YEL Summer 2016

S U M M E R 2016

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VOLUME 9

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ISSUE 2

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LIFE UNIVERSITY’S ALUMNI AND FRIENDS MAGAZINE

Yo ur Extrao rdin ary

World Change Begins at LIFE

PRESIDENT’S LETTER

Greetings, LIFE Alumni and Friends!

It’s been a hot summer in Georgia, or so I’ve been told. I haven’t had much time to check the thermometer at home, as I’ve been busy traveling throughout the country the past few months. I’ve been visiting cities with strong Life U footholds to connect face-to-face with you, our alumni, to share all the new programs, groundbreaking initiatives and the leaders who are making things happen at our University.

Maybe you’ve been to one of these intimate dinners — what we call the Crazies of LIFE Tour. If not, be on the lookout for invitations as we come to your city soon. As the late Steve Jobs once said, “The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do...” At LIFE, we believe, and have always believed, that with an inspired movement of dedicated and principled chiropractors, we could lead a vitalistic revolution. And you, our alumni and friends, are the example of that movement in your communities.

Back on campus, we are nearing completion of a new, all-purpose, synthetic turf field, which will be named Lupo Family Field in honor of their family’s leading donation to this vitally important University initiative. We aren’t just talking about a new rugby field either; the Lupo Family Field will also host our new men’s and women’s soccer program’s matches beginning this fall, as well as serve as a practice facility for Atlanta United F.C., the MLS team owned

by Arthur Blank that begins play in 2017. You can find out more about how this new field will impact the University far beyond our athletic department in this issue’s feature story.

Speaking of the Lupo Family Field, you won’t want to miss Dr. Joe Lupo being honored for his family’s generous donation during my Plenary

S u m m e r 2 0 1 6 | Alumni.LIFE.edu

‘I am always amazed and grateful for the support of those who champion the vision of this growing institution. ‘

Session Friday morning of Fall CElebration Sept. 30, as well as at the Alumni & Friends Party Saturday evening Oct. 1. This will be one of many great happenings during our annual event that just keeps getting bigger and better each and every year. Check out the full Fall CElebration schedule on pages 6-7 of this issue, along with a note to our guests.

I’d be remiss to not note the extraordinary achievement that occurred in June when our women’s undergrad rugby team won the Collegiate Rugby Championship in Philadelphia in just their second year competing. This capped off an 18-0 7s season for the ladies, who won all three tournaments they played in.

Wow! Not to mention, our men’s undergrad rugby team won the Division-1A National Championship in 15s with a perfect 12-0 season. Not too shabby from the best rugby program in the nation, bar none!

From developments here on campus, to national alumni tours and championships, I am always amazed and grateful for the support of those who champion the vision of this growing institution. Our common goals and drive make Life University a train that can’t be stopped.

We’ve accomplished so much already, but there is so much more we want to do, and will do, to reach the masses and show the world that we truly are “the not-so-little University that is changing the world.” I hope you’ll hop aboard.

Yours in Chiropractic,

Guy F. Riekeman, D.C. President

CONTENTS

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

Summer 2016 | Alumni.LIFE.edu

LIFE UNIVERSITY’S ALUMNI AND FRIENDS MAGAZINE

F E AT U R E

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ON THE COVER: Pictured (l-r): Bryna Waters, D.C. student; Tony Annan, Atlanta United F.C. Academy Director; Nicole Strasko, D.C. student and Life U rugby player; Emanuel Echandy, D.C. student; and Joe Lupo, D.C., Life University Board of Trustees.

NEW SOUTH PUBLISHING INC.

LIFE UNIVERSITY

Jamie Ryan Publisher

Guy F. Riekeman, D.C. President

Larry Lebovitz President

Greg Harris Vice President for University Advancement

John Hanna Vice President

Mary Ellen Leffard Director of Alumni Relations

Lindsay Penticuff Editor

Kelsey Donaldson Alumni Relations Coordinator

Amy Fine Production Coordinator/ Circulation Manager

Will Brooks Communications Coordinator

Garon Hart Graphic Designer

World Change Begins at LIFE

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2016 Fall CElebration

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Career Vision

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Estate Planning

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Vision Statement of the IAALU

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Life U and State Partnerships

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NeuroLIFE Institute’s Inaugural Concussion Awareness and Prevention Summit

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2016 Octagon

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LIFE Talks 2016

Compassion, Integrity and Secular Ethics

Hally Joseph Integrated Content Creator

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

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

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

Material in this publication may not be reprinted without written permission from the editorial offices in Marietta. All rights reserved. © Copyright 2016 Life University. Printed in the USA.

