summer 2014 vol. 7 Issue 2
life university’s alumni and friends magazine
Paving the Way in Chiropractic Research
LIFE’s Estate Planning Retreats
2014 Fall CE
‘Generations’ at Life University
PRESIDENT’S letter
Greetings, Life Alumni and Friends! As always, there are tons of exciting things going on at Life University. Our rugby team is once again making headlines and giving Life U exposure on the national stage. Our undergrad 15’s team took an unblemished record into their second consecutive D1A National Championship appearance against Saint Mary’s at Stanford University in Palo Alto, California. They came up just short of winning their second consecutive national title. They carried the momentum of their 15’s season into their third consecutive appearance in the 7’s Collegiate Rugby Championship in Philadelphia on May 31 and June 1, and LIFE U’s games were broadcasted live on NBC. For the past three years, this event has been an exceptional opportunity to show our brawn and athleticism on the rugby pitch and also showcase our world-class educational opportunities through national commercial spots— both as the world’s largest chiropractic college and our ever-expanding, vitalistic undergraduate and graduate degree programs. In fact, LIFE just added two new programs to our College of Graduate Studies—master’s degrees in Positive Psychology and Athletic Training. No other university offers a master’s degree in Positive Psychology, and Athletic Training is also unique at the master’s level in that less than a dozen universities in the United States offer it. This is just one in a long line of examples showing LIFE’s continuous efforts to build our campus into a world-class university. We believe that a LIFE education molds VITALISTIC leaders, and that’s something of which the world is always in dire need. Find out information about applying for these programs in this issue. In the feature story for the 2014 Summer issue of Your Extraordinary LIFE, you will get a behind-the-scenes look into our dedicated
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‘Members of our faculty, staff and students are constantly engaged in groundbreaking chiropractic research.’
and leading-edge research team here at LIFE, led by Director of the Office of Sponsored Research & Scholarly Activity, Stephanie Sullivan, D.C.(’08). Members of our faculty, staff and students are constantly engaged in groundbreaking chiropractic research, and it is important that we support the high impact studies that are being conducted at LIFE to advance the University’s standing as the thought leader in vitalistic healthcare education. One such proponent of LIFE’s research initiatives is 1996 graduate Joe Esposito, D.C., whose software company VitaLogics and AlignLife clinics are helping spur LIFE’s research to new heights. Check out the profile on Dr. Esposito and his exciting work. Also, you don’t want to miss out on one of the largest, free Continuing Education events in Chiropractic, held annually each fall on LIFE’s campus. This year’s Fall CE is being held Oct. 1-5, and we’ve laid out what new events are happening this year, the exciting lineup of speakers and reunion information so you will be ready for the fall. Finally, make sure you take some time this summer to recharge from all the hard work you’ve been putting into your practices. Spend some time with your family, head out to the ballpark or take a trip to the beach—maybe Ormond Beach to pay homage to Dr. Sid and the other founders of our prestigious institution. Just remember that a little recharge helps us all keep TICing. Yours in Chiropractic,
Guy F. Riekeman, D.C. President
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2014 Your Extraordinary LIFE The Alumni Magazine of Life University
Contents FEATURES
4 LIFE Paving Way in
Chiropractic Research
6 Making His Mark in
Chiropractic History
7 ‘Generations’ at
ON THE COVER: Life University’s Office of Sponsored Research and Scholarly Activity. Pictured (l-r): Brent da Silva Russell, D.C., faculty researcher (’83); Anquonette Stiles, D.C., program manager (’05); Edward F. Owens, Jr,. D.C., faculty researcher (’86); Stephanie Sullivan, D.C., director (‘08); and Ron Hosek, D.C., staff researcher (’88).
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
Life University
8 LIFE’s Estate Planning Retreats 10 Fall CE 22 Athletics Roundup
Garon Hart Graphic Designer
DEPARTMENTS
Your Extraordinary LIFE magazine is published three times a year by New South Publishing, 9040 Roswell Rd., 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.
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It is the purpose of Your Extraordinary LIFE to promote the events, accomplishments, accolades and philosophies of Life University and its faculty, staff and students to current, prospective and former students, as well as the academic community at large. Life University is a private, nonprofit institution founded in 1974. For more information, write to Life University, 1269 Barclay Circle, Marietta, GA 30060, 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 2014 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.
LIFE on the Road
Life University’s Executive Enrollment and Advancement Teams
12 News from Alumni Relations
Class Reunions, Goals, Alumni Awards
14 Upcoming Events Calendar
Opportunities to Connect with LIFE
16 Alumni and Friends Update
Keep in Touch with LIFE Graduates, New Master’s Degrees, ScripHessco
23 Lasting Purpose
State Partnerships, Referrals
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ON THE ROAD Here’s where we visited from January to mid-May:
PUERTO RICO
GREG HARRIS VP for University Advancement
MARY ELLEN LEFFARD Alumni Relations Manager
LIFE decided to start the year off right by escaping the cold and heading south to sunny San Juan, Puerto Rico. An inaugural “Fiesta in Puerto Rico” was held at the breathtaking El San Juan Resort. More than 50 alumni and friends gathered for a day of CE, concluding with an evening fiesta. Keynote speakers included LIFE President Dr. Guy Riekeman; Director of International Programs, Dr. John Downes (’86); and Chiro Secure sponsored speaker Dr. Kenneth S. J. Murkowski.
MASSACHUSETTS
ERIN DANCER Director of Development
MARK ELAM Manager of Constituent Relationships
The Executive Enrollment and Advancement teams at Life University are on the road year round, hosting alumni events and making personal visits to connect and engage with our vibrant alumni and friends 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 taken more than 30 trips and visited more than 190 alumni and friends! To see where we are headed next, check out our Events Calendar at Alumni. LIFE.edu/Events. If you see us out and about, be sure to introduce yourself!
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For the first time, Drs. Jean-Marc and his wife and Massachusetts State Rep Linda Slak (’84) hosted a Life U After Hours in their Burlington home. More than 10 alumni braved the snow to join together for an evening of fellowship. Drs. John Duffy (’91) and Dennis Barley (’85) at the Additionally, Massachusetts After Hours we had three new State Rep sign-ups. Thanks to Drs. Dennis Barley (’85), John Duffy (’91) and Andrew Smyth (’01) for joining the tribe!
CALIFORNIA One of the largest rockin’ health festivals, Cal Jam, is held in Costa Mesa, California every year. The festival combines great speakers, incredible topics and live rock ‘n’ roll. LIFE’s own Dr. Gilles LaMarche, Vice President of Professional Dr. Cathy WendlandRelations, emceed Colby (’99) speaking the three-day event. at Cal Jam
LIFE also hosted a sponsored lunch where Greg Harris presented to a packed room. Some familiar faces included Dr. Amie Bend (’96) and Rich Giuli, and Drs. Norm Colby (’98), Danny (’90) and Kim (’91) Gambino and Deana Lajiness (’09).
FLORIDA Mary Ellen Leffard and Erin Dancer spent the beginning of March visiting alumni from Ft. Lauderdale to Miami. In addition to attending a career fair with Dr. Mike Petrie (’79), they also reminisced through old photos with Dr. Bruce McCoy (’79). Five alumni signed up to lend their support through Dr. Lisa (Bartell) Coffman (’04) with husband Dr. Joe Coffman (’03) their upcoming reunion and the State Rep program – Drs. Vince Dungan (’84), Scott Gilbert (’84), Ruben Moss (’89), Andy Cherry (’93) and Lisa (Bartell) Coffman (’04).
