, estate and capital gains taxes, and the potential for disagreement among family members.

Taking care of one’s spouse, children and others is possibly one of the most important things you can do as a legacy to your family. Parents buy life, home and car insurance, invest in real estate, retirement plans and other assets to build wealth and financial stability. But, many people stop there — forgetting to protect everything they’ve worked for and having much of it go to government in fees and taxes.

Doesn’t make sense, does it?

Estate planning can start simply by creating a will. Today, this can be accomplished by creating a will online. It may not be the best document if it becomes tested in court, but it’s better than nothing. Like anything worth doing, doing it right by working with a professional is the best step. Plus, when you work with a professional, you’ll likely learn about tax and estate advantages that you are unaware of before having the conversation. Life University works with a few estate planning firms and would be pleased to recommend someone based on your needs.

FOR FOUR YEARS, LIFE HAS OFFERED AN ESTATE PLANNING SEMINAR AS AN EDUCATION SERVICE TO ITS ALUMNI AND FRIENDS.

Spring 2017 | Alumni.LIFE.edu

Advice about estate planning is not a conversation had on a street corner — at least not good advice.

An introductory conversation will cost you your time. However, assessing your assets properly and organizing them in an estate plan is an investment, but it’s an investment worth making.

For four years, LIFE has offered an estate planning seminar as an education service to its alumni and friends. The program is free of charge and is located on a beautiful, secluded ranch in the Colorado mountains. The material covered is up to date, presented by a successful estate attorney and never includes a sales pitch — in fact, he doesn’t want or need your business. Including travel, you’re investing four days of your life (alone or with your spouse), to learn about how to protect your assets while helping your heirs. l The next seminar is scheduled for May 4-7. If you want to plan, protect and leave a legacy, please contact LIFE Vice President for University Advancement Greg Harris at (770) 358-5283 before March 31. This educational program is offered to the first five families who call. The program will be held at the beautiful, private Indian Paintbrush Ranch in Colorado. All expenses paid (limited airfare).

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Adjusting Mannequin to Aid in Research and Teaching Life University is developing a new and state-of-the-art methodology for technical faculty to utilize as a part of student learning — the creation of an adjusting mannequin and adjusting force feedback systems. Students can be taught to reproduce the magnitude and speed of thrusts similar to targets provided by their instructors.

Research projects will be built around the system to help modernize technique instruction at LIFE and demonstrate the effectiveness of electronic feedback for enhancing the motor skills required for safe, effective adjustments.

The Dr. Sid E. Williams Center for Chiropractic Research (CCR) has published several studies, including “Establishing Force and Speed Training Targets for Lumbar Spine High-Velocity Low-Amplitude Chiropractic Adjustments.” This study’s goal was to define the learning target loads and speeds, with instructors as expert models.

For the study, the CCR first developed an adjusting bench with a force plate supporting the lumbar portion to measure loads transmitted during a lumbar manual adjustment. A total of 11 faculty members experienced in teaching Gonstead technique methods performed 81 simulated adjustments on a mannequin on the force plate. Adjustments were along nine lumbopelvic “listings” at three load levels: light, normal and heavy. Faculty analyzed the thrusts to find preload, peak load, duration and thrust rate. An

For the study, the CCR first developed an adjusting bench with a force plate supporting the lumbar portion to measure loads transmitted during a lumbar manual adjustment. analysis of 891 thrusts showed wide variations between doctors.

Peak loads ranged from 100 to 1,400 Newtons. All doctors showed clear distinctions between peak load levels, but there was overlap between high and low loads. Thrust rates were more uniform across doctors, averaging 3 Newtons per millisecond.

The study showed faculty members delivered a range of thrusts, not unlike those seen in the literature for high velocity, low amplitude manipulation.

This established a minimum force and speed targets for

student performance, but more work must be done to create a normative adjustment to guide refinement of student learning.

This paper was selected as a 2015 Association of Chiropractic Colleges-Research Agenda Conference Prize Winning Paper, and the award was funded by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners. The full text of this study is available as a free online download at journalchiroed.com.

The study has been followed up with another study, where student thrusts were measured using the same devices. l

For more information on research at LIFE, visit LIFE.edu/about-pages/research/.

Alumni.LIFE.edu | Spring 2017

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Keep in Touch with

1980s Dr. Steve Koc’s (’80) award-winning animated film “Gnomies World” has been released by Beyond Words Publishing. “The Gnomies” bring healing properties of nature, peace and fun to all ages. Koc created the film to be suitable for children and anyone who wants to relax, laugh and heal.

“I’ve worked with patients in my healing clinic for over 40 years. The importance of laughter, rest and relaxation for wellbeing have been well-documented and can’t be overstated.” In 2016, “Gnomies World” won Best Animated Film at the Northwest Comic Fest and Official Selection at the Oregon Independent Film Festival.

