Don’t Miss Lyceum 2009
Welcome tothe Tipping Point! Join us in creating a more vital health care system “Give me a lever long enough and a place to stand, and I can change the world.” —Archimedes
Fresh Leadership for Life
The New Vitalism
A prestigious fellowship sparks educational innovation
Self-healing philosophies abound at Life's Vitalism Conference
PRESIDENT’S letter
Greetings
Life Alumni!
In the first issue of Your Extraordinary Life, I talked to you about Life’s vision and the progress we’ve made since 2004. I’d like to revisit that now as I ask for your partnership in growing both Life’s enrollment and the Chiropractic profession. In 2004, with Life literally a few weeks away from closing, we appealed to alumni for money to save the University. But this effort went beyond saving the campus and its programs––it was about continuing the vision promised in the Lasting Purpose ideal. More than 400 people committed their resources, allowing us to keep our doors open. We took your trust and dollars and got to work 20 hours a day. We restored accreditation, rebuilt enrollment and created the largest chiropractic college in the world with the finest philosophy, technique and management curriculum in the profession, producing some of the highest National Board scores in DC education. We re-established the sports program to national prominence, with a basketball team that went to the playoffs in the first year and a rugby club that went undefeated for more than two years, earning the national championship title in 2008. We refurbished the entire campus and infused classrooms with today’s technology. Plus, we built a 38,000-square-foot state-of-the-art outpatient clinic and a new student clinic with digital X-ray and patient education.
With your help, the Life team moved Life University from a status of crisis to one of stability. Now it is time to have a conversation about the future.
Now we’re building a five-story parking structure, 300 student condos, a chiropractic daycare center that will be a national model, a 200-seat organic café and covered walkways throughout the campus. As we move forward, we are tearing up parking lots and replacing them with beautiful greenspace. For the future, we’ve created the Life Source Octagon, the first ever think tank based on chiropractic principles. With your help, the Life team moved Life University from a status of crisis to one of stability. Now it is time to have a conversation about the future. What role do we want the profession to have in the future health care system? How can we reach more people with our vitalistic philosophy? What is our plan to ensure that chiropractic care is readily available in all cities, in all countries, to all people? Who is helping to inspire and recruit future chiropractors? This conversation must occur with your involvement. Therefore, Life is hosting nearly 40 events in 2009-2010 to ask you and your colleagues how you see yourself engaging in the process of finding and implementing the solutions to these questions. We’ll be in or near your city soon––please join us. I look forward to talking with you! Sincerely,
Dr. Guy F. Riekeman President, Life University
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Your Extraordinary Life
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The Alumni Magazine of
Life University
FEATURES
Welcome to the Tipping Point Celebrate lives transformed and get ready to change the health care system
Bold Outreach to Minds and Hearts Natural healing philosophies abound at Life’s Vitalism Conference DEPARTMENTS
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Around Campus: What’s New at Life The Life Movement; Outreach grants; Signs of Life; New T.I.C. auditorium; Expanded clinic website
6 NEW SOUTH PUBLISHING, INC.
LIFE UNIVERSITY
Jamie Ryan Publisher
Guy F. Riekeman, D.C. President
Larry Lebovitz President
C. Randall Heuston Special Assistant to the President
John Hanna Vice President
Craig Dekshenieks Director of Communications
Laura Newsome Editor
Natalie Walker Director of Alumni
Amy Selby Associate Editor
Jenni Bennett Public Relations Coordinator
Michelle Schlundt Production Coordinator/ Circulation Manager
Pascious Prince Internal Communications Coordinator
Garon Hart Graphic Designer
Guy D’Alema Senior Photographer
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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. Material in this publication may not be reprinted without written permission from the editorial offices in Marietta. All rights reserved. © Copyright 2009 Life University. Printed in the USA.
Alumni Update Get involved with recruitment, the P.E.A.K. program and the Alumni Association
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Development Support Life students in meaningful ways
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Student Spotlight Aryn Gabai, taking chiropractic to the world’s stage
21 Your Extraordinary Life magazine is published three times a year by New South Publishing, 450 Northridge Parkway, Ste. 202, 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.
Around Campus: Athletics Life student wins big in weightlifting; New rugby coach; Dodgeball is a hit
Faculty Spotlight Dr. Jerry Hardee, placing diversity at the forefront
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New Horizons ACE Fellow Dr. Brian McAulay brings fresh leadership perspectives to Life
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Alumni Relations The Wellness Portfolio; Life lesson epigram
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What’s New at Life Receives Outreach Grant In early May, Life University received a grant of $10,000 from the Ida A. Ryan Charitable Trust to be used for increasing the visibility of Life’s outreach clinics. With the granted funds, Life will develop a comprehensive community awareness plan for the outreach clinics to serve more patients and promote digital imaging services for field doctors. The Ida A. Ryan Charitable Trust makes grants to qualified 501(c)(3) organizations in the Atlanta area.
Light Up My Life When Life alumni return to campus for this year’s Lyceum, they will be met with a more “illuminated” welcome. In July 2009, Life University will install two new outdoor electronic LED signs in highly visible locations on the campus. The signs will replace an older sign that has been in use since the school opened in the 1970s. LED (light emitting diodes) technology has now become standard due to its energy efficiency, longevity and high quality when used in electronic visual displays, such as clocks, computer monitors and TV screens. Life’s new LED signs will serve as communication vehicles for the entire campus community, used to announce events, emergency notifications and welcoming guests to Life. The signs will also reflect accurate, timely campus information. One of the signs will be
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Life
installed in front of the Welcome Center (guard station), while the other will be placed near the entrance to the Center for Chiropractic Education. Both are high-traffic areas near Barclay Circle, Life’s main road.