Drs. Michael Rosen (’98) and Gina Policari (’98) with Karie Policari at the LIFE Reception during NCCA
NORTH CAROLINA “Coaching Through Association” marked the theme for the spring North Carolina Chiropractic Association (NCCA) conference. Featured among the nationally known speakers was LIFE’s own Dr. Guy Riekeman, who spoke about reaching a “tipping point” in Chiropractic. The weekend concluded with a LIFE sponsored reception and Student Recruitment Event led by Student Recruiter Jasmin Collins. Twelve doctors signed up to participate in Tar Heels for LIFE, a partnership between NCCA and
LIFE ON THE ROAD
LIFE to bring young chiropractors to North Carolina over the next decade.
GEORGIA A local Life U After Hours was held at the practice of Georgia State Rep Dr. Jay Di Vagno (’81) in April. Through his help and dedication, more than 12 alumni and friends connected for an evening of networking and mingling. We hope to have many more local events as we move into the upcoming months.
VIRGINIA Greg Harris and Jasmin Collins represented LIFE at the Unified Virginia Chiropractic Association (UVCA) convention this spring. During the convention, Harris addressed attendees at the General Membership Meeting about Unified with LIFE, a partnership between LIFE and UVCA. Led by Dr. Sandy Elbaum (’90), the partnership aims to bring young chiropractors to Virginia over the next decade. Sixteen Virginia doctors also signed up for the program during the conference.
LOUISIANA After many wonderful visits in Mississippi, Mary Ellen Leffard headed to southeastern Louisiana to meet with 11 alumni in the New Orleans area. She spent quality time with Drs. Antoine Ky (’80), Fred Miller (’83), Dennis Mutell (’83) and Mark Schroeder (’01). Her trip concluded with Dr. Stephen Brower (’94) signing up to represent Louisiana as a State Rep.
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up to be the newest Arkansas State Rep. Just two days later, another After Hours was held at Ridge Point Country Club in Jonesboro. Thank you Drs. Terry Barnett (’88) and Greg Ungerank (’89) for a successful evening!
TENNESSEE
As she headed back from the Gulf of Mexico, Mary Ellen Leffard made one last
Just outside Arkansas, Mary Ellen Leffard and Erin Dancer visited with alumni practicing in Memphis. The ladies met with Dr. Audra Arstikaitis-Nagel (’97) and her brother Dr. Alan Arstikaitis (’94), who signed up to help with his class reunion.
From left, Greg Harris and Drs. Jeremy Ungerank (’12), Terry Barnett (’88), Chuck Ribley, Mike Ungerank (’77), Guy Riekeman, Greg Ungerank (’89) and John Bibb (’93)
A few weeks later, Mark Elam, Manager of Constituent Relationships, and Mary Ellen Leffard hosted an After Hours Event in Lenoir City. Sixteen alumni and friends attended a dinner at Calhoun’s Restaurant. It was certainly an evening of networking and reconnecting! Dr. Alan Lensgraf (’84) signed up as Reunion Chair and Dr. Wendell Ellis (’84) signed up as a State Rep.
ALABAMA
MICHIGAN Our team headed to northwest Michigan for the spring Michigan Association of Chiropractors (MAC) convention. Director of Advancement Services Lauren Nielsen and Student Recruiter Jerome Stockwell represented LIFE as a vendor. More than 60 alumni and friends packed the room for a LIFE-sponsored luncheon led by Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Rob Scott. We were pleased to sign up a brand new President’s Circle member, Dr. Lori Malochleb (’93). Thanks for your continued support, Michigan!
MISSISSIPPI The Gulf of Mexico was calling our name in April! Mary Ellen Leffard headed toward the water and along the way met with Drs. Bernd Bismark (’85), Gary Lett (’86), author of Sideline, Kenneth Bosarge (’92), Sonya Spencer (’00), Donald Hembree (’09), Brian Page (’10) and our very first Mississippi State Rep, Candice Forde (’13).
STAY IN TOUCH
From left, Drs. Jeremy Ungerank (’12), Steve Fender (’78), Sam Haley (’79), Craig York (’89), Thomas Taylor (’79), Roman Ratzyc (’95) and Chad Taylor (’10)
pit stop in Alabama. It was here that Dr. Phillip Shouppe (’85) signed up to serve as the very first 30th Reunion Chair in 2015. We are eager to begin planning our 2015 reunions and are thankful for his early leadership!
ARKANSAS Mary Ellen Leffard and Erin Dancer spent a week visiting Arkansas in May. It had been years since the LIFE team had visited the state. In addition to countless visits throughout the state, two Life U After Hours were hosted. Dr. Steve Fender (’78) hosted seven alumni in his Sherwood practice and Dr. Chad Taylor (’10) signed
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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LIFE Paving Way
in Chiropractic Research BY LINDSAY FIELD
A team of Life University alumni are the muscle behind the VitaLogics research project that they believe could revolutionize Chiropractic. Director Stephanie Sullivan, D.C., and her staff in LIFE’s Office of Sponsored Research and Scholarly Activity are working with alumnus Joe Esposito, D.C., to develop a practice-based research component for the 1996 graduate’s existing VitaLogics Chiropractic Software System and clinics operating in partnership with his nonprofit, Health Missions. Esposito and his sister Cristina Esposito, D.C., (’06) are the founders of Health Missions, AlignLife Clinics and VitaLogics. “It is really groundbreaking,” says Sullivan of the research. She is a 2008 LIFE alumna who has run the department since shortly after earning her Doctorate of Chiropractic. “What makes VitaLogics so powerful is that we are able to research the de-identified patient information through the electronic health records and [Esposito] is committed to that –– making their software better so that we get amazing information.” Sullivan’s staff, which includes Ron Hosek, D.C., staff researcher (’88); Edward F. Owens, Jr., D.C., faculty researcher (’86); Anquonette Stiles, D.C., program manager (’05); and Brent da Silva Russell, D.C., faculty researcher (’83), began working with Esposito this spring. Drs. Hosek and Owens, who have both Dan beenYachter, with the D.C. department for
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about a year, are working directly with Esposito and Health Missions, conducting research in the collaboration. “I’m excited to take part in developing LIFE’s practice-based research practice,” Owens says. “So much of what is published on the outcomes of Chiropractic is limited to clinical trials that don’t really represent Chiropractic as it is done in the
office environment. With participation from LIFE’s constituency, I hope we can show what is different about how DCs practice when they adhere to the type of viltalistic philosophy we teach at LIFE, and whether the ‘talk’ has a benefit for patient outcomes.” Owens has been involved in chiropractic research for more than 30 years. His background is in biomechanics, and he earned a Master of Science in Engineering Science & Mechanics from Georgia Tech. Hosek, who has worked in research since
Pictures (l-r): Anquonette Stiles, D.C., program manager (‘05); Edward F. Owens, Jr,. D.C., faculty researcher (’86); Brent da Silva Russell, D.C., faculty researcher (’83); Stephanie Sullivan, D.C., director (‘08); and Ron Hosek, D.C., staff researcher (’88).
LIFE PAVING WAY IN CHIROPRACTIC RESEARCH
undergraduate school, served on the research faculty at LIFE through most of the 1980s as department chair. He was also the research director for the University of Miami School of Medicine’s Department of Neurological Surgery and holds a Ph.D. in biomedical engineering and Master of Public Health in epidemiology and biostatistics. The pair has worked on many research projects in the past and with database software like Esposito’s VitaLogics. “My background is in research,” Hosek says. “The challenges are great. I want to make a contribution. The link between LIFE and Health Missions represents a great opportunity to undertake practicebased research in a way that has not been possible before.”
Dr. Sullivan has headed the office since 2008.
