SPRING 2015 VOL. 8 ISSUE 1
LIFE UNIVERSITY’S ALUMNI AND FRIENDS MAGAZINE
Drs. Amanda and Jeremy Hess
Helping Many Discover Chiropractic
Mentoring for Leadership
New Harris Center
LIFE’s Lasting Purpose
PRESIDENT’S letter
Greetings, LIFE Alumni and Friends! The last time I spoke to you, I talked about how Life University is in the business of making an impact. Well, a game-changing, impactful event is coming up on the LIFE campus this spring like none we’ve had before—LIFE Talks, a two-day congress that will be exploring the limitless human experience, this April 23-24. LIFE Talks recognizes that you can make lifestyle and social changes by eliminating something that is holding you back by replacing it with something awesome. Participants will leave with solutions—LIFE Talks Lifestyle Changes (LTLCs)—that when implemented will improve personal health, allow for healthier relationships and improve the health of businesses and organizations. These LTLCs will be new doorways to walk through and access your innate potential. With thought leaders presenting in the fields of Chiropractic, Vitalism, Forgiveness Therapy, Psychology, Nutrition, Compassion, Business and Inspiration, professionals from around the world, you will find what you need and more for your personal, relational and professional life. We encourage those who are looking to reach beyond the status quo in life to attend LIFE Talks and find out how they can realize their soul purpose, make a transformational impact on the world and create social change for good. Register to attend today at LIFETalks.org. Speaking of people making a transformational impact, there are not many in the profession today doing more for chiropractic and vitalistic healthcare revolution than Drs. Jeremy (’99) and Amanda (’03) Hess. The Hess’ Discover Chiropractic practice is one of the largest in the state of Georgia and is just a short drive away from our beautiful Marietta
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‘LIFE Talks recognizes that you can make lifestyle and social changes by eliminating something that is holding you back by replacing it with something awesome.’
campus. Their AMPED mentorship and mastermind program is one of the best new resources out there for students, new and veteran chiropractors, and they are also co-authors of two awesome, bestselling books—“Baby designed by God” and “Woman designed by God” that offer an extraordinary look into the vitalistic perspective of family health. Not to mention, the Hess’ will be speaking at the next LIFE Vision seminar July 24-25, which you can register for now at LIFEVisionseminar.com. Also, don’t forget that the Collegiate Rugby Championship (CRC), which has become one of the most popular and staple events for not only Life U rugby, but the University as a whole, is coming up May 30-31 at PPL Park in Philadelphia. We’ve become known for our bold colors and resounding fan support, and it’s important that we continue that tradition in rooting not only our undergraduate men’s sevens team this year, but also our undergraduate women’s sevens team making their debut in the tournament. I hope you have a great springtime and that the increasing bloom of the plants correlates with a booming increase in the impact you plan to make in your personal and professional lives in 2015. Here’s to making your life extraordinary! Yours in Chiropractic,
Guy F. Riekeman, D.C. President
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Your Extraordinary LIFE The Alumni Magazine of Life University
Contents FEATURE
7 Helping Many Discover Chiropractic CAMPUS LIFE
Drs. Jeremy (’99) and Amanda (’03) Hess’ dynamic referral-based family practice in Georgia has one of the largest chiropractic patient volumes in the state. PHOTO: TODD HULL
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
Lindsay Field Editor
Kelsey Donaldson Alumni Relations Coordinator
Amy Fine Production Coordinator/ Circulation Manager
Will Brooks Communications Coordinator
Garon Hart Graphic Designer
Your Extraordinary LIFE magazine is published three times a year by New South Publishing, 9040 Roswell Road, Ste. 210, Atlanta, GA 30350. (770)650-1102; Fax: (770)650-2848. Postmaster: Send address changes to Your Extraordinary LIFE, 1269 Barclay Circle, Marietta, GA 30060-9854. It is the purpose of Your Extraordinary LIFE to promote the events, accomplishments, accolades and philosophies of Life University and its faculty, staff and students to current, prospective and former students, as well as the academic community at large. Life University is a private, nonprofit institution founded in 1974. For more information, write to Life University, 1269 Barclay Circle, Marietta, GA 30060, or visit LIFE.edu. Material in this publication may not be reprinted without written permission from the editorial offices in Marietta. All rights reserved. © Copyright 2015 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.
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Estate Planning Mentoring for Leadership LIFE Reunions 2015 Master of Athletic Training Athletics Roundup DEPARTMENTS
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LIFE on the Road
Life University’s Executive, Enrollment and Advancement Teams
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Upcoming Events Calendar
Opportunities to Connect with LIFE
11 Alumni and Friends Update
Keep in Touch with LIFE Graduates
16 Lasting Purpose
LIFE’s Lasting Purpose Program, President’s Circle, New Harris Center, Corporate Sponsors
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Keep in Touch with ON THE ROAD
Graduates
The Executive, Enrollment and Advancement teams at Life University are on the road year-round, hosting alumni events and personally visiting alumni and friends to connect and engage all over the country. You may have seen these familiar faces at a recent convention or in your private practice. In the past six months, the Advancement Team has collectively visited more than 250 alumni and friends. To see where we are headed next, check out our events calendar at Alumni. LIFE.edu/Events, and if you see us out and about, be sure to introduce yourself! Here’s where we visited from September to December:
LIFE-sponsored breakfast. Scott led the discussion and presented various opportunities for participants to be actively involved with the University.