Theory, Intelligence & Creativity Flow in New Auditorium In keeping pace with the 2020 Vision, Life University has added another completed project to its list of campus improvements and modernization efforts. The Upper and Lower Gyms, located on the second and third floors of the Sport Health Science Building, recently underwent extensive renovation, which has transformed both into the new, state-of-the-art T.I.C. Auditorium. Named by President Guy Riekeman, D.C.,the Theory, Intelligence & Creativity Auditorium encompasses two levels and was designed as a multipurpose venue for events of all kinds (graduations, stage plays, concerts, etc.), providing a presentation environment that doesn’t feel like a gymnasium. In April 2009, the University had an opportunity to show off the auditorium to alumni, chiropractic professionals, staff members, students and guests at the Vitalism Conference, an event held to discuss the philosophy of vitalism. “I heard nothing but good things about the transformation of the space during the Vitalism Conference,” says Nita Allen, administrative assistant
to the president/board secretary. “Most importantly, it did not feel like a gym. It was more of an upscale, yet warm and comfortable environment.” The $1.3 million project included upgraded advanced lighting, sound and video technology. The installation of theatrical lighting and new audio-visual screens and projection equipment (HD format) will continue to enhance the audience experience. In addition, customized motorized blinds were installed over skylights and windows to block out sunlight when needed. A wireless microphone system, along with acoustical wall and ceiling panels, complement the upgraded sound system, providing event attendees with superb sound quality. The sound system is “zone-able,” which means that sound can be controlled to emanate from all speakers, or only certain ones when designated. Aesthetic upgrades included painting the walls and bringing in portable auditorium seating, allowing the new venue to accommodate approximately 1,500 people. New removable carpet was provided to protect the floors during events and to add to the ambience of the auditorium. More improvements are planned for the auditorium, such as additional staging components and backdrops to cover the basketball goals during events.
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Life’s Clinic System Expands Website The Life University Clinic System has launched a new website after several months of collaboration with the University’s marketing department, Tony Rinaldis of AFR Marketing Group and the Clinic Council administrative group, led by Dr. Ralph Davis, dean of clinics. All agreed that the site should visually represent the clinics, be easy for all members of the Life community to use and provide enough information about chiropractic care and other clinic programs for patients to feel comfortable about choosing Life University and the Life clinics. Visitors to life.edu/health will read about services offered, what to expect from an initial visit, the Community Outreach Clinics and the clinic systems, including PEAK and the International Clinic programs. The site also has a section designed to build relationships with other health care providers. Each clinic faculty member has a bio posted and is encouraged to create his or her own page with research articles, relevant links and additional personal information so patients can get to know their health care providers. The Clinic System is already receiving several inquiries a week from the site. Check out life.edu/health for more on how Life is spreading vitalism and chiropractic worldwide!
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What’s New at
Life
The Life Movement: A Vitalistic Vision for the World BY RANDY HEUSTON Special Assistant to the President If you caught Lyceum 2008––and you can’t afford not to catch Lyceum 2009––you may have picked up on an expression that’s new to you: “The Life Movement.” That concept was subtly woven throughout last year’s Thursday night Lyceum show and President Guy Riekeman’s opening “State of the University/State of the Profession” address. In many ways, the Life Movement is the context for most of what is happening at your alma mater. What exactly is this “Life Movement,” and how does it provide direction for what Life is doing today and tomorrow? As it turns out, the Life Movement isn’t a new idea, though translating it into reality is finding new traction under the present University administration. A conversation about the Life Movement started in earnest when the Life Board of Trustees met in February 2008. But the Board, or at least several members of it, actually had the idea from the start. Yes, back in 1974, during their now famous “walk on the beach” at Ormond Beach in Florida, Life’s founders talked about how their chiropractic philosophy could find powerful expressions to help humanity. The most obvious outlet for those chiropractors was health care, and
to apply a vitalistic view of the human body to collective human endeavors like organizational structure, entrepreneurship, new scientific paradigms, communications and cultural imperatives like integrity. On closer look, though, vitalism provides a metaphor rich in direction
Vitalism holds, according to Webster, that “the processes of life are not explicable by the laws of physics and chemistry alone, and that life is in some part self-determining.”
expression in education? That was one factor in transforming Life College into a full-fledged university. Still, having a philosophical motive is one thing, making it a reality is another. Enter the Eight Core Life Proficiencies. They are all, in one way or another, a reflection of chiropractic’s vitalistic philosophy. Vitalism, of course, is a philosophical approach to understanding living organisms. It holds, according to Webster, that “the processes of life are not explicable by the laws of physics and chemistry alone, and that life is in some part selfdetermining.” That means the human body is self-healing, self-regulating and innately powered to relate to its environment. At first, it may seem a stretch
about how people can to function to promote a healthy society, how organizations can fulfill their potential by “removing interferences,” and how we ought to protect our natural environment. What, then, are some of the initiatives that can grow from these vitalistic roots? Along with those projects that relate directly to education and Life University, President Guy Riekeman, D.C., routinely talks to his administrative team and others about things like:
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from that sprang the decision to start what would eventually become the world’s largest chiropractic college. But starting a chiropractic college wasn’t the full extent of their dream. What if the vitalistic philosophy that girds chiropractic health care also found
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• Living communities •Health care policy/research •The Wellness Portfolio •The Octagon Village •Global initiatives
AROUND campus
While you will learn more about these initiatives over time, these expressions of vitalism extend beyond chiropractors’ rendering effective health care, though, just as obviously, chiropractic care and chiropractic education are at the heart of many of them. We’re talking about products, culture, lifestyle, outreach, finances, new organizations, athletics, education and other relevant expressions that spring naturally from a vitalistic view of the world. Here’s what Dr. Riekeman had to say recently: “The Life Movement is, potentially, a number of things. At its heart, it is a process of transformation where we discern our potential and act to realize it. When we say we’re grounded in vitalistic principles, we’re not content to view this only as an academic exercise––we want to live it. We are determined to create new models of living, learning and working.” So, as you seek to keep up with all that’s happening at Life University, understand that these things fit harmoniously into the context of The Life Movement. What you’re seeing is indeed a transformation, acting to realize our potential through many practical initiatives and “new models,” all launched by a vitalistic vision for a better world. Today that vision is clearer and stronger than ever.