A Purposeful Study Chiropractors see incredible results in their patients on a daily basis; however, if time and care are not taken to track the information in a valid format, present it to peers and publish it for the general public, then the global impact of these stories remains limited. “Whenever doctors use electronic health records [like VitaLogics], information is more accessible,” Sullivan says. “It’s just a matter of how we ask questions, gather information and package it so that it can be used for research. Chiropractors are collecting
data every single day and it’s not being used, but it tells stories about the benefits of Chiropractic. Our role with Dr. Esposito is to help take what he collects [using the VitaLogics software] and tell the chiropractic story through research.” Research is an ongoing process, and findings will be published in the peer-reviewed literature, which will be accessible by the healthcare community. “That’s the beauty of science,” Sullivan says. “We do the research in order to share it. Then, from that, it often gets into news reports and trade journals. Chiropractors see amazing things every single day in their practices. Through research, we are able to get the stories out there. We are able to impact legislation, public opinion and even insurance companies.” Chiropractors are excited about this research because it will ultimately benefit them. “They are then able to hand their patients information when they are a little skeptical and concerned,” Sullivan says. “It’s those types of things that we are able to research so that we have studies that our chiropractors can share with their patients.” For example, if a patient has high blood pressure, but they are opposed to taking medication, research like what Sullivan’s team is conducting can assist patients in seeing the benefit of Chiropractic to help lower blood pressure. “Those types of studies really give benefit to the chiropractor, and when you have large population studies like what will be produced, then politicians and insurance companies can change the way they compensate and refer for Chiropractic.” Health Missions is helping to raise funds for the research team’s time and investigations. Researchers will submit specific survey questions for both
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doctors and patients that could assist in future chiropractic studies. Sullivan says they are asking questions like who is seeing a chiropractor, what brings patients into the office and how has Chiropractic benefited the patient. “We do so much more than just low back and neck pain,” she adds. Chiropractors nationally are encouraged to participate in the project, join the Health Missions team or donate to the study. Donations will help cover personnel costs, fund the researchers’ time and allow Sullivan to bring in additional researchers. l
About LIFE’s Office of Sponsored Research and Scholarly Activity Under the direction of Stephanie B. Sullivan, D.C., the Office of Sponsored Research and Scholarly Activity provides assistance and infrastructure to students, staff and alumni that are conducting research. An example of projects they support, in addition to this study, include tracking real-time changes in the brain before, during and after an adjustment and looking at the changes in cognition with chiropractic care. At this time, her five-member staff is supporting more than 200 research projects, and a majority of the researchers study or work in Chiropractic, but Sullivan’s office also serves sport health science and nutrition students, staff or alumni. “When I started, we had 50 or 60 projects, and since then we’ve had as many as 300 projects going on at one time,” she says. “We stay very busy, but it’s amazing to be a part of this.” To learn more about the department, visit LIFE.edu/research/research-home.
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Joe Esposito, D.C.
Making His Mark in Chiropractic History
BY LINDSAY FIELD Shortly after graduating from Life University in 1996 and earning his Doctor of Chiropractic, alumnus Joe Esposito hit the ground running. He personally opened five clinics in his first six years in private practice and has since teamed up with his sister, Cristina Esposito, D.C., (’06) and founded a national chiropractic franchise called AlignLife with 30 clinics throughout the nation. In addition to the franchise, they started a nonprofit called Health Missions and a wellness technology company called VitaLogics where hundreds of chiropractic clinics utilize the VitaLogics Electrionic Health Records. Now, he has partnered with his alma mater to publish research using one of the largest chiropractic databases in history. “For the first time in history, we are able to data mine a massive chiropractic database to show the efficacy, costeffectiveness and broad effects of chiropractic care,” says Esposito. He pitched the partnership idea to LIFE during last year’s Fall CE. “After presenting at the Fall CE convention, I sat down with the research department and laid out a plan of what we wanted to do, and they were very interested in it,” Esposito says. “This is groundbreaking for the University, and we are very excited for initiating the long-term relationship. We now just need the funding and support.” The process to get where Esposito is today and his partnership with LIFE has taken about 15 years. He started by opening his first AlignLife clinic in 1999 in Bloomington, Illinois, and now, the franchised clinics are located nationwide from the Midwest to the East Coast, and
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each provide patients with a natural approach to health and chiropractic care. After opening many of his clinics, Esposito developed the chiropractic software VitaLogics in 2009. The wellness technology company provides datacollecting software to healthcare providers and patients throughout the country. The VitaLogics database currently has about 105,000 patients entered into it, but with the support of LIFE, the number is expected to increase considerably. Esposito is committed to creating one million active chiropractic data files over the next threeplus years, with upward of 1,000 clinics accessing the technology. “We created the software to bring the research together,” Esposito adds. To help fund research of the data collected through VitaLogics, Esposito founded Health Missions in 2004. The nonprofit focuses on providing healthcare services to the underprivileged, nationally and internationally, and educating the public about natural health opportunities and lifestyle choices. With his clinics, software and nonprofit in place, Esposito decided that his fourth step would be to partner with his alma mater. In collaborating with LIFE’s Office of Sponsored Research and Scholarship Activity, data is collected, research analyzed and studies published that help shed light on the benefits of chiropractic care. Esposito invites the healthcare community to donate to this research
by partnering with Health Missions and becoming a charter or advocate. Without contributions from people committed to validating the effectiveness of natural health care, specifically Chiropractic, a dream of large-scale research will be nothing but a dream. Doctors are also encouraged to use the software at their offices so that they too can be included in the study. l To learn more about the clinics, software and nonprofit, visit: »» TheDreamPractice.com »» VitaLogics.com »» HealthMissions.org
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Generations at Life University Recognizing the past, present and future of Life University’s alumni and colleagues continues to be one of the school’s most important ways to honor its community. In doing so, LIFE has decided to build a “living” marker to recognize University families, as well as chiropractors, that have dedicated their lives to the profession and LIFE. The wall, which will be located in front of the Learning Resource Center, will welcome new students and visitors while paying tribute to the legacies of many LIFE families. It is set to open in October and will feature bronze nameplates that will be engraved with the family’s last name and either the first qualified couple or sibling’s first names in that family. Additional chiropractors and LIFE graduates in the family can be added at any time.
Eligible families for the project must a) have multiple family members who are LIFE graduates, b) have at least one family chiropractor that is a LIFE graduate or
c) be a chiropractic family that has had some connection to LIFE or been influential to Chiropractic.
HOW TO MAKE A DONATION To honor your family and be a part of this project, complete the plate form on this page and send, along with your payment, to: Life University Office of University Advancement 1269 Barclay Circle Marietta, GA 30060 The initial family nameplate is $2,500. Additional names may be added at $500/ name on a second plate. These names would be added to a second nameplate placed below the first. For more information, email Vice President of University Advancement Greg Harris at Greg.Harris@LIFE.edu or visit Alumni.LIFE.edu/Generations.
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LIFE’s Estate Planning Retreats BY CASSIE KAYE
Life University understands the importance of leaving a legacy. Many people not only want to ensure their families are taken care of and protected financially, but they also want to give back to their community by supporting a program, project or endowed scholarship for others in their area. One way to make certain you leave a lasting legacy is through estate planning. Developing an estate plan can be a complex task, but having a thorough plan allows you to clearly define your wishes and guarantee your loved ones and community will be taken care of for generations to come. Many people may delay or forego estate planning because they don’t feel they need it or they don’t know where to get started. LIFE is offering two retreats to answer any questions or concerns someone may have regarding estate planning. The retreats will include a one-day beginning-toadvanced seminar and a half-day private session with an advisor. Estate planning is something families of all income levels need to consider. LIFE’s seminar will thoroughly explain the ways
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that estate planning can benefit you and your loved ones, including supporting your spouse and paying for the education of your children, minimizing your taxes, providing creditor protection and more. The seminar will also answer common questions such as who needs estate planning and what happens when someone dies without a will. Attendees will also have the opportunity to meet with one of two advisors to determine their specific estate planning needs. Andrew Howell of York Howell law firm and Ryan O’Shea from the O’Shea Advisory Group, both in Salt Lake City, Utah, will be able to answer questions regarding the preparation of wills, charitable giving, family planning documents and financial planning for business owners.