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2 LIFE on the Road

Life University’s Executive, Enrollment and Advancement Teams

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Upcoming Events Calendar

Opportunities to Connect with LIFE

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Athletics Roundup

Collegiate Rugby Championship

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Alumni and Friends Update

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

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ON THE ROAD

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 five months, the team has collectively visited more than 300 alumni and friends.

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

Here’s where we visited from January to May:

GEORGIA

Later in the spring, LIFE visited Savannah to host an Alumni After Hours and Student Recruitment Event at Moon River Brewing Company.

Twenty local doctors attended and many brought along prospective students to learn more about LIFE’s programs. Special thanks to Drs. Philip Day (’86) and Andrew Kirk (’79) for help in the planning.

FLORIDA

By February, we were back into the groove of travel season and Director of Alumni Relations Mary Ellen Leffard headed south to attend the Florida Chiropractic Conferences in Tampa. With more than 200 in attendance, FCC was a terrific conference! We are thrilled to welcome Drs. Meryl Foster (’82), Jane Foster-Mizraji (’87), Timothy DeBrun (’02), Marcus Milnes (’02), Roger Romano (’86), Jay Wittgreen (’07) and Gregory Zwirn (’98) as our newest reunion chairs for 2016-2019 reunions.

PUERTO RICO LIFE Alumni & Friends at the Savannah After Hours.

The New Year was officially kicked off with the high-energy AMPED Conference in Atlanta. More than 600 chiropractors, staff, students and prospective students packed the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre for a full weekend of inspiration and insight. So great to see so many LIFE alumni leading the way and making a difference.

Summer 2016 | Alumni.LIFE.edu

With a busy travel season ahead, we headed across the Atlantic Ocean to sunny San Juan. For the third year in a row, LIFE offered continuing education classes to alumni and friends in the area and to those who wanted to escape the cold stateside. Attendees enjoyed dynamic presentations by Drs. Guy Riekeman, Keith Rau (’82), Michael Longyear and Julie Hunt Mayer (’81). An educational and inspiring weekend for all who joined.

TENNESSEE The LIFE gang headed to Knoxville in March to attend the Tennessee Chiropractic Association’s spring event. Assistant Director of Development Mark Elam and LIFE Recruiter Jacklynn Paten visited with more than 50 LIFE alumni attending the conference. LIFE will also have a booth at TCA’s Annual Conference Aug. 12-14 in Murfreesboro. If you’re a Tennessee LIFER, come see us.

Dr. Dennis Royal (’01), Dr. Matthew Stockstad (’91), Leffard and Collins at NCCA.

NORTH CAROLINA As April rolled around, Leffard and LIFE Recruiter Jasmin Collins headed to Asheville to attend the North Carolina Chiropractic Association spring convention. As always, it was a great to meet and interact with our alumni and friends in the great Tar Heel state.

Congratulations to Dr. John Fonke (’13) who was the lucky winner of a LIFE tailgating chair, and thank you to all 47 of our Tar Heels for LIFE partnership doctors. The state partnership between LIFE and NCCA was renewed in December for an additional three years. We are excited to continue the partnership and continue to spread the message of Chiropractic in the state.

LIFE ON THE ROAD

MICHIGAN

the President’s Reception Saturday evening. LIFE Trustee Dr. Sandy Elbaum (’90) and Leffard welcomed those in attendance, while making great strides in the state partnership between LIFE and the UVCA.

CALIFORNIA Joining LIFE Vice President of University Advancement Greg Harris for dinner were MAC conference speakers Drs. Jason Deitch (’96), Jack Wolfson and Dane Donohue.

Just a few weeks later, Leffard and Life University Vice President for University Advancement Greg Harris traveled to Grand Traverse for the Michigan Association of Chiropractors’ spring convention. LIFE hosted its annual luncheon with a full house of more than 50 alumni and friends.