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“The Life Movement is, potentially, a number of things. At its heart, it is a process of transformation where we discern our potential and act to realize it.” —President Guy Riekeman, D.C.
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Athletics
DC Student Wins Big at NCAA Weightlifting Championships BY JENNI BENNETT, LIFE UNIVERSITY
realized when he decided,
Robert Hall got into weightlifting
competing again.
in 1999––after years of watching his friends compete. Before that time, his inter-
earlier this year, to begin
To ensure that his body could handle the training, he sought the expertise of the
ests included basketball and
clinic staff at Life’s Center
track and field, but it wasn’t
for Health and Optimum Per-
until he started lifting that he
formance.
found his true passion.
“They worked tirelessly to
On April 18, 2009, Hall rep-
fix me and to have my body
resented Life University in the
operating at peak perform-
2009 USA Weightlifting National
ance for the competition.”
Collegiate Championships. He
Hall gives much of the credit
won the bronze medal for his
for his success at the cham-
events––the “snatch” and the
pionships to his chiropractic
“clean and jerk.”
intern, Jacob Canfield, and to
This isn’t Hall’s first time at a national event. In 2004 and 2005 he won the NCAA Weightlifting
the clinic staff. After training for two months, Robert completed a 340-
Championships, as well as the 2005 American Open while in his
pound, double-body-weight clean and jerk, and snatched 260
undergraduate program at Armstrong Atlantic University.
pounds. Combined, the lifts won him the bronze medal. “It was
Unfortunately, he sustained countless injuries during train-
really fun lifting again,” Hall says. “But next year I can guaran-
ing, which resulted in two bad hips and lumbar difficulties. Due
tee a gold.” Hall dedicated his medal to Life University, where it
to the strain his body experienced during training, Hall retired
is proudly displayed at the Department of Athletics. Hall is a
from weightlifting in 2005, following his major win.
fourth-quarter Doctorate of Chiropractic student from Savan-
“Weightlifting is a sport of passion like any other. Once you start, it stays in your blood for life,” Hall says. That’s what he
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nah, Ga., and a member of Life’s weightlifting club.
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USA Rugby’s Dan Payne Accepts Coaching Position at LIFE Life’s Director of Athletics, John Barrett, recently announced Dan Payne as the University’s new director of rugby. Starting this summer, Payne will be responsible for the growth and development of the undergraduate rugby programs, in addition to maintaining the University’s well-established Super League team. The undergrad team will start competing this fall with plans to join USA Rugby’s Southern Conference in spring 2011. “I am well aware of the storied history of rugby at Life University,” says Payne, after his initial meeting with Barrett and Life University President Dr. Guy F. Riekeman. “The opportunity to build upon that tradition with an undergraduate program is something I’m extremely excited about.” Payne recognized the University’s commitment to growth, and said the University’s vision for how rugby can play a part in Life’s future sealed his final decision. “Life Rugby is excited to have Dan join the program,” says Life Rugby Coach Scott Lawrence. “He is a proven winner both on and off the field, and his leadership will be a valuable asset to current and future players.” Payne is the former director of competition for USA Rugby
and an assistant coach to the US Men’s National Team. He was the head coach at San Diego State University for three seasons, leading the team to their first playoff appearance during his first year. Payne followed with two more consecutive seasons in the playoffs, driving the team all the way to the Round of Four last season. “This is a great opportunity for Dan,” says Nigel Melville, CEO of USA Rugby. “We will, of course, all miss the hard work and commitment Dan has demonstrated during his time with us. The pull of coaching on a full-time basis is a dream opportunity for Dan, and we wish him every success.”
Dodgeball Intramurals – The “Hit” of the Quarter This quarter, Life’s Department of Athletics is offering flag football and dodgeball for the spring intramural season. Both sports have generated a lot of involvement––nearly 200 students––but dodgeball is definitely the crowd favorite! This isn’t the same “dodgeball” you played at recess back in the day. And it’s even more entertaining than the movie. This is a sport that’s so outrageous and exciting, you have to see it to believe it. Teams are comprised of six to 10 people who play each other six-on-six, aiming to win the best of seven games. The official dodgeballs are much smaller than the oversized red ones used in the movie. They are easy to grip and whiz through the court, pegging unsuspecting opponents. Dodgeball success isn’t partial to the fastest, strongest or most limber of athletes. It’s all about outlasting the other team. “Watching these teams play is one of the most entertaining things I’ve ever seen,” says undergrad student Ramon Walker. “They’ll lay out flat on the floor or jump into a mid-air split just to dodge a ball. It’s hilarious!” Teams play every Tuesday evening from 7-8 p.m. in the upper gym and the sidelines are open for spectators. Various clubs are represented, including the Ambassadors, who have an eight-person team aptly named “8 Ways to Great.” The competition in dodgeball is no different from the heated rivalry in any other sport. Tensions fly and adrenaline rushes, but, in the end, teams shake hands and exchange hugs of good sportsmanship. www.life.edu
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COVER story
Life Lyceum 2009 (a.k.a. Homecoming)
Celebrate the Lives You’ve Changed, Get Ready to Change the Health Care System BY RANDY HEUSTON, SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT The opening show at last year’s Lyceum regaled a huge crowd with its spoofs of conventional wisdom. One piece was a mock TV commercial for a make-believe drug called “Datematrol,” for people suffering from “Puny Date Syndrome.” Over the video image of a happy couple, an announcer hurriedly read the drug’s long list of horrendous side effects, ending with “women who are pregnant or think they might ever get pregnant should not take Datematrol because it will turn their babies into science fiction characters.” The crowd of chiropractors and chiropractic students roared. They enjoyed mocking a health care mindset where every personal problem is labeled a syn-
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drome and an excuse to sell a drug. Sure, there’s irony in the fact that our society, seeking any quick fix to recover from discomfort and disease, is overmedicated, and those medications too often have dire consequences. But we all know that, really, our health care system is no laughing matter. And as you see patients whose health has been damaged by drugs and surgery, as well as their own bad habits, your heart is touched. No doubt you are moved again and again to tip them toward real health and freedom from dependence on drastic therapies. At this year’s Lyceum, we want to celebrate what you have done and are doing for your patients. We want to hear and
share your chiropractic stories. No, they may not all fit the “chiropractic miracle” model, but they certainly tell tales of a tipping point in many people’s lives. Come to Lyceum, and be prepared to share those experiences. In fact, we’d like to know about them ahead of time. We’ll capture some of the best on video, or maybe even showcase them on stage on opening night. As you share experiences, you strengthen the convictions of your colleagues and the next generation of chiropractors who believe that what you do changes lives for the better. Yet the question that has troubled chiropractic throughout its history remains: How can we change society’s mindset, which is so oriented toward
