YEL Summer 2013

summer 2013 vol. 6 Issue 2

Professional Directory

life university’s alumni and friends magazine

Puerto Rico’s Pioneers

Research at LIFE

PRESIDENT’S letter

Greetings Life Alumni and Friends!

The summer months are a time for rejuvenation.

Many use this time to take a much-needed vacation from work with family or friends— oftentimes to the beach. Breaks are a vital part of our lives. We need to take a step back from our everyday, routine habits from time to time and enjoy the fruits of our labor.

From late June to mid-July, our students and faculty also have a time to recharge with a break from classes. This time is well deserved and gets our students and educators ready for the upcoming summer quarter. While it may seem counterproductive to stop working for a while, it is in fact just the opposite. Our minds, just like our bodies, need not be stretched to their limits at all times.

While quantitative and qualitative productivity may be the subject of debate, one thing’s for certain: Americans are overworked. In many foreign countries, employees are allotted six to eight weeks of vacation, and they are strongly encouraged (essentially forced) to take their vacation days, because employers know that giving oneself a mental and physical break is good for the mind, body and spirit. So take some of your own advice and eliminate the thoughts, traumas and toxins causing subluxation in your life—take a vacation and re-charge, re-energize and re-focus.

Just because some are on a break here at LIFE, things are not at a standstill because it’s summer time; we are always moving and improving with the constant goal of spreading the principle of Chiropractic to the masses. One such event with this aim is LIFE Vision, a new quarterly series that was held July 26 and 27 at the Renaissance

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While quantitative and qualitative productivity may be the subject of debate, one thing’s for certain: Americans are overworked.

Waverly Hotel at the Cobb Galleria Center in Marietta, Ga. The list of speakers read like a “who’s who” in Chiropractic. It was a two-day shot of high-energy, high-impact, inspirational and educational moments designed to bring current and future chiropractic leaders of all perspectives together to connect and re-charge.

The chief creator of, and speaker at, this event is whom we have as our featured alumna in this issue of YEL, Sharon Gorman, D.C. Gorman is a long-tenured member of our Board of Trustees and is a member of multiple chiropractic organizations.

Her commitment to Chiropractic and LIFE is admirable, and I am proud to call her a colleague and a friend. Check out her story on pages 4-6.

Also, make sure to check out articles on chiropractic social media liaison, Jason Deitch, D.C., on page 7 and pioneers of the principle in Puerto Rico, Eddy Diaz, D.C., and his wife Neia Diaz, on pages 10 and 11.

So get outside and enjoy the summer, wherever you are! I hope you enjoy this issue of Your Extraordinary LIFE, and I hope to see you on campus in early October for the Fall CE Event.

Yours in Chiropractic,

Guy F. Riekeman, D.C. President

2013

Your Extraordinary LIFE The Alumni and Friends Magazine of Life University

www.life.edu

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Contents features

4 Chiropractic Energizer

Life University alumna Sharon Gorman has shaped the profession with a unique blend of compassion and leadership.

Should “LIKE” This Man 7 You Social media provides the perfect outlet for Jason Deitch to help DCs worldwide spread the positive message of Chiropractic.

8 Investing in Research

Life University’s committment to research has farreaching benefits for DCs across the globe.

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 Alumni Relations Manager

Gwyn Herbein Editor

Craig Dekshenieks Director of Communications

Amy Fine Production Coordinator/ Circulation Manager

Kelsey Donaldson Alumni Relations Coordinator

Garon Hart Graphic Designer

Will Brooks Communications Coordinator

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.

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 2013 Life University. Printed in the USA.

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.

10 Pioneers of the Principle in Puerto Rico

Eddy Diaz’s lifelong passion for Chiropractic has made him a valuable advocate for the profession in Puerto Rico.

Inside Back Cover

Professional Directory

Learn more about LIFE’s newest online resource.

DEpartments

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Recent Events at LIFE LIFE In Your City; Alumni and UG cookout; Ribbon-cutting at Swift-Cantrell Park; LIFE farm tour; LIFE on the Road

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Mark Your Calendar Alumni Events

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Scholarship Winners

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Lasting Purpose Planned giving; Donors; Board of Trustees; Board of Directors; Dedicated to LIFE

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Athletics A busy season for rugby

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Alumni and Friends Update

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News from Alumni Relations Introducing the State Representative program

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Recent Events at

By Kelsey Donaldson and Mary Ellen Leffard

LIFE In Your City This is not just another seminar series.

LIFE In Your City goes beyond lecture and conjecture; it is designed with vital programs for the chiropractor to discover one’s soul purpose.

The traveling tour ended with a bang!

Doctors and staff filled the room for LIFE In Your City Columbus, April 4–6 and LIFE In Your City Wisconsin Dells, April 25–27.

All were eager to hear Drs. Guy Riekeman, Eric Plasker, Jason Deitch and Garrett Gunderson speak, each proving a vital component—finding, practicing, investing in and sharing your soul purpose—all while earning up to 12 continuing education credits.

In addition to the program for chiropractors, LIFE In Your City offered a special patient evening, which included a life-changing, motivational message delivered by Dr. Riekeman.

LIFE In Your City is the second installment of The Power of One—a remarkable series to share ideas and empower your patients to live with inspiration. All in all, these programs have been huge successes for Life University’s vision and purpose.

Alumni and Undergrad Cookout More than 150 students packed Lyceum Park on April 25 for the Undergraduate and Alumni Cookout. The lawn was filled with faculty, staff and students, all eager for an afternoon of delicious food, giveaways and camaraderie.

Dr. Michael Smith, dean of the College of Undergraduate Studies,

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Mary Ellen Leffard, alumni relations manager, and Kelsey Donaldson, alumni relations coordinator, with the Undergraduate Student Association.

braved the dunk tank as students lined the sidewalk for the opportunity to send him plunging into the icecold water. In just a few short hours, Dr. Smith had helped the Undergraduate Student Association raise $75 for their organization.

This is the second time the Department of Alumni Relations has hosted this event in conjunction with the College of Undergraduate Studies. Events such as these allow our students to gather and engage with our department while sharing in the celebration of their community.

Ribbon Cutting for Swift-Cantrell Park LIFE Wellness Station A ribbon-cutting event held on April 30 marked the official opening of the new Life University wellness station at SwiftCantrell Park in Kennesaw.

“Life University sponsored the new fitness equipment that addresses environmental, social, physical and

emotional dimensions of wellness that reflect one of LIFE’s pillars of success,” says Greg Harris, Life University vice president for University Advancement and also a board member of the SwiftCantrell Park Foundation. “This will encourage more people to play, exercise and socialize outdoors at the park, and LIFE is pleased to be a part of this.”

The outdoor wellness station is a complete fitness and body-weight training system. Exercising nearly all of the bones and muscles of the body, this station is designed to deliver a

Mayor Mathews and council, Greg Harris (Life University) and members of the SwiftCantrell Park Foundation at ribbon cutting.

synergistic workout connecting your body’s major anatomical systems. The system consists of five stations and 120 exercises, accommodating up to 14 users at once. Two additional stations will feature low-impact, functional exercises to help older, active adults stay fit, prevent injury and maintain an independent, healthy lifestyle.

The new LIFE Wellness Station will allow patrons of the park, regardless of age, to learn about a vitalistic-based philosophy of health.

3 on the road The Executive Office and Advancement Division is on the road throughout the year, hosting events to connect and engage with our vibrant alumni and friends all over the country. With alumni and friends practicing in all 50 states, we are never too far away. We are especially grateful to those who have attended an alumni and friends event and stopped by the booth to see us.

Here’s where we’ve been: California The LIFE team began their spring travel across the country in Southern California for the sixth annual Cal Jam hosted by the Dead Chiropractic Society. The weekend was filled with chiropractic philosophy, great speakers and, of course, rock ’n roll.

More than 50 alumni and friends attended a LIFE-sponsored luncheon where Greg Harris, VP for University Advancement, spoke on behalf of LIFE. Standard Process Farm Manager Christine Mason talks about sustainable methods for growing organic herbs and food. Pictured from left are Christine Mason, Garrett Gunderson (Freedom FastTrack), Dr. Jason Deitch (Chiro Social Media Academy), Dr. Eric Plasker (The Family Practice), Dr. John Nab (Standard Process) and Greg Harris (Life University).