The next seminars will be held at the Indian Paint Brush Ranch in Lake George, Colorado, Sept. 25-28, 2014, and May 14-17, 2015. LIFE will cover all costs to attend the retreat, including airfare, transportation to and from the ranch, meals and lodging during the seminar, and all advisor fees for private sessions. Each retreat will have space for eight to 10 guests. The seminar will take place on Friday, and one-on-one advisement sessions will be given on Saturday. Travel will occur on the outlying Thursday and Sunday, allowing participants to take advantage of the ranch’s amenities during their stay, including horseback riding, mountain biking and hiking through multiple nature trails amid the beautiful Colorado mountains. With the help of LIFE’s estate planning retreat and some careful planning, everyone can ensure that the things that matter most are taken care of in the future. For more information or to reserve your space at the next retreat, please contact Vice President of University Advancement Greg Harris at Greg.Harris@LIFE.edu or call (770) 426-2836. l
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Fall CE 2014
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FALL CE
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As 1,500 Doctors of Chiropractic can attest, the Fall CE event at Life University each year is one of the biggest and best continuing education events in the profession. The 2014 event will take place Oct. 1-5, and LIFE will have its usual array of topical and relevant classes with dynamic, sought-after speakers for your enjoyment. We are always looking for ways to improve our Fall CE event, and one of the new things we are offering in 2014 is a Plenary Session for all attendees on Friday morning, Oct. 3. The title of the session is “The Office of the Future: the Intersection of Innovation, Prosperity and Social Change.” This four-hour continuing ed program is presented by numerous experts in various areas of Chiropractic and answers the following questions: •• What responsibilities and professional skills will be necessary to provide care to consumers in a constantly changing marketplace of consumer demands and needs? •• What place does Chiropractic need to assume as consumers construct their healthcare team within the demands of diminishing third-party pay, national healthcare constructs and best practices dictated by research? •• Finally, and perhaps most importantly, how do we maintain our unique identity and philosophical foundation, which we understand provides consumers with an alternative to medical models of disease treatment and sets the stage for positive disruptive social change in our healthcare attitudes and models?
HOUR ONE The first hour will be an introduction to the “Office of the Future” concept and model. This will include the most recent professional research from the Institute
of Alternative Futures conducted by Clem Bezold, Ph.D., regarding the four alternative futures possible for the chiropractic profession— especially focusing on the Vitalistic model developed by the five-year forums conducted by The Octagon, LIFE’s world-recognized think tank. The session will additionally focus on the philosophical, educational, research and patient care requirements/opportunities for current and future success within the demands of national healthcare programs. Can we create a chirocentric “home” within the Affordable Care Act? Legal requirements for setting up the model will be presented. LIFE President Guy F. Riekeman, D.C., and Gerry Clum, D.C., Executive Director of The Octagon, will present the introductory session.
HOURS TWO AND THREE Consumer healthcare demands and professional licensure/care responsibilities may not be at odds with each other, but may require a more coherent model. This model includes: •• A central and critical set of CHIROPRACTIC identity, clinical and patient educational skills; •• A series of encouraged VITALISTIC PROFESSIONAL SERVICES that can add a level of high performance to a patient’s life, including Functional Neurology, Nutrition, Positive Psychology and Exercise Physiology;
•• LIFESTYLE REFERRALS that naturally result from questions arising from an understanding of chiropractic principles such as natural birth practitioners, sources for advice on vaccination, health living practices, natural products and more; and •• Professional REFERRALS to other licensed healthcare providers. This portion of the plenary session will be presented by: Brendan Ozawa-de Silva, Ph.D., LIFE faculty; Vijay Ganji, Ph.D., R.D., LIFE faculty; Mike Hall, D.C., Director of the Life University Functional Neurology Center; and John Downes, D.C., LIFE Vice President of Global Initiatives.
HOUR FOUR Conclusion: What can chiropractors, staff, educators and researchers do with the information to improve patient care, develop and participate in relevant research, and increase public awareness of the profession? This portion will be conducted by Dr. Riekeman. The Plenary Session has been scheduled for Friday in order to accommodate the most number of attendees, since it is our most popular day of Fall CE. No other classes will be offered Friday morning so that all may attend. The 2014 Fall CE Event is almost full— less than 200 spots are available, so log onto LIFE.edu to register today! l
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NEWS FROM ALUMNI RELATIONS
LIFE Reunions 2014 Reunions are a time to return to campus and celebrate with classmates –– whether reuniting with old friends, making new friends, exploring new campus facilities or reconnecting with Life University. Reunions are also milestones, and, like most anniversaries in our lives, prompt us to reflect on experiences we value. Often, we mark an anniversary year with a gift that symbolizes our gratitude for those treasured experiences, and your reunion year is no different. Class gifts are a show of support that allow alumni to express their gratitude for the education they received and to reinvest in their alma mater so that current and future students will also have the opportunity to receive a great education. This year, each celebrated reunion class will have designated class gifts to support two important ventures at LIFE: the William M. Harris Center for Clinical Education and student scholarships. The Classes of 1979 and 1984 will earmark their gifts toward the William M. Harris Center for Clinical Education. The center will house the student clinic, numerous assessment rooms for chiropractic skill develop and testing, an advanced digital imaging area and several classrooms and faculty offices. The project is only 20 percent shy of its fundraising goal. The Classes of 1989, 1994, 1999, 2004 and 2009 will pledge their gifts toward student scholarships, a continued source of need for the University. The awarded scholarships, ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, will make school more affordable for all students and ensure that LIFE remains strong for decades to come.
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Gifts of all sizes are needed. We encourage you to support your reunion and these efforts by making a gift online. Please visit Alumni.LIFE.edu/ ReunionGift to make an impact today. Special thanks to our team of more than 40 alumni who have signed up as your class reunion chairs and committed themselves to ensuring that this is the best reunion possible. We look forward to seeing you this fall! Interested in helping with this year’s reunion or future reunions? Please contact Mary Ellen Leffard, Alumni Relations Manager, at (770) 426-2917 or MaryEllen.Leffard@LIFE.edu.
Class of 1979 Dr. Mark Anthony Dr. Richard Hodish Dr. Frank King Dr. Tom Klapp Dr. James Murdock Dr. Richard Olson Dr. Michael Petrie Dr. Richard Schlampp Dr. Michel Tetrault Class of 1984 Dr. Franca Alterman Dr. Barry Beers Dr. Stephen Bloomingdale Dr. Vince Dungan Dr. Leisha Espy Dr. Dave Eugster Dr. Michael Fox Dr. Sharon Gorman
Luciana Yabar-Hermoza, the 2014 recipient of the Reunion Student Scholarship. YabarHermoza studied psychology at LIFE and graduated in June with honors. “I was struggling to pay for my last quarter at LIFE. The scholarship helped tremendously, as it covered my last quarter expenses and allowed me to graduate.”