NORTH CAROLINA Fall travel officially kicked off for the LIFE team as they headed to the North Carolina Chiropractic Association’s Fall Convention in Raleigh. Featured among the conference speakers was LIFE-sponsored Dr. Eric Plakser (’85), who presented the “Under-Utilization of Chiropractic.” The weekend also featured a student recruitment event led by Student Recruiter Jasmin Collins and a Tar Heels for LIFE partnership meeting led by Vice President of University Advancement Greg Harris and Alumni Relations Manager Mary Ellen Leffard. The pair generated lots of excitement for the program and doubled the number of participating doctors. VIRGINIA Just days before LIFE’s Fall CE event, Vice President for Enrollment and Marketing Dr. Cynthia Boyd and Leffard represented LIFE at the Annual Unified Virginia Chiropractic Association (UVCA) fall convention. In addition to sponsoring Dr. John Downes (’86) as a speaker, LIFE provided updates in regards to
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the partnership between LIFE and UVCA — “Unified with LIFE” — at the annual business meeting. OHIO As Fall CE was underway on LIFE’s campus, Harris headed north to Columbus for the Ohio State Chiropractic Association’s Annual Convention and was joined by student LIFEforce 1000 member Zach Thomas. A lunch was held for the “Buckeyes for LIFE” doctors to meet and receive updates on the program. In addition, LIFE sponsored the Saturday evening gala where Harris presented to a packed room. MICHIGAN Just one state over, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Rob Scott and Student Recruiter Jerome Stockwell represented LIFE at the Michigan Association of Chiropractor’s fall convention. More than 25 LIFE supporters filled the room for an early-morning,
LIFE Alumni Relations Manager Mary Ellen Leffard presenting Dr. Janice Piedmont Dunlap (’87) a LIFE embroidered blanket at UVCA
NYCC President Dr. John LaMonica and LIFE Vice President of University Advancement Greg Harris
NEW YORK More than 170 alumni and friends packed the room at a LIFE-sponsored luncheon and presentation at the New York Chiropractic Council’s (NYCC) Annual Convention. At the close of the convention, Leffard visited with more than 20 alumni throughout the state of New York. In total, she recruited five reunion co-chairs — Drs. Manny Tsourounakis (’80), Joe Baudille (’85), Howard Greenspan (’85), Nicolle Gullo (’95) and Anish Bajaj (’00) — and three new State Reps — Drs. Terry Dhanjal-Garcha (’02), Boris Nektalov (’09) and Helena Tsourounakis (’14). It was a successful trip! GEORGIA The LIFE team had a terrific time at the Georgia Chiropractic Association’s (GCA) 102nd Fall Conference & Tradeshow, which was chaired by LIFE alumna Dr. Leana Kart (’87). We thoroughly enjoyed mixing and mingling with the 50-plus attendees at the LIFE-sponsored lunch and were pleased to sign up Dr. Tim Kelly (’85) and
LIFE ON THE ROAD
Student Recruiter Darrell Carson, Allen Delinger (’89) and LIFE Manager of Constituent Relationships Mark Elam at GCA
Rhonda Houston-Crisp (’95) as class reunion co-chairs. We look forward to participating again in the spring. NEW JERSEY Collins and Leffard wrapped up October by heading to Long Beach for the annual New Beginnings (NB) of Chiropractic Seminars Weekend. In addition to hosting a very well attended student recruitment event, we cosponsored the main lunch with 70 in attendance. Dr. Kevin Fogarty presented, and by the conclusion of the lunch, more than $2,000 was raised to support the Lynn Mercure Abjeckerr Scholarship. A few weeks later, Leffard returned to New Jersey for the Association of New Jersey Chiropractors Annual Convention. The LIFE-sponsored luncheon was a huge success. Thank you Drs. Mark
New Jersey State Rep Dr. Zach Voyce (’13)
Leffard, Dr. Sharon Gorman (’84), Dr. Jim Dubel, Patsy Sigafoose, Dr. Kevin Fogarty and Jasmin Collins at NB
Deitch (’91), Larry Marchese (’83) and Zach Voyce (’13) for joining the State Reps program and to Dr. Charles Gonzales (’95) for signing up as a reunion co-chair. After the convention concluded, Leffard made her way around New Jersey to stop in on some alumni. Visits included Dr. John Solan (’00), who practices alongside Dr. Jim Dubel in Red Bank, and Dr. George Brewster (’80), who maintains his practice in Bloomingdale. Both signed up to be class reunion co-chairs in 2015. WASHINGTON Director of Development Erin Dancer ventured across country to Washington to reconnect with some familiar faces. In addition to catching up with State Reps Drs. Perry Chin (’86) and Jon Getbehead (’12), Dancer met with Drs. Nathan Strohm (’10) and Wes Robinson (’10). All have thriving practices and love living in the great state of Washington. ILLINOIS To kick off November, Harris headed to Chicago to attend the US Rugby Trust Gala during the USA Eagles vs. New Zealand All Blacks weekend. LIFE’s own Phil Thiel was one of the 23 players assembled on the USA roster to play in this historic match. Harris enjoyed spending time with LIFE rugby parents and LIFE alumnus Dr. Jim Louro (’89). IOWA As December rolled around, our sights were set on the American heartland. Manager of Constituent Relationships Mark Elam faced the cold weather and eagerly visited with alumni and friends in the Midwestern state. He brought along with him a plaque to be presented to Dr. Douglas Leon for his tireless commitment to the President’s Circle for the past three years.
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Although not an official LIFE alumnus, Leon proudly displays his honorary LIFE alumni certificate in his office and has considered LIFE to be his chiropractic home over the last decade. Elam was also able to catch up with Dr. Beth Zogg (’95), who agreed to serve as a reunion co-chair. ALABAMA To close out 2014, Leffard made one final trip to our neighboring state of Alabama. It was here where she recruited two new reunion co-chairs, Drs. Phil Dembrowski (’95) and Nikoleta Alexander (’01), and one new State Rep Dr. Richard Rizzoti (’93). In addition to serving on his reunion committee, Dembrowski stepped up to support the Lower Rugby Field Campaign with an ongoing monthly contribution. What a great way to close out the calendar year!
STAY IN TOUCH
Our communication is a two-way street. Without your most up-to-date contact information, we are unable to let you know about all kinds of LIFE happenings. Visit Alumni.LIFE.edu/ MyProfile to ensure that we have your correct contact information. Ladies, if you have been married since graduation and have changed your name, please be sure to update your information with us and provide both your maiden and married names.
NO ONE LIKES SPAM!
In addition to our quarterly magazine, the Alumni Relations Office sends a monthly newsletter directly to your inbox. To ensure that you continue to receive all of the latest news and events, please add Alumni@LIFE.edu to your email address book or safe sender list.
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Upcoming Events For more information or to register, please visit Alumni.LIFE.edu or contact the Department of Alumni Relations at (800) 543-3203.