Life University Farm Tour Standard Process opened its doors to a number of LIFE supporters on April 25 to experience firsthand the production of their whole food supplements. The group was led on an hour tour that provided insight into the development of the supplements—beginning on their 450 acres of organic farmland and ending in their environmentally safe manufacturing plant.

Overall, the group was thankful for the learning opportunity and impressed with the quality and care Standard Process emphasizes in its product line.

North Carolina As April began, Alumni Relations Manager Mary Ellen Leffard traveled all across North Carolina, visiting alumni and friends from Charlotte to Asheville. In addition to an Alumni & Friends Reception during the North Carolina Chiropractic Association’s Annual Convention, she had one-onone visits at the practices of many local docs. Some of her visits included Dr. Frank King (’79) of King Bio in Clyde; Dr. Paul Monitto (’81), who has a thriving practice in downtown Asheville; Dr. Bert Voswinkel (’98), who welcomed a baby in July and Dr. Derrick Dempsey, who recently bought a practice from Dr. Cindy Wiener (’80) and is actively recruiting students to send to LIFE. New York For the first time, the LIFE team traveled to Ronkonkoma for an Alumni & Friends Reception hosted by Drs. John Jay Sayers, Richard Bogdanski

(’81) and Brian DiRussa (’94). What a great turnout! Everyone who came was excited and engaged with LIFE. We loved seeing Dr. and Mrs. Bob Rabin (’80), Drs. Johanne Judd (’96) and Greg Thomas (’03) who all won LIFE prizes. We are already looking forward to next year.

Michigan Kalamazoo marked the location for this year’s Michigan Association of Chiropractic’s Spring Convention.

More than 55 alumni and friends filled the room for a LIFE-sponsored luncheon during which alumni were given an opportunity to candidly give feedback regarding their educational experiences at LIFE through a new alumni survey. In addition, Greg Harris, VP for University Advancement, featured a new video, “How great leaders inspire action,” which was a big hit amongst the attendees.

Virginia LIFE had the opportunity to sponsor Dr. Lawrence Bagnell (’91) at the Unified Virginia Chiropractic Association’s spring convention in May. Here, Bagnell presented his lecture titled, “Aliens are trying to cut me open, save me from a C-section!” He discussed the possible causes and correction of malpositioned babies using the “Bagnell Technique for Malpositions,” as well as physical changes occurring to the mother.

www.LIFE.edu

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Chiropractic Energizer

By Gwyn Herbein

t is only a slight exaggeration to say that if you name just about any wellknown chiropractic organization, it is a safe bet that Sharon Gorman, D.C., has been part of it in some way. The 1984 Life University alumna has more than made her mark on the profession through her work with the League of Chiropractic Women (LCW), the Life University Board of Trustees and her own successful practices. Over the past 30 years, Gorman has built her confidence and her leadership abilities to inspire a new generation of DCs.

Dan Yachter, D.C.

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As a result of her devotion to the board, she sold all but one of her Pennsylvania practices to trusted associates and made the move to Georgia.

Gorman learned at a young age the importance of following your passion.

She was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., and grew up in New Jersey. Her father worked hard to support his family, but Gorman could tell he felt an obligation to work, rather than an abiding love for what he did.

“He didn’t feel like he was changing the world,” she says. Those early experiences watching her father caused Gorman to have a limited definition of success, and she struggled to envision herself having professional success down the road. Fortunately, Gorman had other role models to follow. “I had an uncle who was a chiropractor,” she recalls. “He was my

inspiration. I decided when I was 12 that I wanted to be a chiropractor.”

Her experiences at Life University further cemented Gorman’s commitment to the chiropractic profession. “When I went to LIFE, I saw DCs who were successful and happy,” she says, and she knew that, as a result of her time on campus, she would be able to change her preconceived notions of success in her favor.

Upon her graduation, Gorman moved to Pennsylvania to work in a practice run

by Jim Sigafoose, D.C. After one year, she opened her own practice; three more soon followed. “Because of the experience I gained [in my first job], I was very successful very quickly,” she says. In order to run four burgeoning practices, Gorman admits she had to learn quickly how to be an effective manager. “But I did it because I had to,” she says.

Never satisfied with resting on her laurels, Gorman continued seeking out opportunities for success. “I was a member of Chiropractic Fellowship of Pennsylvania and the International Chiropractic Association, in order to stay involved and give back,” she says. She

was also a state representative for the Life University Alumni Association. More than anything, those experiences taught her “tons and tons of leadership,” she says. “I learned how to motivate people to get involved. It all comes down to leadership—that’s always what’s missing, what we need more of.” Gorman firmly believes that people will get involved if someone motivates them to do so. “The hardest part of life isn’t making the widgets,” she says, “it is inspiring other people to make the widgets.”

Eleven years ago, Gorman says she upped her game in taking on an additional leadership role when she joined the Life University Board of Trustees. As a result of her devotion to the board, she sold all but one of her Pennsylvania practices to trusted associates and made the move to Georgia. She subsequently opened another practice in Roswell, Ga. “It was a few months after Dr. Sid had left, and back then, all we had was faith and a vision,” she says.

“We held that vision, even as we faced adversity. We talked about it, meditated on it—we looked at it as a bump in the road.” Even as the school was in the thick of some serious issues and bond insurers were visiting the campus, Gorman says the board stayed the course and considered every option available to keep the doors open. “And when it looked like there was nowhere else to turn, Dr. Riekeman became available,” Gorman says. The trouble eventually passed, and Life University, the board and Gorman came out stronger than before.

Dave Yachter, D.C.

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“I have grown to believe that anything I can go after, I can accomplish, in practice and in leadership in general.”

In addition to her work with the LIFE Board of Trustees, Gorman also devotes a lot of energy to the LCW, of which she is a co-founder and the current copresident. She believes the organization is vital to the continued success of the profession. “We have hit such a nerve” with the organization, she says. “Last month alone, we had 50 women sign up, even though we did not have any major events. We have 20 chapters around the country.” Gorman notes that organizations like the LCW are designed to change the way Chiropractic is governed. “We need more women association leaders and state board members,” she says. To Gorman, part of that change also means changing the way the profession defines success—a struggle with which she is intimately familiar. “What if a woman decided to stay home with her kids and only practice six hours a week?” Gorman asks. “Is she a failure? According to our current structure, she is.” As a family woman herself, Gorman understands the need to change the game for future generations of chiropractic women.

Gorman believes in the philosophy that you get back the energy you put into the world. “When I joined the board, I was told we had to help recruit,” she says by way of example. “I took energy I normally would have devoted to my practice. I ended up making more, even

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—Sharon Gorman, D.C.

though I had spent afternoons in the cafeteria talking to students.”

She credits her continued success to her time at LIFE and the leadership opportunities she has subsequently had. She was recently elected Southern Regional Director of ICA, and she maintains a solid public speaking career as well. “I’ve always been on the road speaking to different groups,” she explains. “I talk about motivation, philosophy, practice building.” Gorman knows that her time at LIFE more than prepared her for the road ahead, a trait she has seen in many of her fellow LIFE graduates. “I have had more than 60 associates over the years, and I can tell when they graduated from LIFE,” she says because they understand the profession is bigger than just them, and they are willing to put in the work. That understanding is also why she believes it is important to give back to the University that has given her so much.

The opportunities with which Gorman has been presented—as well as those she has made for herself—have given her confidence beyond her wildest dreams.

“I have grown to believe that anything I can go after, I can accomplish, in practice and in leadership in general,” she says.

The next challenge to which she is applying those skills is a new quarterly event called LIFE Vision, which took

place July 26 and 27 at the Renaissance Waverly Hotel at the Cobb Galleria Center in Marietta, Ga. Gorman describes the inspirational “non-seminar” series as an opportunity to build a home for DCs of like minds. In conjunction with LIFEforce 1000 and the LIFE Alumni Association, far-flung DCs, as well as friends, family and members of the community, had a reason to come back to the Atlanta area.

“They get the tools they need to be more centered, more confident,” says Gorman.

“There were approximately 20 speakers, and it was a place for them to come to be rejuvenated and refreshed and keep up with the newest in Chiropractic and at LIFE.” She had been working closely with LIFE University President Guy F. Riekeman, D.C., to put the event together.