Dr. Alan Lensgraf Dr. Donald Reno Dr. Tom Sidoti Dr. Jean-Marc Slak Dr. Linda Slak Dr. Vicki Swenson Dr. Carleen Thum Dr. Annette Zivkovic Class of 1989 Dr. Mark Daniel Dr. Ruben Moss Dr. Grant Schneider Dr. Greg Ungerank Class of 1994 Dr. Alan Arstikaitis Dr. Glen Azzari Dr. Arturo Presas Dr. Katia Scohy
Class of 1999 Dr. Debra Bell Dr. Scott Brunengraber Class of 2004 Dr. Lisa Coffman Dr. Larry Lawicki Dr. Tara Lawicki Dr. Kathryn Wilson Class of 2009 Dr. Jeff Getbehead Dr. Faye Golden Dr. Deana Lajiness Dr. Kimberly Muhlenkamp Dr. Sean O’Flaherty Dr. Kathy Olvera
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Call for Nominations
for Inaugural Alumni Awards
Life University depends not only on academic excellence, but also on the professional accomplishments and dedicated services of our alumni and friends. The International Alumni Association of Life University (IAALU) is committed to recognizing alumni who have distinguished themselves as outstanding professional and personal achievers in their fields and who have loyally dedicated their time and service to ensure the advancement and continued excellence of LIFE. This year, we are proud to honor these individuals in the form of these awards: Distinguished Alumna/Alumnus Award, Young Alumna/Alumnus Award, Honorary Alumna/Alumnus Award and Lasting Purpose - To Love Award. The awards will be presented at the Lasting Purpose Recognition Lunch during Fall CE. DISTINGUISHED ALUMNA/ ALUMNUS AWARD The Distinguished Alumna/Alumnus Award is the highest honor bestowed by LIFE upon an outstanding graduate. The award salutes achievements of outstanding alumni who have reached the pinnacle of their career and brought credit to themselves, their community and LIFE. YOUNG ALUMNA/ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR AWARD This award recognizes a recent alumni who has provided exemplary service to
LIFE. Eligibility for the award is limited to individuals who have graduated from the University in the last 10 years. HONORARY ALUMNA/ALUMNUS AWARD The Honorary Alumna/Alumnus Award is given to honor individuals who are not graduates of LIFE, but who have demonstrated exceptional commitment and support for the mission and spirit of the University.
LASTING PURPOSE - TO LOVE AWARD This award honors the alumni who showed the highest degree of love and pride for LIFE. A demonstration of this could be any combination of connecting with LIFE; signing on to the professional directory; participating on AmpLIFEied, the Alumni Facebook page or Alumni website; attending LIFE events; and serving as a professional, political or community leader with LIFE’s best interest in mind. Nominations will be accepted through Aug. 15. We urge you to nominate individuals you believe deserve special recognition in each of these categories. 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/AlumniAwards and return it to Alumni Relations Manager Mary Ellen Leffard at MaryEllen.Leffard@ LIFE.edu. In addition to the awards listed above, the following awards will also be given out: State Rep of the Year, Fundraising Volunteer of the Year, Donor of the Year and LIFEforce 1000 Doctor of the Year. l
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Upcoming Events 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.
JULY
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LIFE Vision Cobb Galleria, Atlanta, Georgia
Golf Tournament to Benefit LIFE
7:30 a.m. Bridge Mill Athletic Club Canton, Georgia
AUGUST
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Alumni & Friends Hospitality Suite
Convention Dinner Sponsor
6-9 p.m. Florida Chiropractic Association
7 p.m. Georgia Chiropractic Council
SEPTEMBER
19-21
26-28
State Partner and Speaker Sponsor: Dr. Eric Plasker (’85)
State Partner and Speaker Sponsor: Dr. John Downes (’86)
North Carolina Chiropractic Association
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Unified Virginia Chiropractic Association
Alumni are invited to play in this year’s Healthy Living Golf Classic, sponsor a hole, provide a prize or auction item or attend the post-tournament awards luncheon and silent auction. For more information, visit TourPlayersGolfGroup.com.
NEWS FROM ALUMNI RELATIONS
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OCTOBER
1-5
2
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Fall CE
Annual IAALU Board of Directors Meeting
Generations Wall Unveiling Ceremony
“Boots, BBQ & Bling” Alumni & Friends Party
Multiple Events Life University
Noon-2 p.m. PDR
5 p.m. Outside Learning Resource Center
6 p.m. Lyceum Park
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Lasting Purpose Recognition Lunch
Class of 1979 Reunion Dinner
Class of 1984 Reunion Breakfast
President’s Circle Luncheon
Noon-2 p.m. Upper Gym in Sport Health Science
6-9 p.m. Socrates
7:30-9 a.m. Socrates
1-2:30 p.m. Socrates
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5
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State Rep Meeting & Reception
State Partner, Gala Sponsor and Alumni & Friends Lunch
Alumni & Friends Breakfast
Convention Lunch Sponsor
6:30-8 p.m. Socrates
11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.-2 a.m. Ohio State Chiropractic Association
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Event Sponsor
Alumni & Friends Lunch
New Beginnings for a New Future
7:30 a.m. Michigan Association of Chiropractors
1:15-3:15 p.m. New York Chiropractic Council
Noon-2 p.m. Georgia Chiropractic Association
NOVEMBER
7-8
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LIFE Vision
Alumni & Friends Lunch
Cobb Galleria, Atlanta, Georgia
12:45-1:45 p.m. Association of New Jersey Chiropractors
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ALUMNI AND FRIENDS UPDATE
Keep in Touch with
Dr. Nick Doinidis (’78) and his wife Linda welcomed their first grandchild, Landon Apostolovski, to the family Oct. 22, 2013. Their daughter Ashleigh, her husband Brian and the little fellow Landon live in Novi, Michigan, where Doinidis practices. They make Doinidis’ day when they come in for adjustments on Saturdays! Dr. Jim Murdock (’79) retired after practicing for 18 years and has since written two novels: The Blankenschipf Curse and Moochie’s Place. Before his extensive career as a chiropractor, Murdock taught physical education, American history and American government for 17 years. He then returned to his studies to receive his Doctor of Chiropractic degree in 1980. These days, you can find Murdock working on his next novel, Belly of the Whale, in Athens, Georgia. He will be celebrating his 35-year class reunion at LIFE this fall. Dr. Richard E. Stowe (’81) passed away in early March. Stowe had practiced in Berrien Springs, Michigan, for more than 32 years and had recently opened an additional practice in Niles, Michigan. His life revolved around Chiropractic and mentoring young doctors. He was a firm believer in continuing education, including limitless reading. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Stowe family.
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Dr. Joe Dispenza (‘85) has published his third book, You Are the PLACEBO: Making your Mind Matter, which explores the history, science and practical applications of the so-called placebo effect. It also teaches a model of personal transformation that correlates with the placebo effect –– without the need for any external influences. As a teacher and lecturer, Dispenza has been invited to speak in more than 26 countries on six continents, educating thousands
Dr. Frank King (’79), owner of King Bio, released his new book in March, The Healing Revolution: Eight Essentials to Awaken Abundant Life, Naturally! In the book, he shares natural healing techniques from around the world that are safe and effective for everyone. King was interviewed by Carol Alt in New York and was filmed for three segments of the Fox News show “A Healthy You.” This year marks a milestone for King for four reasons: his book’s debut, King Bio’s 25th anniversary, The Healing Revolution Summit (a July CEU event) and his 35-year class reunion at Life University.
Graduates
of people. When he is not lecturing and writing, Dispenza sees patients at his chiropractic clinic near Olympia, Washington. Dr. Gary Lett (’86) has published a book, Sideline, which tells the story of the rise and success of the youngest head coach in college football at a famed SEC university, Bob Hayes. Likewise, Lett grew up in a small Alabama town that loved its sports teams. His background
ALUMNI AND FRIENDS UPDATE
in sports and health care gives depth and insight into the finer points of performance optimization. In addition to writing and publishing, Lett maintains his private practice in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and he enjoys serving the public at large and athletes of all levels. Dr. Steve Fleisher (’87) joined us on campus May 2 for a tour of LIFE. The Alumni Relations Department spent the morning reminiscing with Fleisher while showing off the vast improvements made to the campus since he graduated. Before heading home, he signed up to serve as a State Rep for Pennsylvania! Life University’s own Dr. Drew Rubin (’89) was selected by the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) to teach pediatric seminars throughout the United States and Canada this year! Rubin is eager to share his specialized knowledge about working with infants and children with neurodevelopmental disorders. These issues can range from either nursing and latching problems for a newborn, colic and reflux while an infant, to ADHD and Autistic Spectrum Disorders in preschool and school age children. The ICPA is appreciative of the dedication and enthusiasm of Rubin as a teacher and mentor. Rubin is one of only three board certified diplomats in the field of pediatrics in Georgia.