MARCH
13-15
18
27
27
New York State Chiropractic Association
Manhattan After Hours
DC Graduation
California Jam Alumni & Friends Lunch
Life University Booth #19
7 p.m. Office of Dr. Rob Shire (’99) Register at Alumni.LIFE.edu/NYAfterHours
1 p.m. TIC Auditorium Life University
APRIL
10-11
16-19
17-18
Life University Technique Summit and Philosophy Night
North Carolina Chiropractic Association
LIFE Leadership Weekend
Annual event to represent all technique clubs on campus
State Sponsor and Speaker Sponsor: Dr. Gilles LaMarche
Life University
20
23-24
24-26
Running Eagles Scramble for LIFE to Benefit Athletics
LIFE Talks
Michigan Association of Chiropractors Alumni & Friends Lunch
8 a.m. Bradshaw Farms, Woodstock, Georgia Register at Alumni.LIFE.edu/Golf
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8 a.m.-5 p.m. Life University LIFETalks.org
Saturday Noon-2 p.m. Register for lunch at (517) 367-2225
1 p.m. Alumni.LIFE.edu/CalJam
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MAY
8
8
14-17
15-17
Alumni Board of Directors Strategic Planning Meeting
Sounds of LIFE
Estate Planning Seminar
Georgia Chiropractic Association
Lyceum Park Life University
9 a.m. Life University
Paint Brush Ranch, Lake George, Colorado Greg.Harris@LIFE.edu for information
Life University Booth #18
15-17
27
28
30-1
Unified Virginia Chiropractic Association
New Jersey After Hours
Pennsylvania After Hours
Collegiate Rugby Championship
State Partner and Speaker Sponsor: Dr. John Downes (’86)
7 p.m. PJ Whelihan’s Cherry Hill, New Jersey Alumni.LIFE.edu/ NJAfterHours
7 p.m. Dave & Busters Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania Alumni.LIFE.edu/ PAAfterHours
PPL Park, Philadelphia Alumni.LIFE.edu/CRC
JUNE
4-7
11-14
19
South Carolina Chiropractic Association
Alabama Chiropractic State Association
UG, MS and DC Graduations
Life University Booth Speaker Sponsor: Dr. Eric Plasker (’85)
Life University Booth Florence, Alabama
10 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. TIC Auditorium Life University
www.LIFE.edu
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CAMPUS LIFE
LEAVING A LEGACY Life University Offers Free Guidance at Estate Planning Retreat May 14-17 Oct. 29-Nov. 1
during this retreat was excellent and exactly what we needed How much thought have you given to your estate planning? to allow us to achieve our desired goals to give back to the With constantly changing tax and estate planning laws, profession that has given so much to us.” estate planning is no longer of concern only to high net worth Attendees will learn about preserving assets, providing care families. Many people wish to leave behind a legacy, whether for loved ones in future generations, spelling out wishes clearly it’s family- or community-based. Family-based legacies and decreasing likelihood of family disputes. Industry leaders ensure that future generations are protected financially and will also answer questions such as: What is the goal of estate have the resources to live comfortably. Community-based planning? What makes up a well-designed plan? What additional legacies focus on supporting a long-term program, project or income tax benefits can be endowed scholarship at gained by estate planning? one’s university, church Only a handful of couples or community agency. and individuals are being Whatever legacy you wish invited to participate in each to leave behind, a wellseminar in order to provide thought-out plan helps you an intimate experience in control your property and a breathtaking setting. minimizes disputes. Indian Paintbrush Ranch This spring and fall, Life has pristine views of lush University is offering free valleys, streams, wildflowers estate planning seminars in and the Colorado Rockies. the picturesque setting of “The setting and scenery Indian Paintbrush Ranch in were spectacular, as were Lake George, Colorado. Your our extraordinary hosts who airfare, airport-to-ranch provided excellent culinary transportation, locally Indian Paintbrush Ranch in Lake George, Colorado extravaganzas including sourced food prepared on impeccably prepared fresh, site by a chef, sleeping organic foods. We returned refreshed, inspired and grateful for quarters in western lodges and all advisor fees are covered by the experience,” says Debbie Flynn, D.C. Attendees will have the the University. Estate planning and legal experts will conduct opportunity to enjoy horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking one-day beginning-to-advanced seminars and half-day private and nature trails. advisory sessions. “My wife, Dr. Cindy, and I made the choice Seminars will take place May 14-17 and Oct. 29-Nov. 1. to include provisions in our estate planning that will support For more information or to register, please contact LIFE’s the future of our chiropractic profession,” says Steven Conway, Vice President for University Advancement Greg Harris at D.C., Esq. “The presenters were truly some of the best in the country, and the quality and depth of information we received (404) 358-5283 or Greg.Harris@LIFE.edu. l
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FEATURE
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Drs. Amanda and Jeremy Hess:
Helping Many Discover Chiropractic BY WILL BROOKS
PHOTO: TODD HULL
Just a short 38-minute drive southeast on Interstate 75 will bring you from the Life University campus in Marietta, Georgia, to the booming, technology-driven Discover Chiropractic practice of Drs. Jeremy (’99) and Amanda (’03) Hess. Dr. Jeremy opened Chiropractic in 2000 in Stockbridge, Georgia, and was later joined in practice by his wife Amanda after she graduated in 2003. Today, their dynamic referralbased family practice has one of the largest chiropractic patient volumes in Georgia with approximately 1,000 patients being served per week. →
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FEATURE
Although they both attended LIFE, the chiropractic couple surprisingly did not meet while at school, but had a chance encounter while they were both working odd jobs in Buckhead – Jeremy as a valet and Amanda as a waitress. They were married in 2002 and from there were well on their way to exciting and promising careers as two influential chiropractors from Life University. “We have always wanted to serve families in our community,” notes Dr. Amanda. Their referral-based family practice does just that and more, as they not only serve those in Stockbridge and Henry County, but also so many more in Georgia and even the United States with the amazing work they consistently do both in and out of their practice. The close proximity of their practice to LIFE, and the tremendous success of it, have made Discover Chiropractic one of LIFE’s go-to Practice, Excellence, Art and Knowledge (PEAK) offices for its students. PEAK is designed to allow senior interns to complete their clinic requirements under the direction of an off-campus doctor. Every quarter, Drs. Jeremy and Amanda have between one and three PEAK students from LIFE come through their practice. This is just one of many ways the Hess’ give back to their alma mater. Drs. Jeremy and Amanda are also instrumental in student recruitment and student mentorship, with their largevolume practice serving as one of the primary tools for spreading the word to their patients about why it is they are so passionate about their work and serving others to help them reach their innate potential within. “We have so many students and young people that come through our practice. Our patients see what we do and how we serve people, and they want to do that for themselves because everybody has this quality within themselves of wanting to help other people or serve a greater cause,”
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Dr. Amanda says. “So yes, we do send a lot of students to Life University by just doing what we do.” The couple offers multiple student mentorship programs and presentations that provide a wide array of value to students at LIFE. One such program is their well-known AMPED (Advanced Mentorship Program for Entrepreneurial Development) program that not only serves students, but also new and veteran chiropractors in the field. It was founded out of a necessary frustration that Drs. Jeremy and Amanda felt from churning out the same answers over and over again when asked by students and fellow chiropractors about things such as marketing, practice management, policies and procedures. “It got to the point where we were almost like a tape recorder or record player,” Dr. Amanda recalls. “We had to incorporate this into
a mentorship and mastermind program to get it out to people on a larger level.” AMPED is a paid membership-based program that utilizes video training courses, virtual classrooms, teleconference calls, live events, unlimited emails, periodic check-in calls and more. “We utilize technology, such as Google Hangouts, Facebook ticket groups and virtual classes,” Dr. Jeremy notes. “Everything is in a group format, allowing for collaborative discussions and feedback.” There are both doctor and student membership packages available, with the student package offered at a discount of just $97 per month with a valid student ID. There will be two free AMPED conferences, one April 17-19 in Breckenridge, Colorado, as well as one this Aug. 14-16 in Atlanta. All membership and conference details can be found online at ampednow.com. In addition, the Hess’ have other