Like everything else with which Gorman has been involved over the years, LIFE Vision will likely be a resounding success. When she is not speaking, planning or practicing, Gorman enjoys spending time with her family. She has been happily married for 23 years, and she and her husband have four children.

Their oldest is currently a student at Life University. “They have grown up around Chiropractic,” she says, “and three out of four of them want to be chiropractors.”

With a renaissance woman like Gorman as their role model, the road to success seems more or less guaranteed.

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You Should “LIKE” This Man

By Craig Dekshenieks

Jason Deitch, D.C., graduated from LIFE in 1997 and set out for the Bay Area after spending too many winters in Chicago, New York and Boston during his youth. He opened a practice in Montclair, an affluent suburb of San Francisco, and spent more than nine years in practice changing lives for the better. All the while, he yearned for the opportunity to spread the word to a much larger audience.

“I always had a vision to get the chiropractic story out to the world,” he recalls. His first foray was writing a book, “Discover Wellness: How Staying Healthy Can Make You Rich,” which launched in 2007 with the backing of The Master’s Circle. Life had been good for Deitch, his practice was thriving and he could have just enjoyed making a good living in his practice, yet he was committed to doing something bigger, something more to follow his dream of trying to get the chiropractic message from being so encumbered by the wall.

Two serendipitous things happened soon after: Social media was invented, and Deitch’s wife became the first marketing director of Facebook. Says Deitch, “When Facebook created Pages in 2009, I thought this was finally the vehicle to get the chiropractic message out to the world. In the past, Chiropractic has always relied on traditional media, but we’ve never been able to afford the mass exposure necessary to reach a truly global audience.” With the instantaneous, and more importantly, free exposure that Facebook and other social networks provide, it’s now possible to see the vision come to fruition.

“The only thing a time or the energy to take the chiropractor has to invest now five minutes a day to post, our is his or her time—and very team can do it for you for only little of it,” urges Deitch. “We $96 per month.”

(Chiropractic) need to clarify Consider the logic of this our message so that it is initiative and what it means to appropriate in a social media the profession. Most DCs have setting, and use today’s more than 100 “likes” on their technologies to continually Facebook page, and each of Jason Deitch, D.C. amplify and distribute our those “fans” has more than message on a daily basis.”

100 friends of his or her own. You post Dave Yachter, D.C. Thus, Chiro Social Media Academy something on your page; it gets seen by and Chiro Posting Service were born. With your fans in their news feed; they share an endorsement from Shawn Ferguson, it on their timeline and with their friends D.C., then-chairman of the Life University and it, in turn, shows up in other friends’ Board of Trustees, Deitch became a news feeds. In the blink of an eye, you’ve consultant with Life University to help got the potential to reach thousands of with President Dr. Guy Riekeman’s people with that one post. Imagine if Thought Leadership initiatives.

1,000 chiropractors did this every day—the Chiro Social Media Academy is a free numbers of this social network effect are service available to all chiropractors, staggering! That is how the chiropractic regardless of alma mater. It is a sevenmessage can spread worldwide each and day training in which Deitch and Riekeman every day for free. give a chiropractor all the tools he or she Deitch’s efforts don’t stop with Chiro needs to be effective at marketing his or Social Media Academy and his work with her message on Facebook. After the free the Thought Leadership Committee at training, the chiropractor will be provided LIFE. His next initiative, already in the the content to post to his or her Facebook works, is a project called “AmpLIFEied,” page each day. If DCs don’t want to post which is the next evolution in social media it, or don’t have the time, they can invest and thought leadership. More information only $96 per month to have the posting about this project will be coming soon, team at Chiro Posting Service do the but the grand vision is to provide the posting for them. entire profession a free place to get “We completely understand that no and share the world’s best chiropractic one needs another campaign or another social media content so that Chiropractic job—you’ve got a job taking care of people reaches and impacts millions of people, in your practice,” says Deitch. “It only worldwide, on a daily basis. takes the knowledge, which we provide Dr. Jason Deitch is a man on a mission. for free, the content, which again, we He has a vision for the chiropractic provide for free, and then committing to profession that is not only reachable, but the daily habit of posting something great also requires no money or unreasonable to your Facebook page every day. That’s time. All it takes is our collective effort the beauty of it. And if you don’t have the and daily commitment—something we can all do. www.LIFE.edu

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Investing in Research

By Craig Dekshenieks

One of the direct benefits Life University can provide to field doctors is clinical and science-based research data that helps inform them of improved methods and outcomes for patient care. It is also a critical thought leadership component for the chiropractic industry. Strong, peer-reviewed research is an objective way to move Chiropractic from the fringe to the mainstream in the public mindset.

The third phase of the five-phase 20/20 Vision Campaign is called “Investing in Excellence,” and one of the key elements in this phase is a focus on research.

In the past couple of years, LIFE’s ongoing work in the field of functional neurology has been attracting international attention. Not to be overlooked, however, is the overall growth in research at LIFE in other, equally important areas.

More than 50 percent of the faculty at Life University participates in research projects in a given year. The number of students engaged in research at any one time is more than 80, and growing. The time has come to add more resources to allow for more growth. Research requires time, money and, most of all, commitment— three things LIFE is doing for the long term.

Life University is committed to five areas of research, with the end goal being to change the landscape and overall scope of chiropractic research and human performance. In the past, chiropractic research has oftentimes been marginalized or even completely discounted by the mainstream.

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“Chiropractic research must move beyond back pain,” says Stephanie Sullivan, D.C., director of the Office of Sponsored Research and Scholarly Activity (OSRSA) at LIFE. “As every chiropractor knows, the care we provide impacts so many systems, but research in these areas has been lacking. This initiative aims to change that.”

The five areas for which LIFE is seeking your support are: More high-impact research studies to be conducted by Life University faculty, staff and students.

More research scholarships for LIFE students. Getting students involved creates a culture of bringing the next generation of doctors into the research realm.

Innovative education tools, such as “practice skills” mannequins, to support active learning strategies.

Infrastructure is needed in order to attract the best researchers and biostatisticians to Life University, and to advance collaborations with leading institutions dedicated to supporting the unique health care vision championed

by LIFE. Foundational resources to support LIFE’s new Research Link program, an initiative to provide an avenue for field practitioners to read and hear about research that can impact their day-to-day patient care and even become involved and participate in the research process.

Perhaps the most exciting part of the research initiative at Life University is the Practice-Based Research (PBR) study that is being launched. With the help of technology and a few committed indi-

viduals and organizations, the PBR could very well be the hallmark. Research that is accepted by the mainstream population and media tends to have a high subject base. In other words, a nationwide study of a large demographic or sociographic group holds more sway than a study conducted on 20 random individuals in a single location. LIFE’s PBR initiative will allow the chiropractic profession to con-

duct large-scale, nationwide studies, but they will need the support and participation of the field doctors.

Joe Esposito, D.C., a 1996 LIFE graduate who practices in Peoria, Ill., sees the value in what his alma mater is doing with research. In fact, Esposito’s business model is set up specifically for it.

Esposito’s practice is part of a nationwide franchise called Align Life. He also owns a software company called Vitalogix, which is the software used in patient care in all the Align Life franchises. The end goal of the software is to have the ability to pool data from all 200 Align Life offices in order to form a larger study.

Another aspect of Esposito’s business is a non-profit organization called Health Missions, founded by Esposito and

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his wife, Cristina Esposito, D.C. Through Health Missions, they are helping to fund the research done by their own clinics, as well as the research being done at LIFE. Says Esposito, “From a credibility standpoint, chiropractic research needs more substantive data in order to be accepted by our counterparts in medicine, as well as the general public. Strong clinical studies, with large amounts of people, will give credence to the value of Chiropractic.”

Esposito’s generosity toward Life

is better, the data collected will hopefully allow chiropractors to decide that perhaps this technique is better for this type of patient, and another techniques is better in this situation.”

Chris Colloca, D.C., also sees the value in what Life University is doing in the realm of research. The 1995 graduate of LIFE owns Neuromechanical Innovations and the Impulse Adjusting System. What makes the system unique is the real-time data that is collected and interpreted to ensure the proper amount of force is being

University stems from a shared vision of where Chiropractic can be. “We were looking at the different schools and who to partner with, and LIFE was very intrigued with what we had on the table. They were willing to partner with us to finish the last development of our project and guide us through the technical aspects. We’re not research experts; we just have a passion for it. LIFE is helping us make our vision for research a reality.”