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The program planned for you this year offers a lineup of stellar presenters who will demonstrate what it will take to tip the system in favor of a vitalistic approach. waiting until people get sick before doing anything about their health? And how can we shift the entire health care paradigm toward a more vitalistic focus and delivery of care that promotes prevention, wellness and optimum development? Health care reform is on politicians’ lips these days; in fact, it’s one of the Obama administration’s priorities. The problem is that the wrong people are in the room, talking about reform in the old paradigm. Chiropractors need to pull their chairs up to the discussion table. So, Life University has built this year’s Lyceum program around joining the discussion to create a new paradigm. It sets out to define the potential contribution of chiropractic and points the way to effecting change in health care policy. Ambitious? Absolutely, but as one of the program’s background documents points out, “Increasingly mainstream concepts of health promotion are identifying the need for invocation of, support for and specific identification of, the innate and inherent recuperative, healing and health-oriented capacities of our bodies. It is into this nexus that the potential chiropractic contribution can be defined and demonstrated.” The program planned for you this year offers a lineup of stellar presenters who will demonstrate what it will take to tip the system in favor of a vitalistic approach. Guy Riekeman, D.C., president of Life University and the profession’s best known speaker, will explore on
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Thursday, Oct. 15, what individual chiropractors can do to become thought leaders in shaping health care policy. Several speakers will explore the new vitalism and demonstrate that there is indeed a market for it. One of them is Larry Dossey, M.D., who will speak Friday morning, Oct. 16, and provide scientific data to show that vitalistic healing is real. He is an evocative speaker and researcher on the power of prayer in healing. Then, on Saturday, Oct. 17, Bruce Lipton, Ph.D., will discuss “Cycles of Convergence,” sharing how scientific understanding has shifted radically over the decades. His website says: “The new sciences quantum physics and epigenetics are revolutionizing our understanding of the link between mind and matter, challenging established scientific theories and prompting a complete re-evaluation of life as we have known it” You’ll come away understanding that a change in the health care system may be nearer than you think. And, of course, the four-day Lyceum program will be filled with fine presentations on techniques, practice management and other relevant topics. You can even get the Georgia and Florida C.E. credits you need. What a range of choices! And bring your C.T.’s or C.A.’s, because there will be a track for them, too. A philosophy track under the excitement-filled tent–– plus great networking, food and entertainment! Also, watch the nation’s best rugby team in action! It’s everything you’ve ever loved about Homecoming, with a whole lot more inspiration and in-depth education. And, of course, it’s in metro Atlanta. Who wouldn’t find something cool to do here? Welcome to the Tipping Point! LU Register online today at life.edu.
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The four-day Lyceum program will be filled with fine presentations on techniques, practice management and other relevant topics.
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Life’s Vitalism Conference
Bold Outreach to BY SETH LAFLAMME LIFE CHIROPRACTIC STUDENT
Vitalism, a philosophy suffering “the death of a thousand cuts,” has been invited out of the intellectual graveyard, thanks to Life University. Life’s three-day conference in April on “The New Vitalism” featured top presenters from holistic and naturalistic healing professions, including naturopathy, homeopathy, ayurveda, acupuncture and Chinese medicine, as well as chiropractic. Historians and sociologists were also on hand to lend historical and cultural perspectives. According to the Marietta Daily Journal, “The project is intended to be a platform for conversations that transcend political and professional differences, and seek common goals and ideas that serve the greater good.” Vitalism is far from new, but it suffered a terrible hit with the rise of mechanism and scientific thought. Its original theological and mystical associations made it an obvious target for character assassination by scientists (then fighting a powerful oppression of their own) trying to gain footing for their schools of thought. So, the millennia-old way of holistically looking at health took a back seat to mechanism and atomism for a long time. Life University, under the auspices of the Life Source Octagon: A Center for Infinite Thinking, set out to formally revitalize vitalism in the first of its “The World’s Greatest Conversations” lecture series. What was accomplished? “We came up with a common definition and created a
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new concept in place of an old concept that was flawed in its extremism,” says Dr. David Koch, D.C., a Life University professor of chiropractic philosophy and one of several conference presenters. If chiropractors acknowledge their founding principles––the body is a selfhealing, self-maintaining, self-regulating organism producing health from the inside out when free of interference–– then, whether practitioners realize it or not, chiropractic is intimately connected to this vitalistic point of view, as are a number of other professions sharing the same philosophy and differing only in their approach to clinical care. Attendee Larry Markson, D.C., wrote on his website, thecabinexperience.com, “Clearly my overwhelming feeling came to be that there is a global ‘brain trust’ now bringing to the world the same philosophy I heard in 1958 from B.J. Palmer.” Therein lies the interest in defining the new vitalism––it is the chiropractic principle minus the clinical focus on the spine. In reviving vitalism and collaborating with “brothers in arms,” chiropractic connects to something larger than itself. And by inviting other professions to join that larger something, chiropractic gains legitimacy to make further headway in the hearts and minds of cultures around
the world. Ultimately, a vibrantly supported new vitalism may help chiropractic and allied natural health professions stop looking to a disapproving foe for legitimacy, in part by “developing strong relationships of enduring value that do not devolve in the competitive marketplace,” writes conference coordinator, Dr. Stephen Bolles, D.C., on liferecruitment.blogspot.com. There is much to be gained by working as a united front philosophically, while maintaining separate professional identities and clinical approaches. The goal is for vitalism to be automatically included in every health care debate, says Koch, who envisions a process akin to the EPA’s environmental impact statements––a “vitalism impact statement” on health care policies. Through embracing commonalities with other vitalistic professions, chiropractic can create the momentum and clout for this inclusion to be achieved. “When that shift is made, our profession will emerge and our voice will finally be heard,” says Markson. As chiropractors approach this shift––this tipping point––they must decide whether they will continue to struggle forward, divided or meet this challenge in a state of unity and strength; no longer alone, but as a coalition serving the greater good and reviving the true meaning and expression of health in the minds and bodies of a public that needs a vitalistic approach to health care. LU
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Minds and Hearts
Vitalism
CONFERENCE
Life University, under the auspices of the Life Source Octagon: A Center for Infinite Thinking, set out to formally revitalize vitalism in the first of what it’s calling “The World’s Greatest Conversations.”