PHOTOS: TODD HULL
FEATURE
DRS. JEREMY (’99) AND AMANDA (’03) HESS OFFER MULTIPLE STUDENT MENTORSHIP PROGRAMS AND PRESENTATIONS THAT PROVIDE A WIDE ARRAY OF VALUE TO STUDENTS AT LIFE. student mentorship programs, one titled “Student Fuel” that is held once or twice a quarter at their Stockbridge practice where LIFE students can go and have questions answered regarding practices and preparation. “We have a fun time and love giving back to the students,” Dr. Jeremy says. “It gives them a bigger picture of what’s possible once they graduate.” There is also the Launch Tour, which travels to chiropractic colleges and universities around the country encouraging students to become difference-makers in the profession and realize that they will soon be practicing chiropractors, too. The tour comes to LIFE’s campus usually two times each year. Along with being standout chiropractors, student recruiters and student mentors, Drs. Amanda and Jeremy are also best-selling authors, co-authoring
“Baby Designed by God,” published in November 2013, which was a No. 1 bestseller on Amazon.com for its category, and “Woman designed by God,” published last October, which also received highly acclaimed reviews. “Both books question mainstream health care, medical protocols and the ‘sickcare’ industry,” Dr. Amanda explains. “They both come from a very vitalistic, chiropractic perspective. They cover topics from pregnancy and childbirth to nutrition, clean and healthy homes and protocols that women are dealing with, such as Pap smears, hysterectomies and annual pelvic exams. It basically offers an alternative to the medical sickcare model. Currently, Dr. Jeremy is a member of the Life University Board of Visitors, while Dr. Amanda serves on the University’s
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Alumni Board — both are also President Circle members. They have an endowed scholarship that is awarded annually to a chiropractic student who writes an essay that they help judge as well, and they both have seen remarkable growth from the University since their time in school and are excited at what the future holds. “Dr. Guy has done a wonderful job at bringing key leaders on board and influential people around them, not just in Chiropractic, but in business, health care and the vitalistic movement. They’ve done a phenomenal job at laying the groundwork for the present, but also the future,” Dr. Jeremy explains. “The sign of any great leader is that when they leave, it’s better than when they arrived and that there is a plan for future growth. Life University is definitely doing that now, without a doubt, by growing the undergraduate program and diversifying the school. They are keeping a strong chiropractic program, but are also diversifying the school for growth and funding for the future.” Dr. Amanda, being one of only a few who remained at LIFE during the revocation of accreditation from the Council on Chiropractic Education in June 2002 to see it retroactively restored in February 2003, is proud that she can take her two children to see where their mother and father went to school at such a beautiful campus and what she calls “the home of Chiropractic.” “From where the school was then to where it is now is night and day,” Dr. Amanda says. “It was very exciting for me to see that the school brought in leadership and people who were able to get out of that situation and move forward to the flourishing University it is now.” Whether they realize it or not, it is because of groundbreaking chiropractors like Drs. Jeremy and Amanda Hess that help LIFE maintain its title as the world’s largest chiropractic college and leader of the vitalistic healthcare revolution. l
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CAMPUS LIFE
Mentoring for Leadership BY GREG HARRIS, VICE PRESIDENT FOR UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT LIFE UNIVERSITY IS IN ITS fourth year of serving Marietta Mentoring for Leadership (MFL). Our joint effort is focused on making a tangible difference in the lives of children who are at risk of falling behind academically and eventually dropping out of school. Launched in January 2010, MFL enables kids to see their future in
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a positive light, and the program shows them how to reach important goals by achieving a successful high school education as a first step. While mentoring programs vary, MFL starts the mentor relationship early — while kids are still making good choices. Once selected for the program, the same kids are expected to stay involved year after year until they successfully graduate high school. LIFE became an MFL partner in 2012, and the University is proud to be a valued MFL partner that is committed to its long-term success. In the fourth partnership year, we provide a valuable three-tiered component of the program. It includes: • Leading bi-weekly sessions throughout the school year • Coordinating and hosting two leadership conferences • Multiple sessions for REACH Georgia scholarship kids (to be scheduled) University students, faculty and staff are invested in teaching skills and performing exercises to reinforce selfconfidence. Additionally, getting mentees involved in the classroom, sporting events and club-related activities to help prepare them for life beyond high school and to show them that college is an attainable goal is a primary focus. When recently asked in a private survey by MFL and Marietta High
School staff whether they felt the Life University collegiate component of the program was worth keeping, students overwhelmingly responded with a “yes.” The highest-performing students, in fact, were the most vocal. Commitment and Costs Life University’s overall budget includes time, facilities and the actual financial cost it takes to run the program. Program goals for 2015 include the following: • Adding six MFL kids to the Life University program (MFL kids who are now on a waiting list) • Offering healthy afterschool snacks (nutritious snacks are purchased for the program) • Enabling kids to get involved in activities that enhance learning (art materials, etc. are purchased) • Securing reliable transportation for 12 students (current volunteer transportation is limited) • Hosting two leadership conferences for approximately 80 MFL kids (a proven event) Life University seeks funding based on program costs. If you are interested in supporting LIFE’s efforts in collaboration with the MFL program, please contact Vice President for University Advancement Greg Harris at (770) 426-2836 or Greg. Harris@LIFE.edu. l
ALUMNI AND FRIENDS UPDATE
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Keep in Touch with
Graduates
1980s
Messina maintains a private practice in Cortlandt Manor, New York, where she specializes in Craniosacral Therapy.
best track and field athletes. In addition to serving as the president of North Carolina’s only chiropractic association, he has also worked with the athletic department at St. Augustine’s University and served as team doctor for North Carolina State University’s men’s rugby team. Ayres was an early member of LIFE’s rugby team and continues to support the team. He is married to Brook and together they have two children, Thomas IV and Avery Layne.
We were pleased to have the Chiropractic Knights of Round Table on LIFE’s campus in October 2014 for a campus tour! Organized by Dr. Robert Prather (’83), the gang enjoyed roaming around LIFE’s campus and taking in all the sights and sounds. Pictured (l-r): Drs. Robert Prather, Charles Foster, Jeff Shebousky, Matt Swiesz and Steve Harrison.
Dr. Perry Bard (’86) is excited to announce that his son Justin began his first quarter at LIFE in January. In addition to running his private practice in Delray Beach, Florida, Bard serves as a National Chiropractic Consultant to hundreds of offices whose doctors have dedicated themselves to ensuring individuals attain their full health potential in their respective communities.
Dr. Thomas Ayres (’86) is currently serving as president of the North Carolina Chiropractic Association. After graduating from LIFE, Ayres moved to Raleigh and opened a private practice in 1987. He has been appointed to the medical staff of several national teams for USA Track and Field and has had the opportunity to travel the world providing chiropractic care to our nation’s
Dr. Marianna Messina (’86) proudly sent a pre-chiropractic student, Chelsea, to the January LIFE Leadership Weekend. These events, offered five times a year, allow future chiropractic students an extraordinary opportunity not only to visit LIFE’s campus, but also to hear from dynamic speakers, engage in leadership training and participate in the LIFE experience.