Implications of the vast database have infinite possibilities, not only for mainstream patient research, but also within the profession. According to Esposito, “I’d like to see us [chiropractors] validate the various chiropractic techniques. Instead of having a philosophical argument about which technique

applied in an adjustment. The computerized analytics can also be collated and added to the nationwide PBR, thus adding more data for research. Colloca is excited at the possibilities and is supporting the efforts.

Julie May-Hunt, D.C., is another generous supporter of LIFE’s research initiatives. She has been extensively involved with research since graduating from Life University in 1981 and setting up her practice in Clearwater, Fla. The bulk of Hunt’s research revolves around upper cervical orthospinology and its relation to balance. LIFE’s Functional Neurology Center has been doing balance studies through vestibular therapy and the GyroStim. May-Hunt sees real opportunity with collaboration of data

and anticipates groundbreaking studies in the future.

Chiro One, and its founder Stuart Bernsen, D.C., have a stated mission to lead patients and communities to a life of optimum health and wellness through education and service. That education extends beyond that of patients; it includes chiropractic students. Chiro One is supporting LIFE’s initiative to expand its innovative education tools such as “practice skills” mannequins in the student clinic. Hands-on, active learning is vital to the educational experience at Life University. Chiro One’s generosity is allowing LIFE to graduate skilled practitioners who will be the next generation of leaders in the profession.

The ambitious research initiatives have been conceived by the Life University Board of Trustees, championed by LIFE President Dr. Guy Riekeman, and led by Sullivan in the OSRSA. Thanks to the incredible support from Esposito, Colloca and May-Hunt, as well as Chiro One, LIFE is leading the way toward changing the landscape of chiropractic research.

You can support these efforts as well, by making a donation to research and designating one or more of the five areas that you would like your donation to support. You are also encouraged to join the nationwide effort to collect data through the PBR efforts going on at LIFE and with Esposito’s Vitalogix.

Chiropractic research is on the brink of mainstream acceptance, but your help is needed. You can do your part by getting involved with LIFE’s research initiatives.

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Pioneers of the Principle IN Puerto Rico By will brooks

As soon as a young Eddy Diaz picked up a career book from his middle school counselor’s office at just 11 years old, he turned right to the page with Chiropractic and knew that was what he wanted to do. Even though his father, counselor and pretty much his entire home country of Puerto Rico was clueless about just what Chiropractic was, Diaz was hooked from the moment he saw a picture of a chiropractor’s hands adjusting a patient.

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LIFE is so impressed with the work that the Diazes have done, that they have collaborated with them over the years to offer continuing education courses in Puerto Rico

“I saw a picture of a woman adjusting, and it looked artistic and different,” says Diaz. “It appealed to me because it was working with the inner healing potential of human beings without the requirement of drugs or outside interferences.”

Diaz’s initial attraction to Chiropractic stayed strong through his younger years as he found his way to Georgia to attend Life University (then known as Life College). While attending LIFE in 1993, Diaz married his wife of 20 years, Neia Diaz, who has been not only his partner in life, but also his partner in Chiropractic as his chiropractic assistant.

After graduating from LIFE in 1995, the newlyweds moved to Puerto Rico and began practicing in Caguas, just 20 miles south of the capital of San Juan, and the rest is history.

When the Diazes first began their practice in Puerto Rico, they aspired to spread principled Chiropractic to the country and all over the world. With just about 40 to 60 practicing chiropractors in Puerto Rico at the time, it was not only Diaz’s job to adjust patients, but most importantly, to get them in the doors. In 1996, the couple started the Foundation for the Diffusion of Principled Chiropractic in Puerto Rico, which gathers chiropractors to donate toward the efforts of spreading principled chiropractic awareness throughout the country. “We have 10 members on the board of trustees and 50 to 60 doctors who contribute money on a monthly basis to raise the awareness of Chiropractic here,” Diaz says. “However, I am not satisfied, and want to continue doing all

Diaz and his wife, Neia.

Diaz enjoys educating the public about Chiropractic.

I can to continue improving chiropractic awareness and the numbers of those who receive chiropractic care in Puerto Rico.”

Diaz has seen the awareness and state of Chiropractic in Puerto Rico grow tremendously during his 17 years of practice there, but it is a constant drive in him that makes him want it to thrive rather than just survive.

With Diaz staying so busy adjusting his patients at his practice and also speaking at numerous conferences, hosting community events, recruiting chiropractic students to LIFE and traveling to multiple countries, he is eternally grateful to his wife, whom he refers to as the “driving force in his life” and his “best coach and friend.”

“Neia runs the office, trains personnel, organizes seminars and is the one who created contacts to expand our business to Brazil, where she is from. There is no way I would be where I am at today without her,” he says.

As for Neia herself, she loves what she does and sees it as a blessing to be helping spread the message of

Chiropractic around the world. “When the patient comes in, we want to show them hospitality,” she says. “It starts with a personal greeting, a double handshake, a tour of our office and an introduction to Chiropractic. Our staff is trained so well that we all speak the same ‘language’ to our clients and help them understand why Chiropractic is so important to us and why it should be for them as well.”

LIFE is so impressed with the work that the Diazes have done, that they have collaborated with them over the years to offer continuing education courses in Puerto Rico, a huge plus for the practicing chiropractors in the country. In fact, LIFE is planning an event scheduled for Feb. 8, 2014, with eight hours of CE courses followed by an Alumni & Friends party in Puerto Rico.

LIFE is proud of all of the work that the Diazes have done and continue to do in spreading the vitalistic philosophy that LIFE holds so dearly. There is no doubt that they are pioneers for Chiropractic in Puerto Rico and extremely valuable members of the LIFE community.

www.LIFE.edu

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Upcoming Events august

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Alumni & Friends Reception 7:30-9 p.m.

Florida Chiropractic Society

24

Alumni & Friends Lunch Noon-2 p.m.

Florida Chiropractic Association

September

October

5

2-6

Real World: DCs Dr. James DiBlasi (’77) Alumni/Student Networking

3

State Rep Meeting & Reception 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Socrates

Summer

2013

www.LIFE.edu

Fall CE Multiple Events Life University

4

President’s University Address & Lunch Noon-2:30 p.m.

TIC Auditorium

4

Class of 1978 Reunion Dinner 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Socrates

3

Annual IAALU Board of Directors Meeting Noon-2 p.m.

President’s Dining Room

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

October

4-6

5

6

10

TBD Unified Virginia Chiropractic Association

Alumni & Friends Breakfast 7:30-9 a.m.

Michigan Association of Chiropractors

Class of 1983 Reunion Breakfast 7:30-9 a.m.

Socrates

Real World: DCs Dr. Atlee Wample (’01) Alumni/Student Networking

5

Alumni & Friends Class Reunion Party 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Lyceum Park

11-13

TBD Washington State Chiropractic Association

5

Alumni & Friends Lunch and Gala Sponsor 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.-2 a.m.

Ohio State Chiropractic Association

17-19

TBD New York Chiropractic Council

November

19

Alumni & Friends Lunch Noon-1 p.m.

Georgia Chiropractic Association

24-27

Event Sponsor New Beginnings for a New Future

8

Presentation Warrior Coaching Leadership Summit

16

Alumni & Friends Lunch Association of New Jersey Chiropractors

www.LIFE.edu

Summer

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Scholarship Winners Named Life University awarded six new scholarships this past semester because of the generosity of our alumni and friends. We would like to congratulate the following students who received these scholarships.

Dr. James L. Chestnut Innate Choice Wellness Nutrition Inc. Endowed Scholarship Recipient – Anonymous Dr. Ralph Ungerank Scholarship Recipient – Anonymous Dr. Robert H. Hatch Memorial Scholarship Recipient – Everett Tucker Get the Big Idea: Discover Principled Chiropractic Recipient – Daniel Continenza

Summer

2013

www.LIFE.edu

Sid Williams Ribley Scholarship Recipient – Jane Brewer Albert Grabovschiner, Ph.D., Multi Radiance Medical Functional Rehabilitation Scholarship Recipient – John Lancaster If you are interested in establishing a scholarship at Life University, please contact Erin Dancer, director of development, at 770-426-2974 or Erin.Dancer@life.edu.