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Vitalism
CONFERENCE
Joe Pizzorno: Naturopathy’s relationship with the “Vis” of Vis Medicatrix Naturae.
Ian Coulter: "Framing the Field" for inquiries about vitalism.
Katrin Kaufer: What intentional listening can help create. Monica Greco: A cosmology comes of age.
Rob Scott: The need for consensus on a definition of vitalism.
David Koch: Steeped in vitalism!
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The goal is for vitalism to be automatically included in every health care debate, says Dr. Koch, who envisions a process akin to the EPA’s environmental impact statements—a “vitalism impact statement” on health care policies.
Amala Guha: Lecturing on Ayurveda.
Peter Fisher: Homeopathy and vitalism.
Guy Riekeman: Questions and challenges for the panel.
Will Morris: Traditional Chinese Medicine and vitalism.
Molly Roberts: Some physicians yearn to reconnect to vitalism.
Yvonne Villanueva-Russell: The challenge of asking the right questions.
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ALUMNI UPDATE
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Get Involved! With Recruitment: Bring them to Life! Join LIFEforce and shape the future of chiropractic! LIFEforce is made up of those who understand chiropractic philosophy and are willing to find, persuade and mentor the next generation of subluxation-based chiropractors. By helping prospective students find their calling and by referring them to Life University, you provide the leadership and inspiration that will transform the profession. Life alumni who participate in LIFEforce are involved in a wide variety of activities designed to increase enrollment, promote professional development and enhance our global reach. What we need is your commitment and involvement, to whatever extent your schedule will allow. Many of you are aware that Life is growing because you have been a part of the growth. Our Recruitment and Admissions offices have been able to call upon you to have dinner with a prospective student, serve as a mentor to an admitted student and participate in and host outreach activities. Institutional data proves that the greatest recruitment tool in our arsenal is you! So, we will be in touch. It’s your story we would like to share with inquiring and prospective students. We’ll be in your state and will contact you about joining us for a student recruiting event. Come and bring prospective patients along! Your success in our profession is the most telling and compelling marketing message we can promote. Look forward to hearing from our Recruitment Office. You can be sure there is a recruiter scheduled to be in your area in the months to come. We will be in touch
by phone, email and or mail to keep you abreast of on-going activities.
With Students through the P.E.A.K Program Life University’s vision of influencing health care attitudes and practices isn’t contained by the walls of our state-ofthe-art clinic facilities. Our commitment to the local, national and even global community is to produce caring chiropractors who are educated to share the knowledge and joy of a balanced, healthy life with the help of chiropractic. Senior interns at Life University have several options to complete their clinical training. Each of these programs is designed to seamlessly combine the years of rigorous academics and clinical training. In P.E.A.K., interns are connected with an experienced Doctor of Chiropractic in a private office and work with him or her in all aspects of the practice. The locations may be local, out-of-state or international. This gives students the opportunity to use their skills in a real world setting and to see how a business is run and how chiropractic helps the general public. Life University now has connections with doctors around the world for this opportunity. We have students who are learning in offices next door and as far away as snowy Sweden and exotic Ghana. We are always hoping to expand the Life family of Extension Faculty doctors who are interested in opening their offices to our talented and enthusiastic interns. Doctors who would like more information on the benefits of joining our PEAK network, please contact Dr. John Markham, executive director of Level III Clinic Programs, at john.markham@life.edu or call 770-426-2980.
With The Alumni Association: The International Alumni Association of Life University wants you! The mission of the Alumni Association is to provide a bridge between Life University and its alumni, serving and uniting the interests of both in alliance with the strategic plan set forth by the Board of Trustees and President Dr. Guy Riekeman. The Association is governed by a Board of Directors led by Association President, Dr. Larry Marchese. Activities include hosting regional events, awarding student scholarships, volunteer opportunities and many other exciting activities. The Alumni Association is currently looking to fill two positions on the Board of Directors: Representative – Philanthropy/ Community Service • Serves as the chair of Philanthropy Committee and recruits committee members • Assists University Advancement staff with planning alumni development programs, including phonathons • Identifies major gift prospects and provides information to UA staff Representative – Student Engagement and Recruitment • Works with the Office of Alumni Relations to promote the Running Eagles Society • Serves as a LIFEforce member with the Office of Recruitment and promotes the program to other alumni • Coordinates the Alumni Association Scholarship program and works with the Office of alumni relations to manage the application and selection process If you are interested in filling one of these positions, or would like to nominate a representative, please contact Natalie Walker, director of alumni relations, at 800-543-3203 or natalie.walker@life.edu. LU www.life.edu
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DEVELOPMENT
Help Support Life Students Life University’s commitment to student-centered learning is evident in its chiropractic, undergraduate and master’s programs, which set the standard of excellence in contemporary health education. As the purpose statement developed by the President’s Cabinet states: “Life University is a community that empowers and inspires individuals to discover and design lives of success and significance.” As they design their lives, you can help support the students of Life in several ways:
Student Connections The Life University Student Connections program (formerly Adopt-A-Class) provides practicing chiropractors with opportunities to speak with current students for mentoring and advice. You can share your experiences and speak on an area of expertise during the seventh week of each quarter. Your presence provides encouragement for future graduates and helps to build mentoring ties with alumni. The Student Connections program is designed to increase student retention and provide both students and doctors with a beneficial chance to interact. For more information, contact Leila Tatum, alumni relations coordinator, at 770426-2917 or leila.tatum@life.edu.