Dr. David Keith Pruitt (‘82) was elected and began a two-year term in November 2016 to the office of president of the board of directors of Georgia Highlands Medical Services Inc., a federally funded community health center serving the northern metro Atlanta. Pruitt is a chiropractic specialist in Canton, Georgia. Having more than 35 years of diverse experiences, especially in Chiropractic, Pruitt affiliates with no hospital and cooperates with other doctors and specialists without joining any medical groups.

Spring 2017 | Alumni.LIFE.edu

LIFE Graduates ®

Dr. Kenneth George (’88) treated his 10,000th patient Oct. 31, 2016. In addition to maintaining his private practice in Stratham, New Hampshire, George has also traveled across the nation and to many others studying several of the world’s religions, philosophies, healing arts and cultures. He is a published author of more than 200 articles on holistic health; produces and hosts his own radio talk show called “Inside Health;” and was the writer, producer and director of the TV film, “The Power That Made the Body Is the Power That Will Heal the Body.”

Dr. Joseph Juliano (’93) proudly serves as parliamentarian for the Orange (New Jersey) Housing Authority (OHA). OHA works to transform the City of Orange by providing safe, livable and affordable housing that promotes the development of the community. Some of the most recent projects completed were the housing and urban redevelopment of HOPE 6 and the New York City midtown direct train service to the city of Orange.

Juliano has been serving as commissioner for OHA since 2011.

ALUMNI AND FRIENDS UPDATE

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1990s Dr. Stuart Katzen (’97) was asked to serve on the advisory board of the Greater Philadelphia Rugby Business Network. The Rugby Business Network has grown to 25,000 members in more than 50 cities all over the world.

The Philadelphia Network was created to expand the rugby community in the United States. With the help of its members and advisory board, it builds connections within the community to raise awareness of the rugby culture and camaraderie of the game. Katzen is an active LIFEforce 1000 doctor, hosting lectures and student recruitment events in his community, and recently became president of the International Alumni Association of Life University.

Dr. Michael Landry (’02) was awarded Calhoun Magazine’s Readers Choice Award for Best Chiropractor in 2016.

This special publication is a muchanticipated event year after year for readers, as well as business owners of the community. The contest featured 63 categories on a wide range of products and services in Calhoun and Gordon County, Georgia.

Congratulations to Landry Chiropractic Center on this great achievement!

Chiropractic on Main Street in College Park, Georgia, in 1962. 2017 marks 17 years in Stockbridge.

Dr. Keith Crowe’s (’98) practice Crowe Chiropractic in Stockbridge, Georgia, celebrated 64 years Dec. 20, 2016.

A second-generation upper cervical chiropractic specialist, Crowe is a founding member of the Academy of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Organization and has been published in the peer-reviewed Chiropractic Research Journal. Crowe’s father, Dr. Hugh Crowe, founded Crowe

Dr. Marc Rogers (’99) is making headway as he eagerly awaits the opening of his restaurant Brooklyn Pizza Company in Largo, Florida.

Rogers has been making pizza since he was 17 and even flipped pies while he was enrolled at Life University. Opening a restaurant has always been a dream of his, and he is excited to share his new venture with the community.

Brooklyn Pizza Company will open its doors in early 2017.

2000s Drs. Benjamin and Brandi Leverenz (’01) are pleased to announce the arrival of their sixth girl, Brooklynn, July 28, 2016.

She was born at home surrounded by all her sisters.

There is much excitement for the Leverenz family as their oldest daughter Jessica will be attending Life University this fall. The pair maintains their private practice Leverenz Family Chiropractic in Port Huron, Michigan, and truly feel blessed.

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ALUMNI AND FRIENDS UPDATE

Dr. Deana Lajiness (’09) welcomed Kent James into the world Dec. 5, 2016.

Congratulations to Mom and Dad on their healthy baby boy!

2010s Dr. Kelly Duffner (’12) is the founder and creator of Kiro Coffee. His mission is to help opiate and heroin addicts gain access to Chiropractic, physical therapy and massage therapy. From each purchase, a portion is donated to organizations that help achieve this goal. In addition to running his nonprofit, Duffner serves the Fairfield, Ohio, community as a chiropractor at Baker Chiropractic and Wellness.

Dr. LaMar Hunter (’13) welcomed the newest addition to his family, Hugo Kareem Hunter, Nov. 25, 2016. Hugo is the second son for LaMar and his wife, Valerie.

Wishing the best for their family!

Dr. Kim (’15) and Dan (’12, ’15) Huck welcomed their son Henry in August 2016. The pair are the owners and founders of American Rowhouse on the Marietta Square. The small gym is filled with special rowing machines that push water around in a tank. It gives the resistance that you would feel if you were actually rowing on a lake.

There’s only about 15 rowing-centric centers in the country.

Dr. Randi Pallis (’16) is involved in the nonprofit Love Has No Color (LHNC), a humanitarian chiropractic group working to restore hope, health and dignity of the children on the Fort Peck Native American Reservation in Poplar, Montana. A group of chiropractors, chiropractic students, chiropractic patients and volunteers travel to the reservation in for LHNC’s annual Christmas on the Reservation, which delivers toys, gifts, sporting goods, coats, mittens, boots, sneakers and high-quality,

non-perishable food each year to every child on the reservation. This year, the humanitarian chiropractic distributed a copy of LIFE President Dr. Guy Riekeman’s book “Make Your Life Extraordinary” to more than 100 adult, juvenile and female prisoners on the reservation. Handing out this inspirational book to the residents has been a defining moment in their lives.