L a s t i n g P u r p o s e : P la n n ed G i v i n g

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Why You Can Benefit from IRA Gifts in 2013 In 2013, IRAs continue to be a good source for making charitable gifts.

Here are four ways to make an IRA gift this year:

IRA Rollover The IRA rollover has been reauthorized for 2013. Donors aged 70½ and older can make cash gifts up to $100,000 from an IRA without paying federal income tax on the transfer of assets.

These gifts count toward your 2013 minimum distribution amount.

IRA Bequest If you are under the age of 70½ years, a bequest of all or part of an IRA is an easy way to make a deferred gift. An IRA bequest allows your estate to qualify for an estate tax deduction and provides tax savings for estates exceeding the individual exemption amount of $5.2 million.

IRA Contingent Beneficiary Bequest Many people make children the primary beneficiaries of their IRA assets. However, with a combined 39.6 percent top income tax rate, your state tax rate and a 40 percent estate tax, as much as 70 percent of the value of your IRA may have to be paid by your children! Naming a non-profit organization like Life University as the contingent beneficiary allows the organization to use the full value of the IRA and your estate to benefit from a significant estate tax deduction.

IRA to Charitable Remainder Trust Similar to the previous example, if your IRA rolls over to your surviving spouse’s account, the required withdrawals could cause an increase in taxes. By transferring the IRA at death to a trust, a trustee can control income to a spouse and pay out capital gains as needed.

As with all deferred gifts, it is beneficial for donors to communicate to Life University when it has been designated as a beneficiary. Remember that donors do not receive a charitable deduction for rolling over IRA assets to a non-profit organization such as Life University. Instead, donors benefit by reducing estate taxes or beneficiary fees.

With the dramatic increase in capital gains rates in 2013, contributions from IRAs or of assets that have appreciated (stock, art, real estate) will likely provide a significant tax break for donors. The new capital gains rates are 15 percent, 18.8 percent and 23.8 percent. Six states now have capital gains rates from their income tax rates.

Foundation for data provided by Crescendo, a planned giving solutions company.

www.LIFE.edu

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Lasting Purpose: DONORS

List of Donors LIFE extends its heartfelt appreciation to these individuals and companies for their donations of $500 or more from July 1, 2012, through March 31, 2013. ($500 - 1,199) Dr. Erin Anderson Dr. Adam J. Apfelblat Atlas Chiropractic System, Inc. Mr. John P. Barrett Dr. Angela Barrow Dr. and Mrs. Michael J. Bartell Dr. and Mrs. Richard L. Bend, Sr. Dr. Stephen Bolles Dr. Randall Boutwell Dr. Louis-Pierre Brunel Mr. Andrew Bruno Mrs. Daisy Buckner Dr. Eric Butz Capital X-Ray, Inc. Dr. Michael P. Carnes CBP Seminars Dr. Stephane Chillis Dr. Don Chinnick Chiro Futures Malpractice Program Chiro Touch Chiro Write ChiroMatrix ChiroSlumber Clear Mind Center Coca-Cola Enterprises, Inc. Dr. Craig Cocek Dr. Austin L. Cohen The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta, Inc. Complete Therapy Systems, LLC Dr. Sheldon Cook Dr. Hank Cousineau Dr. David Covey Drs. John and April Cowan Crossfields Dr. Philip Croutch Dr. Robert Crystal Davlen Associates, LTD Dr. Mark F. Del Cantero Dr. Philip B. Delport Document Plus Technologies Dr. John W. Downes Drucker Labs Eclipse Practice Management Software Dr. Vincent J. Erario Dr. Denise G. Evans Dr. Shawn Ferguson Dr. Catherine E. Franklin Future Health Software GEICO Gensco Laboratories

Summer

2013

www.LIFE.edu

Dr. Robert S. Gise GJTA Enterprises, Inc. Good Life Group Dr. Sharon R. Gorman and Mr. Ron Gorman Dr. James Gregg Dr. and Mrs. Jay Handt Dr. and Mrs. Bruce J. Harman Mr. Gregory R. Harris Dr. Danita J. Heagy Dr. David Healey Healthline Medical Dr. Karen Henard Dr. Colin Henderson Dr. Michael R. Heskett Dr. Stuart E. Hoffman Dr. and Mrs. John A. Hofmann, Sr. Dr. Jonathan R. Holtzman Dr. Sanford L. Hopkins Dr. Kreg D. Huffer JuicePlus K-Laser USA Dr. Jim Kaminski Dr. Stuart E. Katzen Dr. Christopher B. Kent Dr. William G. Kessel Dr. and Mrs. Thomas M. Klapp Dr. Ernie F. Landi Dr. Michael T. LaRocca Dr. Kevin L. Lenahan Dr. Douglas Leon Dr. Andrew Lombardi, Jr. Dr. Jeffrey J. Lupo Dr. and Mrs. Lorenzo E. Marchese, Jr. Dr. Joel E. Margolies Dr. Eric T. Markson Dr. Leif Martensson Dr. Troy M. May Dr. Brian McAulay Mr. Thomas McCleskey Drs. Mike and Patricia McLean Dr. Trevor Middleton Mighty Oak Technology Dr. Tom and Mrs. Mary Ann Morgan The New Renaissance Dr. Kent Newton Dr. Brad Norman Now You Know, Inc. Dr. Kevin J. O’Dell Drs. Ronald and Mary Oberstein Drs. Tom and Jeanne Ohm Dr. James H. Oppenheim Mr. Jesse Panuccio Dr. Pierre Paradis

Dr. Ron Pashkewych Dr. Palmer M. Peet Dr. Rick Penney Performance Health Dr. Emilie Perras Dr. Meg Pickering Dr. Deborah A. Pogrelis Ms. Karen Preston Progressive Nutracare ProMassagers, LLC Pulsed Power Technologies Dr. John Rae Dr. Denise A. Rassel Drs. Daniel and Kristin Ribley Dr. James P. Ribley Drs. Larry and Patty Ribley Mrs. Rowena Rich Dr. Russell Rosen Dr. Ruth Ross Dr. Mike Rumpel Drs. Patrick and Geraldine Ryan Dr. Bruce L. Salzinger Dr. Marc C. Saulnier Dr. Marc P. Schneider Dr. Frank K. Schwitz Dr. Rob M. Scott Dr. Robert D. Shire Dr. James M. Sigafoose Dr. Michael D. Smith Dr. Fredric So Drs. Jay LaGuardia and Pamela Stucky-LaGuardia Dr. Gary Sullenger Texas Beauty Institute Dr. Mark J. Tobias Dr. Aura L. Tovar Dr. David Vecchio The Vital Health Depot Ms. Alana Way Wellness Centers of America, Inc. Wholebody Systems Dr. Jason Wiebe Dr. and Mrs. John F. Winner Dr. Tim Wood Dr. Daniel S. Yachter Dr. David E. Yachter York X-Ray, Inc. Z Technologies, LLC Dr. Jeffrey P. Zaika Zija International Dr. John F. Zimmerman, Jr. Zyantus, Inc.