Drs. Adam (’00) and Amanda (’00) Apfelblat are looking to lead the next generation of highly engaged alumni in the state and addressed the group regarding their efforts. In addition, we eagerly welcomed aboard 13 new Elite 150 donors. Thank you for all your support, Michigan.

While Leffard attended the UVCA conference, Director of Development Erin Dancer headed to the West Coast to meet with some of our alumni and friends. Her travels led her to Ventura Boulevard in Studio City, where she had a great meeting with Dr. Roberto Gonzalez (’00). He’s been at the practice location for just over a year and a half and is looking to expand with an associate.

SOUTH CAROLINA

VIRGINIA

Next stop was to Short Pump for the Unified Virginia Chiropractic Association’s spring convention. For the first time, Life University sponsored

sponsored the pirate-themed welcome reception, chaired by Dr. Leana Kart (’87). The GA 4 LIFE partnership between LIFE and the GCA continues to thrive. Thank you to Drs. Alicia Braddy (’14), Jamie Braddy (’14), David Lee (’83), Matthew Ryan (’92), Steve Rasmussen (’84) and Chris Whelan (’96) for signing up as our newest student members. In total, there were more than 40 doctors involved.

NEW YORK To close out spring travel, Life University attended the New York Chiropractic Conference’s spring convention in Verona. This was LIFE’s first time attending their spring conference and it was a huge success.

Thank you to Dr. Scott Brunengraber (’99), who signed up to be our newest Elite 150 member, and also to Drs. Joe Baudille (’85) and Greg Rubenstein, who gave additional donations. All three of their contributions will help us complete the Lower Athletic Field at Life University.

STAY IN TOUCH

Alumni Relations Coordinator Kelsey Donaldson, LIFE Recruiter Jacklynn Paten and Dr. Leana Kart (’87) at GCA. Leffard and Drs. Elizabeth Skorupa (’97) and Thomas Hennessey (’96) at UVCA.

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As spring arrived and the colder weather departed, the LIFE team headed to Hilton Head Island to attend the Georgia Chiropractic Association’s spring conference. In addition to hosting a booth, LIFE

Visit Alumni.LIFE.edu/MyProfile to ensure that we have your correct contact information.

Ladies, if you have been married, please be sure to update your information with us and provide both your maiden and married names.

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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.

The Fall 2016 issue of Your Extraordinary LIFE will be going digital. Keep an eye out for it at Alumni.LIFE.edu/YEL.

Alumni.LIFE.edu | Summer 2016

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UPCOMING EVENTS

calendar

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

AUGUST 2016 6 AMPED Life University Booth Atlanta 15 Crazies Tour The Historic Davenport Hotel 10 S. Post St. Spokane, WA 99201 Call Sara Ali to attend: (770) 426-2601 16 Crazies Tour Courtyard by Marriott Boise West/ Meridian 1789 S. Eagle Road Meridian, ID 83642 Call Sara Ali to attend: (770) 426-2601

Summer 2016 | Alumni.LIFE.edu

17 Crazies Tour JW Marriott Denver Cherry Creek 150 Clayton Lane Denver, CO, 80206 Call Sara Ali to attend: (770) 426-2601 18 Crazies Tour Colorado Springs Marriott 5580 Tech Center Drive Colorado Springs, CO 80919 Call Sara Ali to attend: (770) 426-2601 18 New Jersey After Hours & Student Recruitment Event Host: Dr. Bill Voyce (’85) Califon, New Jersey Register at Alumni.LIFE.edu/AfterHours

25-28 Florida Chiropractic Association 6-8 p.m.

Life University Booth #324 and LIFE Reception, Rock Spring 1 Room Orlando, Florida

UPCOMING EVENTS

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SEPTEMBER 2016

OCTOBER 2016

16-18 Kentucky Association of Chiropractors Life University Booth Lexington, Kentucky

7-9 Colorado Chiropractic Association Life University Booth Denver

14-16 New York Chiropractic Council State Partner & Life University Booth Tarrytown, New York

23 D.C. Graduation 1 p.m.

TIC Auditorium Life University

14 Career Vision 8:30-10 a.m.

Hilton Conference Center Marietta, Georgia Register at Alumni.LIFE.edu/ CareerVision