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Dr. Wendy Jacobs’ (’94) practice, Jacobs Chiropractic, recently received the “Best of Arlington in Chiropractic” from Arlington County, Virginia. Jacobs Chiropractic is among a very small group of companies that have been awarded Best of Arlington for three consecutive years. This distinction has qualified Jacobs Chiropractic for the 2014 Arlington Business Hall of Fame. Congratulations, Dr. Jacobs!
We were pleased to welcome Dr. Katia Scohy (’94), her husband Laurent and two children to campus on April 11. The Alumni Relations Department was eager to give the family a tour and highlight how the campus has grown and developed since their departure. The family was visiting from Belgium and will be returning this fall for Scohy’s 15-year class reunion! Before heading home, Scohy eagerly signed up to serve as a Reunion Chair for her class.
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ALUMNI AND FRIENDS UPDATE
Dr. Jorge C. Jarrot (’95) and his wife Dr. Irma Sierra currently have two children enrolled at LIFE, Adrian and Alexandra, in addition to their LIFE graduate Dr. Jorge R. Jarrot Sierra (‘11). The family takes pride in their children as they continue the legacy of the Sierra and Jarrot family –– three generations of Chiropractic in Puerto Rico!
teaches biology at Georgia Highlands State College, but will begin a new, fulltime teaching position at Georgia Tech this fall. He will be on faculty within the School of Applied Physiology. He also works part time in the gross anatomy lab at LIFE as the Basic Sciences Anatomical Gifts Coordinator.
Crowe Chiropractic, owned by Dr. Keith Crowe (’98), celebrated its 61st anniversary on Dec. 20, 2013. Crowe has continued the long-standing tradition established by Dr. Hugh Crowe. The practice originally opened its doors in College Park, Georgia, but has since been located in Stockbridge, Georgia, for the last 13 years. Dr. Adam J. Decker (‘98) was recently awarded full tenure through the University System of Georgia as an associate professor of biology. He currently
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Dr. Cara Iovino (‘00) is proud to announce that she was recently named to Gwinnett College Accreditation Advisory Panel in Sandy Springs, Georgia. Additionally, she serves as a nutrition instructor for the Roswell Police Department Wellness Program and an anatomy instructor for Yoga of India, a school for future yoga instructors. After practicing in Atlanta for more than 10 years, she decided to move her private practice, One Stop Wellness, to Roswell, Georgia.
A resolution was passed in South Carolina to honor and celebrate the life of Dr. Keisha Kirkland (’00) who passed after a long battle with lung cancer. Before her death, Kirkland was working as a beloved meteorologist for News 4 in Greenville County, South Carolina. We’d like to send our condolences to the family of Dr. Andes Lesseur (‘00) who passed away suddenly in early April. He is remembered by friends and family as an amazing human being and incredible doctor. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Lesseur family.
Dr. Tara Layne (‘10), who serves as a South Carolina State Rep, has been busy! She and her husband Clint Layne were featured in CMSA Rundown magazine for their Wild West-style wedding. “A Western Wedding to Remember” details the couple’s journey from their first meeting to marriage and starting a new life together. The pair will celebrate their third wedding anniversary together this June. Additionally, she and her horse won third place at the AQHA World Championship. She was both adjusting horses and competing at the championship.
ALUMNI AND FRIENDS UPDATE
Dr. Josh Wagner (‘10) recently created an online portal, The Perfect Patient Funnel System, for chiropractors to join and receive strategies to use in their practices, especially for patient retention and higher quality patient attraction. As 2014 presents many challenges to the chiropractic practice, this powerful tool has proven to be useful for recent graduates and established clinics. Wagner maintains his private practice in New York and spends his time participating in health and wellness presentations and panels. We’d like to send our condolences to the family of Mary Jane Berrien who recently passed away. She worked at LIFE for many years and was instrumental in creating a choral group on campus. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Berrien family. Dr. Robert Rectenwald, professor and faculty clinician in the C-HOP, recently finished first overall in the Five Star Triathlon Series in the over 65 age group. Rectenwald credits LIFE for much of his success, saying, “I get the best chiropractic care in the clinic, I have the use of the wellness center for training and I use Standard Process supplementation.” Congrats to Dr. Rectenwald for a job well done!
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Thank you Drs. Sharon Gorman (’84), Tim Kelly (’85), Carl Amodio (‘01) and Dale Callaway (’11) for hosting four very successful Real World: DCs at their offices. They shared a wealth of relevant and worthwhile information on what it takes to be a chiropractor in the “real world” to current students ranging from pre-DC to 14th quarter. Profitable advice and wisdom was given to all who came. We are pleased to welcome aboard our 22 newest State Reps who signed up between Jan. 1-May 15 – Drs. Wendell Ellis (’84), Donald Reese (’84), Dennis Barley (’85), Chester Palumbo (’86), Stephen Upchurch (’86), Steve Fleisher (’87), Wes Cardwell (’88), Greg Ungerank (’89), John Duffy (’91), Andy Cherry (’93), Stephen Brower (’94), James Crawmer (’97), Gina Policari (’98),
Wendy Robbins (’01), Andrew Smyth (’01), Faheem Nasir (’05), Chad Taylor (’10), Stephanie and Chris Estes (’09), Candice Forde (’13), Neia Diaz and Milton Hernandez. As State Reps, they will serve as LIFE ambassadors between their state alumni and friends and the University. We are building a tribe throughout the country! To join this initiative, email Alumni@LIFE.edu. l
DON’T BE SHY! We’d like to include your personal and professional news and photos in upcoming issues of Your Extrodinary LIFE. Send your information to Alumni@LIFE.edu.
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ALUMNI AND FRIENDS UPDATE
DCs help Olympic athletes tune up BY KELSEY DONALDSON How does Team USA perform at its maximum potential during the Olympic Games? It takes countless hours of training, fierce determination and a highly esteemed chiropractor. Chiropractors have been official members of the U.S. sports medicine team for the Olympics since 1980 when George Goodheart, D.C., was selected to be the Team USA chiropractor at the Olympic Winter Games in Lake Placid, New York. History was made when Michael Reed, D.C., M.S., D.A.C.B.S.P., was hired by the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) as medical director of its Sports Performance Division (2007-2012), the first chiropractor to serve in the position. “There has always been a positive attitude toward Chiropractic within the USOC,” Reed reflected. “It’s incredible to achieve that for chiropractic practice.” This past February, a record number of six chiropractors were sent to Sochi, Russia, with Team USA for the Olympic Winter Games—a reflection that during the last three decades, chiropractors have become a key part of an athlete’s training and recovery program. Alongside the world-class athletes, you will find a vital group of chiropractors, who in the eyes of the athletes they represent, are the best of the best. Meet three Life University alumni who fit that bill. Dr. Ernie Ferrel (’86) It’s not difficult to see why the U.S. Beach Volleyball Team demanded that Ferrel serve on their support staff at the 2008 Olympic Summer Games in Beijing. Historically, it had always been an athletic trainer. The road to becoming an Olympic
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Ferrel pictured with members of the the U.S. Beach Volleyball Team and NBA player Kobe Bryant at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games
chiropractor isn’t a short one. Throughout his 28-year career, Ferrel has served as Medical Director for the Association of Volleyball Professionals, Director of Chiropractic Services for the Triathlon Federation, Vice President of the American Chiropractic Association Sports Council and Steering Committee Member for the U.S. Cycling and Triathlon federations. Along with an impressive resume, Ferrel notes that his involvement in Beijing was cumulative years of volunteering and extensive traveling, often 40,000-60,000 miles a year. Still, he wouldn’t trade it for the world. A lifelong athlete himself, Ferrel believes he’s a perfect match to understand the trials and tribulations of an Olympic athlete. “You understand what it’s like to be on the court, back aching, and you can’t get in another serve – you’ve been there,” he says. And when he’s not traveling, you can find Ferrel running his private practice in Santa Barbara, California, and taking his bicycle for a spin around town. Dr. Marc Taczanowski (’96) Assisting athletes at a future Olympic Game was years in the making for Taczanowski, team chiropractor of the
U.S. Bobsled and Skeleton teams, who returned home to New York after a twomonth World Cup Tour that concluded with the Olympic Winter Games in Sochi. For Taczanowski, the dream began nine years ago when he first learned from XXV Olympiad chiropractor Philip Santiago, D.C., about chiropractors assisting U.S. Olympic athletes, and one
Taczanowski standing next to the Olympic rings at the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi
year later, he completed his first U.S. Olympic internship at the training center in Chula Vista, California. Although it wasn’t Taczanowski’s first time traveling with the team, it was his first Olympic experience. His selection to the support staff was based on the athletes and coaches’ recommendations and evaluations of his abilities, knowledge and work ethic from his previous years of service to the team. Not only did Taczanowski have the opportunity to march in the opening and closing ceremonies, but he also had the honor to announce that his team medaled in every event. To get a good idea of what it’s like to be a team chiropractor during one of the world’s largest sporting events, check out Taczanowski’s photos and posts on Facebook.