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($1,200 - 2,499) AIG Matching Grants Program Dr. Amanda L. Apfelblat Dr. Heidi Benda Dr. Brian O. Burns Drs. Michael C. and Dawn Calcagno Dr. Gerard W. Clum Drs. Anthony and Patricia Colasurdo Drs. Norman Colby and Cathy Wendland-Colby Dr. Christopher J. Colloca Dr. Scott Crafton Dr. Carl J. Daniel, Jr. Dr. and Mrs. Ralph D. Davis Drs. Eddy L. and Neia Diaz-Valero Dr. Julie Donoso Dr. Mark Foullong Dr. Tim Gross Dr. Jerry L. Hardee Dr. B.J. Hardick Dr. Anthony Hardnett Dr. Dennis D. Hawk Dr. Jerry I. Hochman Dr. Julie Mayer Hunt Drs. Kevin Jackson and Selina M. Sigafoose-Jackson Dr. Robert D. Jackson, Jr. Mr. Bill and Mrs. Sheila Jarr Drs. Peter Kevorkian and Patti Giuliano Dr. Trevor Killian Dr. and Mrs. David B. Koch

Dr. and Mrs. Alan O’Connor Dr. and Mrs. Eugene S. Paouncic, Jr. Dr. Gary R. Pennebaker Dr. Charles E. Ribley Dr. Guy F. Riekeman Drs. Drew and Lisa Rubin Dr. Brad Rusaw Dr. Andrew T. Scott Dr. Gary Stewart Dr. and Mrs. Daniel Timmerman Dr. Michael L. Ungerank Drs. Gary and Susan Walsemann Dr. and Mrs. Steven Warfield ($2,500 and up) Association for Reorganizational Healing Practice Beyond Organic Biogenesis Nutraceuticals, Inc. Dr. Pasquale G. Calcagno, III Cancer Treatment Centers of America Dr. William S. Cook Dr. Justin Coop Drs. Dean and Jen DePice Dr. James A. DiBlasi Dr. Jean-Claude Doornick DrNatura Elevation Health Dr. David P. Eugster Dr. Debra S. Flynn Dr. and Mrs. Kevin G. Fogarty

Life University Board of Trustees Deborah Pogrelis, D.C., Chair Henry Cousineau, D.C. Kevin Fogarty, D.C. Aaron Gagnon, CPA Sharon Gorman, D.C. R. James Gregg, D.C. Jay Handt, D.C. J. Peter Heffernan, D.C. Marc Hudson, D.C.

Thomas M. Klapp, D.C. Joseph Lupo, D.C. Rhonda Newton, B.A. Randolph O’Dell, D.C. Jesse Panuccio, J.D. James Tompkins, Ph.D.

Foot Levelers, Inc. John and Mary Franklin Foundation, Inc. Drs. Daniel and Kimberly Gambino Mr. Richard Giuli and Dr. Amie Bend Dr. Paul Given Dr. Irene Gold William M. Harris Family Foundation Dr. and Mrs. Joseph P. Heffernan Drs. Jeremy and Amanda Hess Impac, Inc. Dr. Ronald O. Kirk Dr. Gregory D. Loman Dr. and Mrs. Joseph Lupo Multi Radiance Medical NCMIC Group, Inc. NeuroInfiniti Nordic Naturals Patient Media, Inc. Pay DC Chiropractic Software Dr. Eric H. Plasker Dr. Bradbury N. Robinson Scrip Companies Dr. and Mrs. Eugene Sparlin Standard Process Inc. Dr. Roy W. Sweat Text MD, Inc. The Joint...The Chiropractic Place The Pettibon System Dr. Daryl Thomson Drs. Mark and Denise Tomlin Xooma Worldwide

Board of Directors, International Alumni Association of Life University Elected Officers: Lorenzo E. Marchese, Jr., D.C. President Stuart E. Katzen, D.C. Vice President David Eugster, D.C. Representative Deborah Lancaster Representative Rachel Stockwell, D.C. Representative

Appointed Officers: Kadria Scott Student Representative Mary Ellen Leffard Alumni Relations Manager Kelsey Donaldson Alumni Relations Coordinator Greg Harris Vice President for University Advancement Ex-Officio: Guy F. Riekeman, D.C. Life University President

www.LIFE.edu

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Dedicated to LIFE Life University is dedicated to the idea of ensuring the world has access to vitalistic health care. This encompasses access to both Chiropractic and integrated care, and to an education rooted in chiropractic and vitalistic philosophy. To that end, we would like to recognize those alumni and friends who have assisted us with our mission by referring a student to LIFE— Dr. Joseph Accurso III – A, LF Dr. Jose Albarez Dr. Ricardo Alvarez – A Ms. Amy Anderson – LF, F Mr. Zach Anthony Mr. Eryc Barnes-Jones – F Dr. John Bartemus – LF Dr. Erika Bethune – A, LF Dr. Mark Botha – A, LF Dr. Leslie Bronson – A Mr. Ed Bull Dr. Jessica Bullock – A Dr. Bobby Butler – A Dr. Amy Butler Dr. Dawn Cadwallader – A, LF Dr. Waldemar Carrasquillo – A, LF Dr. Zachary Causey – A, LF Mr. Steve Clark Dr. Henry Cousineau – LF, P Dr. Candice Crawford – A Dr. Joseph Cucci – LF Ms. Mary Cunningham Dr. Brian Davis – A

Dr. Keith Denton Dr. Eddy Diaz – A, LF Dr. John Downes – A, C, F Dr. John DuPuy – A Dr. Brent Edgerton – A, LF Mr. Jonathan Eldridge Dr. Rafael Fabian – A, LF Dr. Alicia Farrell Ms. Amy Feld Mr. William Firnbach – F Dr. Mary Flannery Dr. Kevin Fogarty – LP, P, C Dr. Heather Forry – A Dr. Robert Forry – A Ms. Leesha Gabhart Ms. Carla Gibson Mr. Brian Gipson – F Dr. Greg Goffe – LF Miss Shayna Gorman Dr. Joseph Grise – A Mrs. Claire Griswold Mr. Mackel Harris – C, F Dr. Stuart Hartman – A

whether to our world-renowned Chiropractic program or any of our vital health and science-based degrees.

Referring students to Life University helps advance our objective in three ways: •• Raises awareness of Chiropractic and Vitalism around the world.

•• Increases the number of vitalisticoriented professionals worldwide.

Mr. Michael Hastings – A Mr. Joseph Heinecke Mr. John Hoctor Dr. Jared Hoffman – A, LF Dr. Kreg Huffer – LF, P Ms. Jennifer Ives Dr. Haig John – A, LF Mr. Keith Jordan – A, F Dr. Stuart Katzen – A, LF P C Dr. Steven Kern Ms. Amy King Dr. Ronald Liedel – A Ms. Brianna Lightbown – F Dr. Peter Lipnack – A Dr. Joseph Lupo – A, LF P C Dr. John Madeira Dr. Jorge Malouf – A Mrs. Paulette Martins-White – A Dr. Matthew McAlees – A Dr. Robert Meadows – A Ms. Monica Mikan Ms. Rebecca Montilla Ms. Charee Moran

Capital Campaign LIFE’s capital campaign, Realizing the Vision, is a five-phase campaign that supports the University’s 20/20 Strategy Vision.

In July 2012, LIFE began the third phase of the campaign, called Investing in Excellence—Academics, Research, Rugby.

President’s Circle When we turn our hands to the promotion of our chiropractic profession and the education of our neighbors, we turn our eyes to The President’s Circle for the resources—advice, wherewithal and influence—to reach out to the world. For more information, please contact Mark Elam, manager of constituent relationships, at 770-426-2660 or Mark.Elam@LIFE.edu.

•• Makes a difference with Last Purpose: To Give, To Do, To Love, To Serve - Out of a Sense of Abundance.

Alumni & Friends who referred a student enrolling in the spring 2013 quarter are listed below. These names were provided by students upon their application for admission.

Ms. Christine Nadine – P, F Dr. Ronald Oberstein – A, LF, P Dr. Robert Olivieri – A Ms. Martha Orr – F Dr. Kevin Pallis Dr. Craig Patterson Mr. Daniel Payne – F Dr. Mark Pendergrass – A Dr. Mark Perlmutter – A Dr. Danielle Pichette – F Dr. Ed Plentz – LF Mr. Mark Poehlman Dr. Lisa Przybysz – A Dr. Ben Rall Dr. Charles Ribley – LF, P Dr. Guy Riekeman – P, F Dr. Kristina Ring – A, LF Dr. Wendy Robbins – A Mr. Jose Rodriguez Mr. Ivan Rodriguez-Goire Dr. Paul Rumph Dr. Bryan Salminen – A Dr. Douglas Schumacher – A

2013

www.LIFE.edu

A = Alumnus L = LIFEforce 1000 Doctor P = President’s Circle C = Capital Campaign F = Faculty/Staff

LIFEforce 1000 The LIFEforce 1000 tribe is currently dedicated to two projects: looking for 1,000 committed members and filling Life University with students who are passionate and will spread Chiropractic around the world, now and for decades to come.