Dr. Ross Weber (’16), one of our newest graduates, is engaged to Ariana Wilkinson.

The pair will get married in September. Congratulations to you both!

FRIENDS WE’VE LOST Dr. William “Bill” G. Wolfe (’78) passed away unexpectedly at his home in Fort Pierce, Florida, Jan. 31. Bill was one of the pioneers of Life Chiropractic College.

Not only was he a great student, but he also spent countless hours building and constructing the college and designing the layout. He maintained a love for his family, helping others, gardening, politics, animals and building things. He is survived by his children, Nicole and Jordan, his former wife and dear friend, Carol Franchini, and eight nieces and nephews and one great-niece.

Dr. William Rockwell “Rocky” Aker (’95) passed away Jan. 16 after an automobile accident involving a drunk driver. He saw patients in Sarasota, Port Charlotte and Lakewood Ranch, Florida. Rocky was liked and respected by all. He always had a smile on his face, a good sense of humor and made sincere quality and quantity time for his patients and friends. He is survived by his wife, Kristi Markham, and their three children, Jared, Alexis and Wyatt.

DON’T BE SHY! We’d like to include your personal and professional news and photos in upcoming issues of Your Extraordinary LIFE. Send your information to Alumni@LIFE.edu.

Spring 2017 | Alumni.LIFE.edu

LASTING PURPOSE

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Serving In Public Office Through Lasting Purpose

BY DAVID HONEYCUT T

Lasting Purpose: To Give, To Do, To Love, To Serve – Out of a Sense of Abundance is one of the four pillars of Life University. Alumni and friends of LIFE strive to fulfill this Lasting Purpose,” but sometimes it gets lost in the routines of running businesses and leading families. We are spotlighting three alumni who have carried Lasting Purpose into their public service: Drs. Karen Mathiak, Brad Robinson and Bill Voyce.

Mathiak, a recent member of the Georgia State Legislature (73rd District Representative to the Georgia State House), is honored to be at the capitol and is already considering how to bring her uniquely holistic approach to life to the legislature. “I like to think that through my connection to Life University that I look at life a lot differently.

When we’re serving, we also have to look at everyone’s needs … view the whole, not just the parts, just as we do in Chiropractic.”

Robinson of Norfolk, Virginia, says, “I have always been active in Chiropractic politics as president of the local chiropractic association, then the Virginia Chiropractic Association and as delegate to the International Chiropractic Association. Then in 2011, I was appointed to the local school board.”

He adds that his chiropractic perspective also gives him a different way of viewing things. “We have the above-down, inside-out philosophy of life and health, coupled with the knowledge of Lasting Purpose. Trying to interject that into the mainstream public body was intriguing to me.” He believes that he has seen his interactions with his fellow public servants make some headway in changing their approach to issues at times. As he puts it, “I’m often the contrarian in the group, and it’s not a bad thing to offer a different perspective.”

Voyce also serves the public while maintaining a thriving chiropractic office in Tewksbury, New Jersey. He started his public service by helping out with his sons’ scouting programs, serving on a first aid rescue squad, being a member of the local school board and finally through election to town council,

through which he was appointed mayor three times.

Voyce remembers the impetus to serve was what his Scout Master once said to him. “A lot of people helped get you to where you are today. You now have to give back to help them achieve as well.”

After taking these words to heart, Voyce has now been in public service for more than 30 years. He believes that being a chiropractor and understanding Lasting Purpose has been a great benefit to him in serving the public, as his profession has made him just that much more approachable.

These alumni and civic leaders know that the personal skills that they cultivated at LIFE have helped them succeed with both their patients and communities. After having worked so hard to bring awareness to the public of the benefits of Chiropractic, that ability to influence opinions has been very helpful in their public offices.

Voyce believes communication is key.

“To converse and bring your point across, how you present Chiropractic to the general public and your views through a Lasting Purpose lens through service to the public, they’re not uncommon to each other.”

Mathiak adds, “That’s the uniqueness of what I bring to the capitol — everybody knows that I am a chiropractor, an alumna of Life University and that I bring a holistic attitude toward health care.”

Lasting Purpose has influenced Robinson in his approach to service the community. He says, “Giving back to the source through Lasting Purpose is crucial for success in life and in practice. That was the motto that Dr. Sid Williams put forth when LIFE was founded. I’ve lived by that motto, and it’s amazing how much you get done when you don’t care who gets the credit.”

Mathiak, Robinson and Voyce continue to live Life University’s main tenet of serving for the sake of serving. By invoking give, do, love and serve in their lives, their patients, fellow legislators and the public receive the benefit of seeing life lived better.

Alumni.LIFE.edu | Spring 2017

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