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Running Eagles Society The Running Eagles Society is a networking/mentorship group for students and first- and second-year alumni. The members enjoy invitations to special events, free networking seminars and reserved seating at sporting events. Membership is only $50 a year, and membership counts as a gift to the Annual Fund of Life University. Best of all, this program allows young alumni to stay connected with their student friends and provides an opportunity for ongoing mentorship. The program kicked off in 2009, and those who joined by April 30 were entered in a drawing to win a drop table donated by Sunshine Tables. Congratulations to Running Eagles Society member, Brian Wilson, who won the new table, valued at more than $89,000.
For more information about membership in the Running Eagles Society, contact Leila Tatum, alumni relations coordinator, at 770-426-2917 or leila.tatum@life.edu.
Scholarship Support In the last issue, you read about the passing of Dr. William M. Harris, who was a staunch supporter of Life University. The Harris Family Foundation, his legacy organization, has agreed to match all donations received in support of the William M. Harris “Red Hat” Scholarship Fund at Life University. The scholarship will be awarded to students nearing completion of their degree and needing an extra financial boost to cover their tuition. The total raised for the endowed scholarship will be announced at Red Hat Day, held in early November, celebrating
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the life of Harris. Please consider supporting this extraordinary opportunity to help a student stay at Life by calling Wanda Hambrick at 770-426-2975.
Deferred Giving Take a tax break now with a deferred gift to Life University! In these tough economic times, a deferred gift is a great way to support Life and protect your assets. Three main avenues for deferred giving are: Charitable Gift Annuity - The donor gives a lump sum to Life, which in turn gives the donor a fixed percentage annual payment and tax deduction. The older the donor, the larger the payout percentage is. Upon the death of the donor, the original sum goes to Life. While payout schedules are lower in a down economy, they also offer donors the advantage of a sure bet.
Charitable Lead Trust - This is the flip side of a charitable remainder trust. Life gets annual payments based on what the assets are worth during the term of the trust. At the end of the term, the donor’s beneficiary gets the assets. In a down economy, charitable lead trusts can be a tax-effective way to transfer money to the next generation while benefitting Life in the meantime.
The Harris Family Foundation, the legacy of Dr. William Harris, has agreed to match all donations received in support of the William M.
If you are interested in making a deferred gift and would like to explore the various tools to do so, please call Greg Harris, vice president for University Advancement, at 770-426-2836. LU
Harris “Red Hat” Scholarship Fund at Life University.
Bequest - Leave your legacy by making a gift in your will or living trust to Life. A simple codicil to your existing will makes leaving a bequest one of the easiest ways to make a deferred gift to Life. Bequests qualify for tax relief through lifetime gift and estate exemptions. Charitable Remainder Trust Money or assets are given “in trust” to Life. Each year, the assets are valued and a percentage paid to the donor. At the end of the trust term, the assets become the property of Life.
www.life.edu
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STUDENT/FACULTY spotlight
Taking Chiropractic to the World’s Center Stage BY PASCIOUS PRINCE
“To be, or not to be?” That is the question Aryn Gabai asked himself years ago, while still a high school senior. This son of a successful chiropractor who’s been undergoing adjustments since birth has always carried a strong passion for theater. You can say his introduction to acting early in life sparked a creative fire that continues to burn even now; yet his persistent love for science and chiropractic philosophy remained. While deciding between majors as a senior in high school, he was understandably torn. He’d starred in musicals, comedies, dramas and a host of Shakespearean plays since he was a child, and the creative rush that most actors experience with theater made it difficult, to say the least, to turn away. “I had a ton of success as a kid in acting. It allowed me to have a certain stage presence or a certain charisma that came across in my acting that people just really loved,” Gabai recalls. Though the applause and accolades that come with giving a great stage performance can be addictive, Gabai had to make a tough career decision: acting or chiropractic? The 14th-quarter Life D.C. student’s recent acceptance of an internship with the World Health Organization (WHO) proves that chiropractic was, indeed, the stronger of the two passions and ultimately took center stage as Gabai’s career focus. Gabai first learned about the internship from a friend who’d attended the WCCS (World Congress of Chiropractic Students) Annual Conference. It was there that one of the speakers spoke of an
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amazing internship offered by the WHO. This bit of information was more than enough to pique Gabai’s interest and get his creative wheels turning. Shortly after,
Aryn Gabai
he contacted the agency and requested application materials for the coveted opportunity. Nearly eight months later, Gabai was excited to learn that he’d been selected for the internship slated to begin in early July. “The reason I considered the internship is that chiropractic is a little bit limited in its current position because of its foothold in the United States and not the rest of the world. I had a somewhat bigger, broader perspective of what chiropractic can do for humanity, and so when I found out there was an opportunity for a chiropractor to go and study with what essentially is the premiere world organization
for health care, it really was a great opportunity for me to blend my ideas and my vision,” he says. Gabai will travel to the WHO’s international headquarters, located in Geneva, Switzerland, where he will spend much of the summer (July through September) working in the organization’s department of traditional medicine (TM). This branch of the WHO studies the skills, practices, beliefs and medical traditions of various cultures throughout the world, particularly as they relate to the maintenance of health and the prevention and diagnosis of diseases of all kinds. Because TM is most often referred to as “alternative” or “complementary” medicine, it falls in line with chiropractic. On June 19, Gabai again graced a stage, but this time to participate in Life’s commencement ceremony, just a little more than a week before setting out for Switzerland. He will remain an active student of Life University while fulfilling the internship and will officially complete his degree when his time with the WHO ends in September. As for his post-graduation plans, Gabai will join his father’s chiropractic clinics near Princeton, N.J. He hopes that the experience gained through the internship will increase his knowledge base, allowing him to more effectively serve patients there. “More than anything else, I want to go and I want to get some perspective,” Gabai says. “I want to learn what it is like to organize any sort of health care industry on a global scale.” LU