To that end, they have made a commitment to each other to accomplish three things: send five students to Life University in the next five years, host two Student Recruiting Events each year and attend a LIFEforce 1000 Weekend in Atlanta within the next year. For more information, please visit LIFE.edu/ LIFEforce1000, or contact LIFEforce@LIFE.edu or 770-426-3031.

To To submit submit aa correction: correction: IfIf you you see see an an error error in in our our list, list, please please contact contact the the Department Department of of Alumni Alumni Relations Relations at at Alumni@LIFE.edu Alumni@LIFE.edu or or 800-543-3203.

800-543-3203.

Summer

Dr. Dominique Scott – A Dr. Zachary Scott Mr. Tyler Scroggin Dr. Arthur Seiden – A Dr. Carlos Selles – A, LF Dr. Jacob Seng – A Mr. Matthew Shell Mr. Derek Smith Dr. Desmond Smith Mr. Nico Staples Dr. Gary Stewart – A, LF, P Dr. Roy Sweat – C, F Dr. Bruce Thompson – A Mr. Anthony Vitale Dr. Mike Warners – A, LF Dr. Kathleen Whitmore – A, LF Mr. Linwood Whitten – A, LF

a t h le t ic s

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Rugby Roundup

By Craig Dekshenieks

The Life University rugby program had a busy and prosperous spring!

There were four rugby national championships available from the collegiate to professional level this year, and Life University reached the finals of all four championships and won two of them. This is quite an accomplishment, especially when you consider that no other rugby club has ever attempted this.

Our undergraduate team won the Division 1-A national championship, beating St. Mary’s College (CA) 16-14 in a torrential downpour in Greensboro, N.C. Along the way, they beat teams

such as Utah, Arkansas State and Army.

In only its third year of existence, Life University is the national champion at the highest level of college rugby in the United States.

The men’s club team, the original rugby team at LIFE, competed in two competitions this year: the Elite Cup and the Club Division One league.

The Elite Cup is comprised of eight semi-professional clubs representing the biggest cities in America. LIFE made it to the finals of the national

championship game before losing to San Francisco Golden Gate by two points. They played in the Division One league simultaneously—a difficult task, considering the physical and mental drain of rugby and chiropractic studies. Playing four games over two weekends, the team won the national championship, beating Old Puget Sound Beach by one point. Life University is the national champion at the highest level of club rugby in the United States.

After LIFE’s undergraduate team won the national championship in the traditional 15s format (15 players per team), they had two weeks to shift gears and play in the 7s format (seven players per team) in the prestigious Collegiate Rugby Championship. LIFE made it all the way to the finals, beating Texas, Florida, Delaware and Navy along the way. In the finals, we came up just short against Cal-Berkeley 19-14. The event was broadcast live on NBC, giving Life University incredible exposure!

Two teams, four national championship appearances and two titles—not bad for this “small” school in Marietta, Ga., that’s doing great things!

www.LIFE.edu

Summer

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Al u m n i A N D f r ie n d s update

Keep in Touch with

We’d like to send our condolences to the family of Dr. Michael A. Watts (’79) and Mrs. Ann O. Watts (’80) who both passed away unexpectedly May 9 and 14, 2013, respectively. Dr. Michael Watts maintained a private practice in Tucson, Ariz., and his mother, Mrs. Ann Watts helped out at the front desk. They both loved LIFE. Dr. B.J. Harman (’80) and his wife Jackie welcomed their first granddaughter, Lauren Gabrielle Weber, to the family on Oct. 20, 2012. The Harman’s daughter Jennifer and her husband Scott fortunately live close enough so that B.J. and Jackie will get to see and spoil her on a regular basis. Congratulations to all!

Dr. Mitch Holsten (’81) wishes to announce his new position as Associate Doctor in Fort Lee, N.J., as well as the marriage of his daughter Mindy to Praunab Rao and the birth of his fourth grandchild, Olivia Kalos. Dr. Holsten is a member of the Association of New Jersey Chiropractors.

Life University wishes to express sincere condolences to Dr. Dan Abeckjerr (’82) on the loss of his wife, Lynne Mercure Abeckjerr. Lynne passed away on June 23, with her beloved husband Danny by her side. She is survived by two children, Michelle and Joshua.

Dr. Keith Rau (’82) and his wife Lynnette (’82) celebrated the marriage of their daughter Melissa to Aaron Bailey on Feb. 23, 2013. It was a glorious day!

Dr. Brent Russell (’83) presented some of his gait analysis work in progress at the 2013 Association of Chiropractic Colleges Research Agenda Conference in Washington, D.C., in March and at the 2013 World Federation of Chiropractic Biennial Congress in Durban, South Africa, in April.

The topic was, “Variability and asymmetry of vertical ground reaction forces during walking, in adults with chronic low back pain, before and after a limited protocol of chiropractic care.”

Dr. Patrick Ryan (’96) of Ryan Chiropractic in Randolph, N.J., is the new president of the Gonstead Clinical Studies Society. Twice a year, Ryan travels across the country to teach students and other chiropractors how to adjust children using the Gonstead Method. In addition, Ryan is a longtime member of the Rowe Chiropractic Study Club and runs a youth flag rugby program in the summer with Black River Rugby.

Summer

2013

www.LIFE.edu

We’d like to send our condolences to Alumni Association Representative Dr. Dave Eugster (’84) and his family on the loss of his father. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Eugster family.

Dr. Eric Plasker (’85) just released the second edition of his book, “The 100 Year Lifestyle.” The book features a special foreword on vitalism written by LIFE’s own Dr. Guy Riekeman. “The 100 Year Lifestyle” is a total life approach for increasing quality and quantity of years.

It gives the mindset, tools and strategies to enjoy the highest quality of life as we age in years without aging in body and mind, including diet, nutrition, exercise, mental agility, creativity, finances, friends and family, work, community and a sense of purpose.

Life University sponsored Dr. Lawrence Bagnell (’91) on his new lecture titled, “Aliens are trying to cut me open, save me from a C-section!” at the United Virginia Chiropractic Association (UVCA) May 3–5, 2013. Bagnell discussed the importance that Chiropractic plays during pregnancy. He has been a guest speaker on radio and cable TV shows and was the subject of a story about pregnancy and labor using chiropractic care on the Discovery Channel. Bagnell maintains a private practice in Pennsylvania.

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Dr. Jay Perniciaro (’91), a proud member of LIFEforce 1000, was recently honored to give the winter 2013 commencement address at Remington College in Baton Rouge, La. He just completed the Leadership Program in Ascension Parish, where his team project to raise funds and build a mobile disaster relief kitchen won project of the year honors. His stepson, Aaron Brown, is a first quarter student at LIFE. Dr. Helene Ginian (’93) has just delivered her 25th grandchild, a boy, Moshe Yaakov.

She is practicing at Network Spinal Analysis in Lakewood, N.J., and also has a clinic and lab for homeopathic medicine. She wishes warmest regards to everyone.

Dr. Thomas W. Mercante (’95) of AlignLife in Summerville, S.C., was awarded “Best Chiropractor in Summerville” from the readers’ choice awards of the Summerville Journal Scene for the second year in a row. Mercante chose to open his practice in Summerville because he loves the beauty of the low country as well as all the smiling faces.

Dr. Jay Weber (’96) along with his wife Danielle, two children and mother returned to campus on May 24. The Alumni Relations Department gave Weber

and his family a personalized tour of the campus and all that has changed in the more than 10 years since he had returned home to LIFE. Weber maintains a private practice in Tustin, Calif.

Dr. Claudia Daude (’97) and her husband Scott welcomed their first child, Christian Johann on Oct. 6, 2012. An active member of her community, Daude frequently speaks to organizations such as the Lions’ Club, Kiwanis Club, biking groups, senior groups and high school health

We’d like to send our condolences to Clinical Sciences Professor Dr. Lawrence Hansen (’93) and his family on the loss of his wife, Patty. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Hansen family.

We’d like to send our condolences to the family of Mr. Jason Grigg (’94) who passed away on June 1 after a long battle with brain cancer. Grigg was a CT graduate at LIFE. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Grigg family.

Drs. Gary Scardino (’96) and Stu Katzen (’97), along with Board of Trustee member Dr. Jay Handt and his wife Kathi Handt, were among several LIFE alumni and friends present at the annual Chiropractic Friends, Feb. 22–24, 2013, in Spring Lake, N.J., for a weekend of food, fellowship and fun.