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Dr. Celeste Gabai (’09) Gabai was among the six chiropractors chosen to serve in Sochi with Team USA. In fact, she was the only female chiropractor listed on the roster. Gabai has practiced with the sports medicine clinic at the USOC Training Center in Lake Placid, New York, since 2010, and she currently serves as High Performance Health Care Services Provider. Her multifaceted role includes providing evaluation, training and rehabilitation for athletic injuries. She began her career as an athletic trainer and eventually enrolled at LIFE to receive her Doctor of Chiropractic. Upon graduation, she applied and served as a
LIFE Partners with ScripHessco Life University, in partnership with ScripHessco, which provides high quality chiropractic supplies and equipment, has developed a professional equipment package for new LIFE graduates. The mutually beneficial service allows new graduates to purchase start-up packages at discounted prices. The packages, ranging from Adjusting Room equipment to Digital X-Ray equipment, will allow new chiropractors to have the latest tools and knowledge to provide the most advanced care. LIFE is pleased to collaborate with this industry leader who is committed to improving and optimizing patient health and wellness. l
Gabai is pictured here at the 2012 Paralympics Games holding one of the torches
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sports medicine fellow for the USOC. The program allows professionals with less than five years of experience in the field an opportunity to provide care to Olympic athletes and hopefuls. Shortly after the fellowship ended, Gabai was brought on as a full-time staff member at the training center. She has assisted with team processing for the Paralympic team at the 2012 Summer Games in London and most recently in Sochi. As Gabai reflects on her journey with the USOC, she urges current students and young graduates to “not be afraid to ask questions, work with others and use your hands as tools.” l
LIFE’s Two New Master’s Degrees Life University has plenty of reasons to be excited about the addition of its two new master’s degrees within LIFE’s College of Graduate Studies and Research. The first of these is a Master of Athletic Training (MAT), which consists of a two-year, 76-quarter-hour curriculum. Upon the University receiving national accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE), which is expected very soon, an MAT from LIFE can lead to a career as a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC). Anyone interested in this program should contact Dr. Donald Fuller, Ph.D., ATC, LAT, at Donald.Fuller@LIFE.edu or (770) 426-271, ext. 2790. The second new master’s degree program is a Master of Science in Positive Psychology, consisting of three concentrations—Coaching Psychology (Fall 2014), Secular Ethics (Fall 2014), Contemplative Science and General (Fall 2015). This degree program is the first of its kind and focuses on flourishing and positive human functioning rather than identifying negative stressors and trying to eliminate them. To learn more about this new program at LIFE, contact Dr. Peggy Samples, Ph.D., at PSamples@LIFE.edu or (770)426-2697. For information on enrolling in any of the LIFE’s master’s degree programs, please contact Graduate Enrollment Recruiter Keith Jordan at Keith.Jordan@ LIFE.edu or (678) 331-4453. l
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Life U
Athletics Roundup
BY CRAIG DEKSHENIEKS, SPORTS INFORMATION DIRECTOR It’s been another banner year for Life University’s growing athletics department! As we continue to expand and add opportunities for students, the LIFE philosophy of Vitalism and wellness is allowing student-athletes to reach new heights.
The winter season concluded with excellent performances in basketball and wrestling: The basketball team finished the season with a 19-15 record, playing the most difficult schedule in the country. Hosting the A.I.I. tournament on the LIFE campus, the team made a run to the finals before losing a tough game to the No. 1 ranked team in the country. The NAIA rewarded the Running Eagles with a sixth straight trip to the national championship tournament in Kansas City. In a first round match up, Life U lost a heartbreaker to eventual national champion Vanguard University out of California. Life U’s Latraius Mosley was named an AllAmerican in postseason honors. The wrestling team, in only its second year of existence, managed a respectable dual meet record and entered the postseason on a high note, finishing second in the Georgia Intercollegiate State Tournament, which was hosted and held at LIFE. The tournament featured all schools from Georgia, regardless of NAIA or NCAA affiliation. Once again, four wrestlers qualified for the NAIA nationals, where Trey Hicks and Jacob Roza earned AllAmerican status for the Running Eagles.