Dr. Michael Bagnell (’89) released his new book, “Health Detectives — Solving the Mystery of Health Through Neuroscience, Nutrigenomics and Mechanobiology,” in August 2014. During his 25 years in clinical practice, Bagnell has completed advanced studies with Drs. Dan Murphy and Walter Schmitt and is currently working under Professor F. R. Carrick of the Carrick Brain Center in Atlanta. Bagnell’s current post-graduate work in traumatic brain injury and concussion are the main contributions to his book. Dr. Selina Sigafoose-Jackson (’89) was selected to join the LIFE’s Board of Trustees in October 2014. SigafooseJackson was raised in a chiropractic family, with her parents, the late and legendary James Sigafoose, D.C., and his wife Patsy Sigafoose being co-founders of LIFE in 1974; thus, Chiropractic has been the foundation for her entire life. She maintains a very successful private practice with husband and fellow LIFE graduate Kevin Jackson, D.C., in York, Pennsylvania. In
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ALUMNI AND FRIENDS UPDATE
addition to serving as the International Chiropractors Association’s Secretary treasurer, she is one of the founders and co-treasurers of the League of Chiropractic Women and a member of the Chiropractic Fellowship of Pennsylvania.
1990s
Dr. Zaahir Hendricks (’96) has published an inspirational novel, “Mindset Determines Outcome.” The tale, based on true events, offers a practical approach to making changes in your life the right way. Hendricks is an inspirational speaker who delivers lifechanging presentations to corporations, organizations, conferences and educational institutions. Known as “The Mindset Coach,” his presentations empower and offer practical steps to help unleash the mental obstacles that hold us back.
than 300 students filled the classroom for his presentation. He also finished in the Top 10 at Philadelphia’s Masters Madness CrossFit Competition while proudly sporting his Life U shirt. Dr. Roger Jones (’98) is vying for a city council seat in Cold Spring, Kentucky. He has lived in Cold Spring for 14 years and is excited about becoming more involved with the city. Jones maintains his private practice in Southgate, Kentucky.
2000s The Alumni Relations Department thoroughly enjoyed having Dr. Thomas Kirk (’95) back on campus for a very chilly campus tour! Afterward, the family joined us in the alumni office for some hot chocolate. Fingers crossed that his daughter Nicolle decides to enroll at LIFE. Pictured (l-r): Wife Laura, daughter Nicolle, son Tommy and Dr. Kirk. Dr. Derek Day (’96) is our newest State Rep for the state of Nevada. A native of Las Vegas, Day has been practicing for more than 15 years and is a leader and advocate in his community. Welcome aboard, Dr. Day!
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Dr. Peter Goldman (’97) will be teaching seminars in northern and southern California on Dr. Fleet’s Chiropractic Zone Technique. Goldman has clients all over the globe, many who are some of the world’s best professional athletes. Dr. Stu Katzen (’97), vice president of the International Alumni Association of Life University, has been busy supporting LIFE throughout his community. In November 2014, he held a student recruitment event at Temple University and more
Dr. Patrick Suglia (’00) has practiced as a chiropractor and holistic healer in Minnesota, Arizona and Kentucky. A native of Reading, Pennsylvania, he is currently working to re-establish his practice in the area. He is an active speaker and workshop leader on the topics of holistic healing and living with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Suglia has a published book, “The Doctor is in: My Success at the Crossroads of Autism and Spirituality,” and has also contributed to the book, “Been There. Done That. Try This!” He is currently writing his second book, “Autism and Spirituality: A New Paradigm.”
ALUMNI AND FRIENDS UPDATE
Drs. Amanda (’03) and Jeremy Hess (’99) are excited to announce the release of their new book, “Woman designed by God.” The book was written to challenge the healthcare industry’s ‘coverup’ attitude toward women. It is currently available on Amazon. Dr. Jayson D. Levine (’03) has written an article that recently appeared in The Chiropractic Assistant. The article concerns the availability of a relatively new chiropractic assisting diploma program now available at Beckfield College in Cincinnati. He personally wrote the curriculum, developed many of the materials for the program and serves as both the program’s chairperson and as an instructor. Congratulations to Dr. Boris Nektalov (’09) of Flushing, New York, who was randomly selected to win a customized drop table courtesy of Dr. Dennis Ostrowski (’92) of Sunshine Tables. Find us at an upcoming event or convention for your chance to enter to win — we draw twice a year!
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2010s The International Alumni Association of Life University (IALLU) is pleased to welcome the newest representative to its Board of Directors, Delma De La Fuente (’13). De La Fuente graduated from LIFE Magna Cum Laude with a B.S. in Dietetics. Her focus will be on undergraduate student recruitment and engagement as she will serve as a spokesperson for both the students and alumni of the undergraduate programs at LIFE. De La Fuente is a breast cancer survivor whose career path shifted when diagnosed in 2007. Being an “integrative and functionally oriented registered dietitian” was a long held desire. After the diagnosis, treatment and time learning about food as medicine, the decision was made to formalize passion for food as medicine and return for a second degree program. De La Fuente is fueled by the desire to constantly learn and teach others about healthpromoting foods and their relationship to quality of life, longevity and high performance. We think she will be a great asset to the Board and look forward to seeing her in action. Drs. Terry Yochum (NCC ’72), Terence McAuliffe Jr. (LIFE ’14), Terence McAuliffe Sr. (NCC ’83), and Alicia Yochum (Logan ’11), were recently together at Dr. Yochum MRI lecture in Baltimore. Fathers of Kenneth Yochum and Arthur McAuliffe Jr., Terry Yochum and Terence
McAuliffe Sr., practiced in southern St. Louis near each other and were friends for many years. The time together was special for the families and unique for Chiropractic with Terry Yochum and his daughter as second and third generation chiropractors and Terence McAuliffe Sr., and Terence McAuliffe Jr., as third and fourth generation chiropractors. The McAuliffe and Yochum families have more than 250 years of combined chiropractic practice between them! Recent graduates, Drs. Tania Demiray Williams and Cordie Williams (’14), married Sept. 20, 2014. The pair has ventured to the sunny state of California and is transforming lives in the city of Oceanside with their newest venture, Health from Within Family Wellness Center.
www.LIFE.edu
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ALUMNI AND FRIENDS UPDATE
FRIENDS WE’VE LOST
CALL FOR NOMINATIONS FOR ANNUAL RECOGNITION AWARDS Nominations are currently being accepted for Life University’s Annual Recognition Awards. We urge you to nominate individuals you believe deserve special recognition in the category of: »» Distinguished Alumnus/ Alumna Award »» Young Alumnus/Alumna Award »» Honorary Alumnus/Alumna Award There are no restrictions on the number of nominations that can be submitted by one individual. To nominate yourself or your peers, please fill out our nomination form online at Alumni.LIFE.edu/ AwardNomination. Nominations are due by Aug. 1. Awards will be presented to recipients during a formal ceremony at the Lasting Purpose Recognition Lunch on Oct. 2 during LIFE’s annual Fall CE program.