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New Appointment Places Diversity Programs at the Forefront With a longstanding, illustrious career in higher education, Dr. Jerry Hardee, former dean of undergraduate studies, was appointed as special assistant to the president in April of this year. A native of Valdosta, Ga., Hardee’s impressive resume boasts years of extensive experience in education, which includes serving as president of Sherman College for five years and as chancellor for one year before becoming a member of the Life community. This new position places him in the forefront of promoting the university through various programs, particularly those centered on diversity and student recruitment. “I’ve really enjoyed my time as the dean of the College of Undergraduate Studies. I think we’ve made significant progress in that area, but I’m also looking forward to this new challenge the president has given to me, which is to help Life University become more visible not only in the local community, but also on the state and national scenes, especially when it comes to issues related to undergraduate and graduate education,” Hardee says. In addition to being an active, 27year member of the Marietta Kiwanis
Club and serving as the chairman of sponsored youth activities for the organization, Hardee is also actively involved with the Cobb Chamber of Commerce. He serves on numerous business boards of local high schools such as the Douglas High School Board’s Center of Science and Engineering. While in his former role as dean, Hardee was somewhat limited to the scope of the campus. However, this new position affords him the ability to use his platform to expand his reach in recruiting new students, to further push existing diversity programs while implementing new ones and to promote the university on an even larger scale. One of the things Hardee has been charged with as special assistant to the president is to continue to operate as chairman of the Life University Diversity Committee. The committee has hosted galas, cultural film showings, trips to local exhibits and various activities to celebrate the rich representation of cultures at Life. Just prior to the annual Lyceum Homecoming
celebration, the Life University Diversity Committee will sponsor its second Annual Diversity/ International Day on Oct. 13, 2009. The festivities will include cultural art displays, music, food and contests. “The future of this country is going to be predicated on how we manage people from different backgrounds with different needs,” Hardee says. “And so, diversity is a one very important aspect of growing an institution.” LU
Dr. Jerry Hardee with President Dr. Guy F. Riekeman.
www.life.edu
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YOUR EXTRAORDINARY LIFE:
New
Leadership for Life BY LAURA NEWSOME Life University has always been a school of firsts––one of the first colleges to embrace the philosophy of vitalism in campus life, an institution where forward-thinking conversations about wellbeing enhance academia and a school where campus-wide green initiatives take a front-and-center role in the future of the university. Now, as Life enters a new phase of growth in the 21st century, Dr. Brian McAulay, Life’s new executive vice president, has become the first chiropractic educator to receive a prestigious ACE Fellowship. Sponsored by the American Council on Education, an organization that represents 1,800 institutions, or roughly 80 percent of college students in America, the ACE Fellows Program has a 50-year tradition of bringing together future academic leaders from all aspects of higher education––public schools, private schools, Ivy league institutions, medical schools, fine arts academies and community colleges. “The purpose of the fellowship is to help the advancement of colleges and universities through collaboration among future leaders of higher education,” says Sharon A. McDade, director of the ACE Fellows Program. A Life faculty member since 2004, Brian McAulay, D.C., Ph.D., previously served as the university’s provost, working on everything from accreditation to
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expansion of student enrollment, and was recently appointed to serve as executive vice president. In his new executive leadership position, McAulay will be primed to put his new ACE Fellow knowledge and experience into long-term campus action. “He will work closely with me in overseeing the execution of key campus initiatives among our senior leaders in academics, financial administration and capital projects, student life, global initiatives, enrollment management, athletics, advancement and marketing, information technology and human resources,” says Life President, Dr. Guy Riekeman. Realizing his future leadership potential, Riekeman nominated McAulay for the ACE Fellows program last year. “The nomination process is followed by an internal vetting and screening process where applications are reviewed by former fellows,” McDade says. “The top 50 fellows are then interviewed by a panel of current university presidents.” From this selective process, a premier class of 40 fellows from across the nation is chosen for an intense, year-long leadership training process equivalent to years of on-the-job executive training. With a proven record of success, the ACE Fellows program has produced 1,500 alumni who have served as vice presidents, deans, department chairs and chief executive
officers of more than 350 institutions. “It’s been wonderful getting to spend a year looking at institutions with a more comprehensive range of programs and gaining insight into the needs of the institution and the best ways to serve the university,” says McAulay. “Life University’s future is that of a comprehensive university looking to build a range of programs that support both undergraduate and graduate students.” McAulay spent the first half of his intensive ACE Fellowship year participating in two, week-long national leadership seminars where fellows worked intensively in small groups, poring over case studies and participating in simulations, problem-solving workshops, role-playing, lectures, small-group discussions and free-flowing dialogues on topics like institutional change, financial management, resources allocation, campus diversity and higher education policy. In addition to visiting institutions like Harvard, Tufts, MIT and Boston University with other fellows, McAulay took time to visit local universities, like Agnes Scott College, Emory University, The University of Georgia, Georgia Tech and Morehouse College, as well as West Coast institutions like Pepperdine and Berkeley College, to get an executive-level view of how other institutions navigate challenges and perform day-to-day operations.