Chiropractic Friends was created as an excuse to get together with like-minded chiropractors to celebrate and spend time together as a group to bond and reconnect with old friends. The seminar has quickly grown into the place to be for an intimate, family-orientated escape. Past speakers have included Drs. Guy F. Riekeman, Jim Sigafoose, Pat Gentempo and Sharon Gorman.

www.LIFE.edu

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Al u m n i A N D f r ie n d s update

occupation classes. In addition, she participates in community health fair screenings while providing adjustments to athletes at rodeos, marathons and other sporting events in the community.

She is a member of the Michigan Association of Chiropractors, the International Chiropractic Association and the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association. Congratulations to the Daudes!

Back In Motion Chiropractic owners and practitioners Drs. Michael Rosen (’98) and Gina Policari (’98) have been awarded Encore Publication’s “Best of Wilmington 2013” for Wilmington, N.C. The annual bestof contest gives Encore’s readers a chance to voice their opinions on the best places to go in the Wilmington area.

Both Rosen and Policari chose Wilmington for the family community and because it was halfway between their families in New Jersey and Florida.

Dr. Cris Eaton-Welsh (’00) was recently one of 100 community leaders nationwide to be invited to the White House for a celebration with First Lady Michelle Obama. Of those 100, she was one of 12 to be invited to discuss the implementation of wellness and movement initiatives in communities with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Summer

2013

www.LIFE.edu

Drs. Stu Katzen (’97), Jay Zimmerman (’87), Josh McNamara, Ted Loos (’01) and Joe Rosen (USA Sevens Rugby).

LIFE alumni and friends supported the LIFE Running Eagles 2013 Rugby Collegiate National Champions at the Bards Irish Pub in Philadelphia.

LIFE Alumni & Friends Dr. Richard Cobb (CRC Referee), Ed Rendell (former Pennsylvania governor), Colton Cariaga (LIFE 7s captain), Coach Tui Osborne, Dr. Stu Katzen (VP of the Alumni Association) and Mike Fusilli (former NCAA Division III, wrestling heavyweight champion) are pictured kicking off the Collegiate Rugby Championship weekend, June 1–2.

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Thank you to our alumni Drs. Pam Stone (’00), Raymond Fowler (’83) and Gary (’83) and Carolyn (’93) Fish, who hosted DC students in their offices for three installments of Real World: DCs, a biquarterly event sponsored by the Alumni Association. Students had the opportunity to tour the office, ask questions and find out what it’s like to be a chiropractor in the real world.

Dr. Lakesia Sutton (’02) returned to campus on May 24 to share the LIFE community with her father. The Alumni Relations Department was eager to give the two of them a personalized tour and highlight how the campus has grown and developed since her departure. It was good to have you back, Dr. Sutton!

Dr. Michelle Monasterski-Klos (’05), of Southside Spinal Center in McDonough, Ga., has been featured in Southern Journal Magazine’s 2013 Top Docs of Henry County. Klos has been serving the Henry County area since 2005. Congratulations, Dr. Monasterski-Klos!

Dr. Shannon Darrow (’09), founder of Spinal Missions, presented at the Global Health & Humanitarian Summit on April 12–14, 2013, at Emory University’s School of Medicine.

Her lecture, “Chiropractic care in developing

We’d like to send our condolences to the family of Dr. Havord C. Bishop, former LIFE faculty member in Basic Sciences, who passed away on May 4, 2013. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Bishop family.

We’d like to send our condolences to the family of Dr. James Tompkins, a member of the Life University Board of Trustees, on the loss of his father, James G. Tompkins III. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Tompkins family.

We’d like to send our condolences to the family of Dr. Steve Connors (’00), who passed away unexpectedly at the beginning of May. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Connors family.

nations,” detailed the importance of chiropractic care in critical needs areas and the immediate impact of chiropractic mission work. Spinal Missions is a non-profit organization of chiropractic doctors, students and others who have a desire to aid people of underprivileged nations in addressing health care issues.

Dr. Malik Adams (’10) was announced as a 2013 Woodrow Wilson Ohio Teaching Fellow on May 28. As a Woodrow Wilson Ohio Teaching Fellow, Dr. Adams will receive a $30,000 stipend to complete a special intensive master’s program at the University of Dayton that will prepare him to teach math and/or science in a high-need Ohio school.

Dr. Katie Ray (’12) recently opened her first practice in Chicago, Ill., on April 13, 2013. New Day is the only practice in Chicago that specializes in Network Spinal Analysis care. Ray enjoys helping empower people by educating them on the importance of a healthy spine and nervous system, exercise, diet and the natural health lifestyle.

Don’t be shy!

Pictured left to right: Drs. Lucas Matlock (’00), George Gertner (’00), Jim Hollenbach (’00) and Steve Connors at a LIFE reunion a few years ago.

We’d like to include your personal and professional news and photos in upcoming editions of Alumni and Friends Updates. Send your information to Alumni@LIFE.edu.

www.LIFE.edu

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New s f r o m Al u m n i Rel a t i o n s

State Representatives: Bringing LIFE to You

By Kelsey Donaldson The Alumni Relations Department, in conjunction with the Alumni Association, has started a State Representative program to help strengthen relationships among our alumni and friends and the University.

State Reps have the unique opportunity to serve as a liaison between their state alumni and friends and the University. The backbone of this network is dedicated alumni and friends who will give their time locally to Alabama Dr. James Fox (’87) Dr. Kyle Eaton (’01) Arizona Dr. Chris Colloca (’95) California Dr. Danny Gambino (’90) Dr. Amie Bend (’96) Dr. Daniel Farkas (’04) Georgia Dr. Norm Colby (’98) Dr. Cathy Wendland-Colby (’99) Hawaii Dr. Andy Shanti (’98) Illinois Dr. Joe Esposito (’95) Iowa Dr. Beth Zogg (’95) Massachusetts Dr. Linda Slak (’84) Michigan Dr. Alan Szagesh (’97) Dr. Scott Tasco (’99) Dr. Mary Gladish (’02)

Summer

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www.LIFE.edu

support and promote Life University. Each state will contain five or more State Reps and one to two State Captains (co-captains).

Through the State Rep program, LIFE alumni and friends will be able to stay connected to LIFE no matter where they live and build a more engaged base of alumni and friends.

Life University currently has 28 State Reps in 16 different states. Below is a list of State Reps and their respective state.

New York Dr. Rich Bogdanski (’81) Dr. Kim O’Connor (’98) Dr. Scott Brunengraber (’99) Pennsylvania Dr. Gary Scardino (’96) South Carolina Dr. Tripp Blassengale (’92) Dr. Tom Mercante (’95) Dr. Ken Hartzog (’02) Dr. Tara Layne (’10) Tennessee Dr. Jennie Lieder (’11)

Vermont Dr. Palmer Peet (’83) Virginia Drs. Sandy and Adam Elbaum (’90) Wisconsin Dr. Dawn Cadwallader (’96) Don’t see a State Rep close by?

Contact the Alumni Relations Department at 800-543-3203 or via email at Alumni@LIFE.edu to learn how you can get involved.

Launching Life University’s Professional Online Directory

By Mary Ellen Leffard The Alumni Relations Department has created an online directory to help you market your services in your area. We get callers every day looking for a LIFE chiropractor in a particular city. Now we can point callers to the directory to help you increase your business.

The directory provides an easy-to-use tool that features listings based on city, state and ZIP code.

In addition, the public can also locate an individual based on his or her profession, techniques, therapies or patient education.

Do you want to be included? Update or include your personal information by visiting our website at LIFE.edu/alumni/register.

Please note: You must be logged in to the Alumni & Friends website to be able to complete this action.

Life University

Important Contacts:

Alumni & Friends 1269 Barclay Circle Marietta, GA 30060 800-543-3203

Update Your Information: Office of Alumni Relations 800-543-3203 Alumni@LIFE.edu

www.LIFE.edu/Alumni

Make a Gift: Office of Development 800-543-3436 Order a Transcript: Office of the Registrar 888-423-5547 Recruit Students: Office of Recruitment 800-543-3202 Search/Post Opportunities: Office of Career Services 770-426-2700 Careers@LIFE.edu