Dr. Clifford Leslie Malina (’78) passed away Dec. 1, 2014. A born teacher, Malina taught Toggle Recoil at LIFE and extended his lessons well beyond the classroom. His words were wise, thought provoking and always beneficial to those perceptive enough to listen. He is survived by his wife Camille and five children, Zachary, Whitney, Justin, Rachel and Michael, along with countless friends and family throughout the country. Dr. Crawford Daniel Compton (’97) passed away suddenly Nov. 8, 2014. He was a beloved father, one-of-a-kind husband and jolly loving grandpa who loved the Lord and loved life. He is survived by his wife Kathy Marie Mulholland; two daughters, Amy and Kristy; three grandchildren, Lexi, Sadie and William; siblings, Regina, Alex, Richard and Jesse; and mother, Rachael Tittle Compton. Debbie Suzette Lancaster (’07, ’09) passed away suddenly Dec. 20, 2014. She had been employed at LIFE since August 1989, working as an administrative assistant in the College of Undergraduate Studies throughout her tenure. She also served on the Alumni Board of Directors for the last several years. She earned both an associate’s degree in Coaching Psychology and a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from LIFE as well. Lancaster was a dear coworker and friend to many in the LIFE community, and she will be sorrowfully missed by all who knew her.
DON’T BE SHY! We’d like to include your personal and professional news and photos in upcoming issues of Your Extraordinary LIFE. Send your information to Alumni@LIFE.edu.
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Time to dust off your golf clubs! WE ARE PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE that the 2nd Annual Running Eagles Scramble for LIFE golf tournament will be held on Monday, April 20 at The Golf Club at Bradshaw Farms in Woodstock, GA. That is the Monday following the next LIFE Leadership Weekend (LLW). Make plans to attend LLW and then stay over and play golf with us on Monday. The tournament format is a fourplayer scramble (best ball), and proceeds from the event will benefit the General Athletic Fund at Life University. Plan to arrive between 8:30 and 9:00 a.m. for registration, a light breakfast and free
range balls. The shotgun start at 9:30 a.m. begins play followed by a lunch buffet, awards, raffles and a silent auction around 1:30 p.m. The cost is $125 per golfer or $500 per team. Prizes will be awarded to the top three teams, as well as closest to the pin and for the longest drive. A hole-in-one on a par-3 will win you a Wheego LiFe, an all
electric car from Wheego of Georgia (retail price $35,000). Not a golfer? You can still partake in the fun by joining us for the post-tournament lunch, silent auction and the chance to win, or bid on, some great items. The cost to attend just the lunch is $25 and includes a raffle ticket. We are currently signing up players, teams and sponsors and looking for great items for our auction and raffles. We are happy to match up players in foursomes. For more information about the event, or to signup, visit online at Alumni.LIFE.edu/golf or contact Mark Elam at 770-426-2660 or Mark.Elam@LIFE.edu.
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LASTING PURPOSE
LIFE’s
Lasting Purpose BY LINDSAY FIELD
In 2012, the Alumni Relations Department at Life University launched its threeyear campaign to focus on the guiding principles of LIFE’s Lasting Purpose: To Give, To Do, To Love, To Serve — Out of a Sense of Abundance. TO LOVE Year 1 began in July of that year and was dedicated “To Love,” which exemplified the love and pride LIFE alumni and friends share for their University. Participants were given countless tools to help them connect to LIFE, all while benefitting them, their practices and spreading the word of vitalistic wellness. “The purpose was to get our alumni engaged with the school,” says Mary Ellen Leffard, LIFE Alumni Relations Manager. The LIFE department highlighted its newest alumni benefit, the Professional Directory, which is a resource for individuals seeking LIFE alumni and friends in their area. Everyone is encouraged to sign up at Alumni.LIFE.edu/Directory.
TO SERVE One year later, in July 2014, LIFE began the second phase of its Lasting Purpose project — To Serve — in which alumni and friends were encouraged to serve the University in a variety of ways. Nothing speaks more highly for a university than for those who support it to also enthusiastically serve, whether its as LIFE Ambassadors, State Reps, Reunion Chairs, student recruiters, PEAK program hosts or leaders in their professions. There are still about three months remaining in the “To Serve” campaign, so alumni and friends are invited to check out the following websites and resources to get involved between now and July: • Alumni.LIFE.com/StateReps • Alumni.LIFE.edu/Reunions • Recruiting: One for LIFE at Admissions@LIFE.edu or LIFEforce 1000 at LIFE.edu/LF1000 • PEAK.admin@LIFE.edu • Join international, national and state organizations
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TO GIVE This summer, LIFE will kick off the third year of its Lasting Purpose campaign, “To Give,” by encouraging alumni and friends to: • Give to Help You: Check out patient education information at ChiropracticPath.com or give when you purchase items from AmazonSmile, Kroger or Ziggedy and earn benefits with Geico and Hertz. Be sure and choose LIFE as your charity. • Give to Help Your Family: Attend estate-planning seminars and learn more about charitable lead trusts and charitable remainder trusts. • Give through Lasting Purpose: Celebrate family lineage by making a contribution to LIFE’s Generations wall or by establishing a scholarship. l
Get Involved! • LinkedIn: Search “Life University Alumni Network” • “Like” LIFE at Facebook.com/LIFEAlumniandFriends • Professional Directory: Alumni.LIFE.edu/Directory • Stay connected with classmates: Alumni.LIFE.edu/ AlumniDirectory • Take advantage of benefits: Alumni.LIFE.edu/Benefits • Build your practice through social media: ChiroSocialMediaAcademy.com or ChiroPostingService.com • Educate patients: ChiropracticPath.com • Adjust your lifestyle: The100YearLifestyle.com • Become an AmpLIFEier: AmpLIFEied.com • Watch and share on YouTube: YouTube.com/LIFEatLIFE • Attend Fall CE: LIFE.edu/FallCE • Register for LIFE Vision: LIFEVisionSeminar.com • Download the Life U App: LIFE.com/App
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Lead Your Profession by Pledging as Little as $100 Per Month! THE PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE (PC) is a prestigious group of Life University supporters who are committed to changing the face of the University and advancing vitalistic health care. As a member of PC, you become a valuable resource. That financial pledge supports the future of Chiropractic through student recruitment programs, the expansion of chiropractic programs internationally and the development of new academic initiatives at the undergraduate and DC level.