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Dr. Brian McAulay
“It’s certainly been an honor and a big responsibility,” says McAulay, of being the first chiropractic ACE Fellow. “One of the benefits is that higher education is now exposed to chiropractic education, and the presidents of elite institutions like Harvard and Tufts are now aware of chiropractic education in a way that they weren’t before––it lends us a sense of added legitimacy in higher education circles.” To get a glimpse of academic life outside the United States, McAulay attended a WFC conference in Beijing, China, and toured 12 institutions in India, including the mammoth University of Delhi, with a roster of 400,000 students. “To have the opportunity to visit another country, learn about another culture and see the scale of some of these universities was just mind-boggling,” he says. During the second half of his fellowship year, McAulay attended another weeklong national seminar and visited North Carolina institutions like Elon, High Point and the University of North Carolina. However, the majority of his time was spent at one institution in particular–– Georgia College and State University,
where he shadowed the university’s president, Dr. Dorothy Leland, and developed a series of special projects to bring home and implement at Life University. As a visiting fellow, McAulay observed all aspects of executive-level decisionmaking, immersed himself in the culture and policies of his host institution, studied organizational structure and governance patterns and observed various leadership styles. “It was great to work with the president on a daily basis and see how another university actually runs––I’ve never had that experience,” McAulay says. “I attended whatever meetings the president would have going on that day––whether with students or local politicians––it was a phenomenal experience.” While participating in administrative activities and observing the inner-workings of their host institution, ACE Fellows
“I’ve been able to talk to some very accomplished people,” McAulay says, “and one of the best things about the fellowship is just being able to sit down with Dr. Riekeman and have candid answers for Life University about the role of faculty, the role of the Board of Trustees, how to execute strategically and how to grow enrollment.” Through the ACE Fellows program, participating members have access to a diverse pool of talented and motivated academic leaders who are willing to share their expertise, ideas and perspectives with participating institutions. “The fellowship allows leaders from all sectors–– research universities, chiropractic schools, medical schools, historically black colleges and community colleges–– to come together and share ideas,” McDade says. “Fellows gain entrée into the higher education decision-making
“We’re going to be able to draw on the whole network of higher education to benefit both Life University and the institutions we partner with.” –– Dr. Brian McAulay focus on developing a special Learning Plan that focuses heavily on an issue of concern to their home institution. “They are, by nature, complex, meaty problems that take years to build a consensus, and only two to three years after a fellowship do you begin to see the benefits of the plan at their home institution,” McDade says. Past fellow plans have included improving technology infrastructure, creating a campus master plan, campus internationalization, post-tenure review procedures and developing shared governance agreements. “From the ACE Fellows program, I’ve really learned how important strategic planning and execution are in program development,” McAulay says. His longterm plan focuses on the development and growth of academic programs at Life University, as it transitions from a chiropractic college to a university with a number of strong academic programs.
process and build a network of resources. They are encouraged to pick up the phone and seek advice from other seasoned leaders.” Now that his ACE Fellowship is complete, McAulay hopes to bring his newfound knowledge and leadership expertise to building the next phase of Life University. “We want to be the premier vitalistic institution and we need to focus on making that real, with more students and more programs,” he says. “In the long run, we want to grow the university in absolute numbers as well as academic reach, and really become thought leaders. We’ve never been part of the national conversation on higher education before, but through the ACE Fellows program, we’re going to be able to draw on the whole network of higher education to benefit both Life University and the institutions we partner with.” LU
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ALUMNI relations
Dear Life Alumni, I’m writing this letter from Glendale, Colo., where I’ve just watched the Running Eagles rugby team play in the 2009 Rugby Super League National Championship game. What an amazing couple of years for this team! After winning the Division I National Championship in 2008, they shifted to the Super League––the top league for non-professional rugby in the U.S. In this inaugural season, the Running Eagles continued their winning ways by clinching every game in the regular season and playoffs. Although they didn’t win the championship game this year, they still established themselves as the team to beat in future years. I have been thinking about the success of Life’s athletic programs––from the basketball team making the playoffs their first year back to the incredible success of the rugby program. But success should be measured beyond wins and losses. Athletics can enhance brand image, expand visibility (the rugby game was covered live on ESPN) and foster alumni relations. And at Life, sports are a wonderful representation of the Wellness Portfolio in action. Earlier in this issue, you read about the portfolio as part of the Life Movement. To me, the Wellness Portfolio is a way of creating balance and harmony in our lives by looking at everything from several perspectives: physical; emotional; social; intellectual; spiritual and environmental. By creating the most favorable aspects of each of these, we can improve our performance, productivity, attitude, etc. Life University is implementing this on campus through curriculum adjustments, the Visioneers groups and by providing access for the campus to chiropractic care, the Wellness
Center and nutrition programs. As I talked with some of our rugby players this weekend, it was evident that they use the portfolio in their fitness and training protocols. These athletes optimize their nutrition, exercise and training, rest, study and personal time with obvious success. I look forward to following their example as we continue to develop programs for Life alumni. Following the Wellness Portfolio on campus has promoted a better work environment and developed inter-departmental communication, creating the balance and harmony I mentioned earlier. I believe it is the right model as we continue to build connections between alumni and the University. I encourage you to register for the Alumni Neighborhood. Once connected, you will be able to meet others based on shared interests and experiences––an initiative that has enormous potential to help build a stronger and more meaningful alumni community. You can stay in touch with the University and manage the level of information you share and receive. Please visit alumniconnections.com/ pub/LIF to register today. Again, I invite your feedback about Your Extraordinary Life. Please send comments and suggestions for future issues to alumni@life.edu. Thanks for reading! Sincerely, Natalie Walker Director, Alumni Relations
Life Lesson IT IS THE MARK OF AN EDUCATED MIND TO BE ABLE TO ENTERTAIN A THOUGHT WITHOUT ACCEPTING IT. ARISTOTLE
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Life University 1269 Barclay Circle Marietta, GA 30060
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Important Contacts Update your Information: Office of Alumni Relations 800-543-3203 Make a Gift: Office of Development 800-543-3436 Order a Transcript: Office of the Registrar 888-423-5547 Volunteer with Student Recruiting: Office of Recruitment 800-543-3202 Place an Ad on the Website: 770-426-2700 or email careers@life.edu