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As winter made way for spring, Life U enjoyed incredible success on the rugby pitch: The men’s club team once again took on all comers, including the US Men’s National Team, where they gave the Rugby World Cup-bound Team USA a good test ahead of an international match against Uruguay. Brimming with confidence, the team blitzed through the remainder of the schedule and entered the USA Rugby Division 1 national championship tournament on a high note. After dispatching two teams from New York and a third from Minneapolis, the men traveled to Madison, Wisconsin to take on New Orleans RFC for the national championship. With many local LIFE alumni on hand, the Running Eagles cruised to the second straight national championship by a score of 41-7. The undergraduate team had an incredible season as well. Despite the
loss of multiple All-Americans from the 2013 national championship team, the boys finished undefeated in the MidSouth Conference, the toughest in the country. After hosting the University of Colorado and Arkansas State in the playoffs, Life U traveled to Palo Alto, California for the national championship match against St. Mary’s College of California. In a physical match, and a pro-St. Mary’s crowd, the boys dropped a tough one 21-6. With no rest for the weary, many of the players had to switch gears, mentally and physically, in preparation for the Collegiate Rugby Championship (CRC) tournament in Philadelphia. The “sevens” tournament, which is seven players per team instead of 15, is a made-for-TV event that has produced great exposure for LIFE, and not just our athletic programs but our degrees and philosophy. After dispatching University of Pennsylvania, Virginia Tech and University of Arizona in the group stage by a combined score of 85-0, the boys entered the knock out stage on Sunday. After a hard-fought, last-second victory over the US Naval Academy 29-26 in the quarterfinals, the Running Eagles lost to local upstart Kutztown University of Pennsylvania in the semifinals 19-17. After a successful year in athletics, our student-athletes look forward to 2014-2015 with high hopes for improvement. Life U is also adding women’s swimming, wrestling and rugby this coming season. Go Running Eagles! l
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State Partnerships Life University created a partnership with a few states to help ensure the states have an adequate number of chiropractors in the future. These partnerships will help to ensure that chiropractic care is available to all citizens in these states. The doctors listed below participate in their state’s partnership with LIFE. Buckeyes for LIFE in partnership with the Ohio State Chiropractic Association Dr. Merle S. Auck Dr. Thomas Baur Dr. Nathan Baxter Dr. Anthony Bentley Dr. Thaddeus Bosman Dr. Gordon Byrne Dr. Michael Cafaro Dr. Bryan Cecil Dr. Cratia Cetz Dr. Stacy Chidester Dr. Adrian D’Amato Dr. Kara Davidson Dr. Nicholas Deignan Dr. Mark J. Demalio Drs. Anthony and Casen DeMarla Dr. Dustin Detrick Dr. Patrick Ensminges Dr. Dwaine M. Everett Dr. Jason Feltz
Dr. Greg Goffe Dr. Bharon Hoag Dr. Kreg Huffer Dr. David Klosterman Dr. Patrick Lalama Dr. Jonathan D. Laux Dr. Joe Lindeman Dr. Ross Lubrani Dr. Chris Mabry Dr. Dannielle MacDuff Dr. Terry McCoskey Dr. Craig Miladin Dr. John Mistretta Dr. Anthony Monin Dr. Kimberly Muhlencamp Dr. Robert Prewitt Drs. William and Jennifer Ramsey Dr. Tony Rump Dr. William Schneider Dr. Jay D. Smith Dr. Brandy Spaulding Dr. Joshua Steinke
Dr. Stephanie Winegardner Dr. Thomas Witwer Dr. Randy Wurts Dr. Jeff Zaika Tarheels for LIFE in partnership with the North Carolina Chiropractic Association Dr. Mark Silvester Dr. Miguel Cruz Dr. Gary Wojeski Dr. Jerry Fonke Dr. Dennis Royal Dr. Bob Stroud Dr. Wendy Robbins Dr. Jennifer Murphy Dr. Michael Rosen Dr. Gina Policari Dr. Don Reese Dr. Paul Davis Dr. Tom Ayres
Unified with LIFE in partnership with the Virginia Chiropractic Association Dr Sandy Elbaum Dr Bibhu Misra Dr Demetrios Kydonieus Dr Carly Swift Dr Marco Accordo Dr Jeremy Busch Dr Lee Matthis Dr Gary Dennis Dr Mark Haynes Dr Diane Dereu-Foley Dr David Milot Dr Minesh Patel Dr Janice Dunlap Dr Robert Ioven Dr Jeff Wynn Dr Larry Griffith Dr Matthew Schrier Dr Andrew Reno Dr Adam Elbaum
Life University Board of Trustees
Life University Board of Trustees From left: Aaron Gagnon, Jesse Panuccio, Dr. Randolph O’Dell, Dr. Henry Cousineau, Dr. Jay Handt, Dr. Eddy Diaz, Dr. Deborah Pogrelis, Dr. J. Peter Heffernan, Dr. Joseph Lupo, Dr. Kevin Fogarty, Dr. Thomas M. Klapp, Dr. Larry Marchese, Dr. James Thompkins, and Dr. Sharon Gorman. Not pictured:Dr. Shawn Ferguson, Dr. R. James Gregg, Dr. Marc Hudson and Rhonda Newton.
Deborah Pogrelis, D.C. (Chair) Henry Cousineau, D.C. Eddy Diaz, D.C. Shawn Ferguson, D.C. Kevin Fogarty, D.C. Aaron Gagnon, C.P.A. 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.
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LASTING PURPOSE
Dedicated to LIFE LIFE UNIVERSITY IS DEDICATED to ensuring that 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 Miranda Abbott – L David Adler – L Jeff Aita – L Christopher Alberts – L Ricardo Alvarez – L Amy Anderson Haakon Kuhnle Andresen Mark Anthony Emily Arnold – L Stacy Aslan Raul Aviles – L Joshua Axe – L Eryc Barnes-Jones Daniel Bartz Marco Belizaire – L Thais Bermudez – L Steve Bloomingdale Joel Bohemier Sebastian Bonnin – L Alex Brennan – L Jane Brewer Laurie Briegel – L Lou Briegel – L Leslie Bronson Robert Buis Rebekah Byxbe Dawn Cadwallader – L Heather Camp Waldemar Carrasquillo – L William Carroll Joseph Castelli Patrick Chase Michael Cody Norman Colby – L Cindy Cole-Nieves Lona Cook – L Henry Cousineau – L L – indicates LIFEforce 1000
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2014
www.LIFE.edu
referring a student to LIFE’s renowned chiropractic program or any of our vital health and science-based degrees. Referring students to LIFE helps advance our objective in three ways: •• Raise awareness of Chiropractic and Vitalism around the world •• Increases the number of vitalisticoriented professionals worldwide
Travis Cross Jeff Culig Margaret Cunningham Jean-Guy Daigneault Douglas Darr Cheyla Davis Gary Davis Beverley Demetrius Benjamin Derbes Victoria Desormeaux Eddy Diaz – L Alfredo Diaz Caro David Dinius Xa Do James Duga – L Charmaine Edwards Errol Effatt Adam Elbaum – L Sandy Elbaum – L Jonathan Eldridge Jennifer Espenscheid – L Omar Fabregas Mary Faust William Firnbach Charles Fleming Patrick Ford – L Mary Frye Leesha Gabhart Simone Gainey Kim Gambino – L Elizabeth Geisz Brian Gipson Greg Goffe – L Rickey Goins Sandra Gordon Sandy Gordon – L Nick Greinn
Todd Grubb Evelyn Guilford Siro Gutierrez-Jovet David Guzzardo – L Jerry Hardee Mackel Harris Karen Hassel Michael Hastings Kit Hedges Joseph Heinecke Lorenil Hencock Robert Hochstein Eric Hoder Jay Holder Joseph Hornberger Jennifer Ives Justin James Alexander Jamieson Deron Jester – L Jennifer Jester Junior Johnson Kim Johnson Keith Jordan Stephen Judson Casey Kallenbach Stuart Katzen – L Dennis Keskett – L Austin Komarek Jay LaGuardia – L Gary Lambert Scott Lawrence David Levinson – L Brian Lieberman Ronald Liedel Brianna Lightbown Andrew Linial Craig Longworth
•• Makes a difference with Lasting Purpose: To Give, To Do, To Love, To Serve, Out of a Sense of Abundance Alumni and friends who referred a student enrolling in the Winter 2013 quarter are listed below. These names were provided by students upon their application for admission.
Jim Louro – L Joseph Lupo – L Allister McAlees Bryan McDonald Thomas McGuire Jeffrey Miceli Erica Michaels Monica Mikan David Mjoen Shannon Murray Christine Nadine Clyde Navarro Angela O’Brien Carlos Ochoa Diaz Randolph O’Dell – L Robert Olivieri Raymond Omid Nathaniel Oncken Federico Osuna – L Oscar Otero – L Emily Paskorz Jonathan Paxton – L Palmer Peet Deedra Pennington Ryan Pilsner Stefan Pope Linda Rassel – L Keith Rau Ray Reaves Christopher Rechter Charles Ribley – L James Richards Adam Rodnick – L Jose Rodriguez – L Maria Rodriguez Tamara Rosser Tony Rosser
Isabelle Roy – L Drew Rubin – L Parham Sabetazm John Schafer Louis Schimmel Marc Schneider Justin Schutrumpf Patricia Seebach Trond Seland – L Carlos Selles – L Glorimar Serrano Tanya Sherman (Reynolds) – L Derek Smith Ernestine Smith L. Smith Michael Smith Scott Snow Young-Sung Song Dionna Squires John Bruce Stevens Jon Stucky Pamela Stucky LaGuardia – L Gary Sullenger Cara Sutton-Settimi Alan Szagesh Donald Tgettis – L Alex Vear Michael Warners – L Vonchristian Webb Sandra Whitson Hari Widjaja Terry Wiley John Willix David Wittig Russell Wright Joshua Wurdemann Brian Wussow
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www.LIFE.edu
Summer
2014
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
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 888-423-5547
Search for Facebook.com/LIFEAlumniandFriends “Life University Alumni Network”