Funds from your gift help with a variety of projects around LIFE, including our recruitment events like LIFE Leadership Weekends, which are held five times each year. The prospective students’ time on campus gives them a window into the power of vitalistic health care and all that is has to offer. As a member of the President’s Circle, you will serve as an ambassador for LIFE. Plan to attend a LIFE Leadership Weekend and observe your contribution at work. Contributors to LIFE’s President Circle
Visit Alumni.LIFE.edu/PC to join this esteemed group of supporters who embody the spirit of Lasting Purpose.
are now being recognized through the President’s Circle Wall of Honor. The wall is located in Socrates Café outside the Presidents Dining Room. This project, made possible by a generous gift by Dr. Stu Hoffman (’81), was unveiled during the Jan. 22-24 LIFE Leadership Weekend. At the unveiling, three individuals signed on as new donors, and five current contributors increased their level of support. Visit Alumni.LIFE.edu/PC to join this esteemed group of supporters who embody the spirit of Lasting Purpose. For more information, please contact LIFE’s Manager of Constituent Relationships Mark Elam at Mark.Elam@LIFE.edu or (770) 426-2660. l
PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE LEADERS Pledge $833.34/month
ADVOCATES Pledge $416.67/month
1974 FOUNDERS Pledge $164.50/month
SUPPORTERS PHOTO: MEL BURTON IMAGES
Pledge $100/month
YOUNG LEADERS Pledge $50/month (within 5 years of graduation)
www.LIFE.edu
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LASTING PURPOSE
New Harris Center Equals Greater Resources for Future Chiropractors BY ROB SCOTT, D.C., SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
If innovation in clinical education is the cornerstone of Life University’s new Exceptional Experience Curriculum for the Doctor of Chiropractic program, the Harris Center at Life University would be considered the epicenter. Designed to create an educational environment that facilitates student engagement and active learning, the center will be home to several new and important functions. The center currently houses the Campus Center for Health and Optimum Performance (CC-HOP) and our new Mastery Testing Center, which provides computer-based testing options for students and the NBCE. When renovations are completed in 2015-16, three new functions will serve as the heart of the Harris Center. These new functions will include the Assessment Center, Virtual Clinic and a newly conceptualized Diagnostic Imaging (DIA) suite. The Assessment Center is a stateof-the-art facility designed around a 27-room clinical learning space in which students can develop, practice and test their chiropractic skills and knowledge. Each room will be dedicated as either a clinical exam room or adjusting room and equipped with HD video capture and software that permits students to review their performance and learn by seeing their own performance. Faculty will be able to assess students for a variety of clinical activities. All that is required is for the faculty to create the assessment and the student to schedule their convenient time and show up. The Assessment Center technology
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infrastructure and capability will allow for tremendous flexibility for students in their education. Have you heard of a flight simulator? Well, the Harris Center will have the first Clinic Simulator. A dedicated clinic that is equipped with technology and simulations from patient first encounters, history exams, ROF and visit protocols to front office scripting so that the clinician can “practice” various encounters, review video scenarios and have formative feedback from their experience. Learn more about it on page 19. The last addition to the Harris Center is the newly designed Radiological Suite. This enhanced learning space will be larger and more comfortable and include areas designed for interactive learning and discussion. Of course, it will also include all new digital X-ray units and a computer learning lab. To date, LIFE has raised nearly $6 million toward the $7 million facility. You can help by making contributions to help LIFE purchase the following: 26 flat benches and 26 adjustment tables for the facility. A $2,000 gift will buy four flat benches, while a $5,000 gift
will buy one adjustment table with drop. Your generosity and SLP spirit would be welcome and greatly appreciated in the advancement of this venture. To make your gift, email LIFE’s Vice President for University Advancement Greg Harris at Greg.Harris@LIFE.edu. l
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Chiropractic Business Clinic The idea to develop a prototype chiropractic office to place first-year students in a mock clinic is rooted in the fact that today 20 to 30 percent of students enroll in chiropractic degree programs with little to no experience and exposure to Chiropractic and chiropractic clinics. While LIFE does an excellent job at teaching students the philosophy, science and art of Chiropractic, today, more than ever, students need additional help in understanding how a chiropractic office works. The University has the most extensive chiropractic practice management program of all chiropractic programs within its core curriculum, but students still lack a good understanding of how the “up-front” operations of a clinic works.
PARTNERSHIP SPOTLIGHT: Life University cultivates partnerships with businesses to bring resources to the campus. There are numerous ways to partner with LIFE, and here is an example of one company’s involvement. ChiroSecure delivers product information to our students and financial support to the institution. From a business relationship, ChiroSecure is LIFE’s preferred provider of malpractice insurance. The company, like its owner Dr. Stu Hoffman (’81), is philosophically aligned with LIFE. As a chiropractor for more than 30 years and in the chiropractic malpractice insurance business for more than 25 years, Hoffman and his ChiroSecure team bring a wealth of expertise and experience to the relationship with LIFE. Occasionally, Hoffman will address students and chiropractors on campus about the insurance industry, risk management, the nuts and bolts of malpractice
To solve this issue, within the proposed Center for Clinical Education, LIFE will build a front-side business clinic. This will be a place where students can experience processes like front desk operations, patient in-take system, file management, documentation and EHR software. LIFE wants students to learn systems and software that are successfully used in clinics today. LIFE sees ChiroTouch as the current and long-time leader in EHR systems and other business and research systems. ChiroTouch views a partnership with LIFE as favorable and the business clinic as an idea worth the investment. Thus, ChiroTouch has committed to support this project by making a sizable contribution of technology and money to allow LIFE to build the proposed clinic space — and a partnership is born. l
ChiroSecure insurance and real-life experiences. His recent address to students gave the future DCs an idea of what they can realistically expect and need to prepare for when they begin practice in regard to liability exposure. Their free live and archived seminars can be found online at chirosecure.com/live-events/. Hoffman and ChiroSecure are dedicated financial supporters of LIFE. The company sponsors campus events and supports academic programs as well. Personally, Hoffman is a President’s Circle donor at the highest gift level. Recently, he made a gift enabling LIFE to purchase the new President’s Circle Wall of Honor in the Socrates Café. To learn more about becoming a corporate partner with LIFE, contact Manager for Constituent Relationships Mark Elam at Mark.Elam@LIFE.edu or (770) 426-2660. l
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CAMPUS LIFE
LIFE Reunions 2015 Special thanks to our team of more than 60 alumni who have signed up as your class reunion co-chairs and committed themselves to ensuring that this is the best reunion possible. Reunions are a place to celebrate successes! Join us in
CLASS OF 1980 Dr. George Brewster Dr. Louis Briegel Dr. Marc D’Andrea Dr. B.J. Harman Dr. Fred Hether Dr. David Pasquariello Not pictured: Drs. Michael Blendl, Thomas Sievert, Emanual Tsourounakis and Dan Twilley
CLASS OF 1985 Dr. Dennis Barley Dr. Joseph Baudille Dr. Thomas Connelly Dr. Fred Freed Dr. Tim Kelly Dr. Robert Lupo Dr. Mark Machuga Dr. Eric Plasker Dr. Chris Thompson Dr. William Voyce Not pictured: Drs. Mary Ann Fiscella, Phil Shouppe and Gary Torres
CLASS OF 1990 Dr. William Atkinson Dr. John Bennett Dr. Diana Hudgins Brown Dr. Adam Elbaum Dr. Donald Worley Dr. Franklin Rudy Watkins Not pictured: Dr. Kim Vaccaro Spring
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an effort to reach out to your classmates and become a reunion co-chair. Contact Mary Ellen Leffard, Alumni Relations Manager, at (770) 426-2917 or MaryEllen.Leffard@LIFE.edu for more information.
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CLASS OF 1995 Dr. Mary Alvarado Dr. Allen Ashforth Dr. David Bellin Dr. Todd Bodanza Dr. Phil Dembowski Dr. Steven Edelson Dr. Christine Faller-Peyroux Dr. Charles Gonzales Dr. Nicole Gullo Mrs. Rhonda Houston-Crisp Dr. William Macchi Dr. Leslie McClellan Dr. Michael Meehan Dr. David Peyroux Not pictured: Drs. Tracy Tomaino and Elizabeth Zogg
CLASS OF 2000 Dr. Anish Bajaj Dr. James Carren Dr. John Solan Not pictured: Drs. John Deese, Glenn Howell, James Soloman and Sonya Spencer
CLASS OF 2005 Dr. Brandon Bailey Dr. Brett Nadel Dr. Mariana Perosino Dr. Ronald Swain
CLASS OF 2010
This is your reunion! Each class will have a display at the party during Fall CE. Send Life University Alumni and Friends any successes, recognition, marriages, birth announcements or other news you’d like to share with your fellow classmates to Alumni@LIFE.edu. Be sure to include any pictures from your days at LIFE, too.
Reunion Facebook Pages Alumni.LIFE.edu/1980 Alumni.LIFE.edu/1985 Alumni.LIFE.edu/1990 Alumni.LIFE.edu/1995 Alumni.LIFE.edu/2000 Alumni.LIFE.edu/2005 Alumni.LIFE.edu/2010 Please “Like” your reunion page!
Dr. Daniel Handford Dr. J. Luis Sandez Not pictured: Dr. Evelyn Flemons
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Master of Athletic Training (MAT) Degree at Life University BY WILL BROOKS
Life University’s Master of Athletic Training (MAT) degree is housed in the Department of Sport Health Science. The degree is a 76-credit-hour graduate program that constitutes a two-year, full-time professional program. It was given national accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) in October 2014 (through 2019). The first class graduated last June, and these students will be eligible to sit for the Board of Certification exam to become certified athletic trainers. LIFE’s Department of Sport Health Science Chair Dr. Catherine Faust is excited about the uniqueness of LIFE’s program and the opportunity it gives prospective students looking to join the athletic training profession. “The MAT program is one of only 35 in the nation,” Faust says. “We are also the only professional graduate program in the state of Georgia and have a highly competitive admissions process.” One of many people on LIFE’s staff who was very instrumental in this process was LIFE’s Athletic Training Program Director Dr. Donald Fuller. He has plenty of experience in developing athletic training programs, as he’s started three of the 35 nationwide while also consulting in the beginning of four additional MAT programs. “With the CAATE accreditation, we should be able to attract more quality students and continue to grow our numbers each year,” Fuller explains. “We are unique even within the 35 MAT programs nationwide in that our location is so close to one of the largest metro areas in the country, which gives us many relationships with premier healthcare institutions in Atlanta for clinical rotations, including LIFE’s own chiropractic clinic — the Center for Health and Optimum Performance (C-HOP).” For more information on LIFE’s MAT degree and how to apply, call (770) 426-2884 or email Admissions@LIFE.edu. l
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Life U
Athletics Roundup
BY CRAIG DEKSHENIEKS, SPORTS INFORMATION DIRECTOR
THERE HAVE BEEN ALL KINDS OF POSITIVE THINGS going on in Life U Athletics! This past November, Dan Payne was promoted to athletic director, having previously served as assistant athletic director and director of rugby. Payne came to Life University in 2009 to start an undergraduate rugby team to go along with the original men’s club team. In five years under his leadership, the rugby program has grown to more than 100 student-athletes. The teams have won four national championships, had multiple All-Americans and US National Team representatives and two players have signed professional contracts. Additionally, Payne was instrumental in the University becoming a regional Olympic Development Academy for USA Rugby. His leadership, executive capabilities and record of achievement will serve well for the future of the expanding Life U Athletic Department. In February, LIFE officially added women’s volleyball to its list of varsity sports and hired Steve Wilcosky as head coach. Wilcosky has a fine resume of building successful volleyball programs at the youth, high school and collegiate levels. We look forward to him leading and mentoring a new group of female student-athletes. The basketball, wrestling and swimming teams are currently wrapping up successful seasons, enjoying success in the arena as well as the classroom. Each of these teams has produced an average GPA higher than the average GPA of the Life U
2015 Women’s Varsity Division 1A Rugby Team
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undergraduate student body. Additionally, these teams have produced six student-athletes who have been named Academic AllConference, and two who have been named NAIA Scholar-Athletes. Spring means women’s track and rugby are in full force. The track team is already turning some heads with its fast times and high GPAs. Look for more student-athletes from this program to be recognized on the Academic All-Conference team. It’s an exciting time for rugby as well. Our men’s team is looking to wrap up another championship, playing in the American Rugby Premiership (ARP) this season. The undergraduate men’s team also sits poised for another run in the USA Rugby Division 1 championship. Plus, our first year women’s team is on the brink of qualifying for the postseason as well. l
MAKE YOUR PLANS NOW for the Collegiate Rugby Championship (CRC), which will take place the last weekend of May in Philadelphia. Our vaunted men’s side looks to make another run and take home the crown in front of the awesome Life U fans in their matching shirts, chanting “LIFE, LIFE, LIFE!” And as an added bonus, our women’s team has been invited to participate in the CRC, too. So come to Philly, enjoy a great weekend and cheer on the Life U men and women this year.
Alumni.LIFE.edu/CRC
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
Alumni.LIFE.edu
Make a Gift: Office of Development (800) 543-3436
Recruit Students: Office of Recruitment (800) 543-3202 Search/Post Opportunities: Office of Career Services (770) 426-2700 Careers@LIFE.edu
Order a Transcript: Office of the Registrar (800) 423-5547
Search for Facebook.com/LIFEAlumniandFriends “Life University Alumni Network”