20-23 Estate Planning Seminar Paint Brush Ranch, Lake George, Colorado Email Greg.Harris@LIFE.edu for more information

23-25 Michigan Association of Chiropractors Life University Booth & Breakfast Dearborn, Michigan Call (517) 367-2225 to register North Carolina Chiropractic Association State Partner & Booths # 5-6 Greensboro, North Carolina Unified Virginia Chiropractic Association State Partner & Life University Booth Roanoke, Virginia

14-15 LIFE Leadership Weekend Life University Interested students register at LIFE.edu/ Events/LIFE-Leadership-Weekend LIFE Vision Hilton Conference Center Marietta, Georgia Register at LIFEVisionSeminar.com

21-23 Georgia Chiropractic Association State Partner & Booth #307 Atlanta, Georgia Chiropractic Society of Wisconsin State Partner & Life University Booth Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin 22-23 Association of New Jersey Chiropractors Life University Booth East Brunswick, New Jersey

28- Oct. 2 Fall CElebration 2016 For all events, register at LIFE.edu/ FallCElebration

Alumni.LIFE.edu | Summer 2016

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CAMPUS LIFE

Sept. 28-Oct. 2, 2016 At this point in the year, the 2016 Fall CElebration event has more registrants than any previous year. We believe this shows just how much of a must-attend CE event Life University’s Fall CElebration has become.

And although we know the CE classes are one of the main draws for most attendees, the special events and overall camaraderie with classmates are something that guests have come to look forward to each year.

Thirsty Thursday is back again after a very successful debut in 2015. Sponsored by Oberman Law Firm, Thirsty Thursday is a chance for our guests to check out the vendors at Fall CE, while also enjoying complementary beer and wine. It will be held in the main exhibit halls of the Center for Chiropractic Education Rooms C1 and C2, Sept. 28 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

We have a jam-packed day of events on Friday, Sept. 30, that you will not want to miss — from Dr. Guy Riekeman’s President Plenary Session in the morning and men’s and women’s soccer games in the afternoon, to the Lasting Purpose Pool Dedication that evening. Those who are celebrating their 30th and 35th reunions are invited to a celebration at 6:30 p.m. for a cost of $25 per person for dinner and drinks.

If you are a State Rep, make plans to attend the free State Rep Breakfast Saturday morning, Oct. 1, from 7:30-9 a.m. Also on Saturday is the invitationonly President’s Circle Lunch at 1 p.m., followed by a hard-hitting men’s rugby match at 2:30 p.m. End your evening at the guest favorite Alumni & Friends Party from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at the new Lupo Family Field.

Dr. Joe Lupo will be honored at both the Friday Plenary Session, as well as the Alumni & Friends Party for his family’s generous donation the new field’s campaign.

Sunday, Oct. 2, may be the last day of Fall CElebration, but it won’t be the least exciting day, as a brand new event will make its debut — Career Vision.

Read more about Career Vision on page 9 in this issue of Your Extraordinary LIFE.

Summer 2016 | Alumni.LIFE.edu

LASTING PURPOSE DEDICATION POOL The unveiling of the Lasting Purpose Reflecting Pool will take place Friday, Sept. 30, at 6:15 p.m. during Fall CElebration. The pool is situated in the center of Lasting Purpose Plaza between the Drs. Sid E. and Nell K. Williams Library and the Center for Graduate and Undergraduate Studies. Constructed in the 1980s, the plaza and pool are physical testaments to LIFE’s guiding principle of Lasting Purpose: To Give, To Do, To Love, To Serve — Out of a Sense of Abundance.

The pool is a focal point of the plaza, which also includes numerous engraved bricks with the names of alumni and supporters, many being memorials. Unfortunately, time and the elements had not been kind to the physical condition of the pool. After talk that the pool was destined to be turned into a plantern, Vice President for University Advancement Greg Harris sought the help of our alumni and friends to aid in the complete restoration of the pool to its original state.

In just a few short months, 10 individuals committed about $100,000 toward the pool.

Their financial support ensured that the pool will remain a beautiful reminder to the LIFE community of its founding principles.

Restoration on the pool commenced in July and includes adding three fountains to transform it from a non-circulating to a circulating pool. We invite you to join us as we unveil the restored pool and thank the individuals who made the restoration and legacy possible.

CAMPUS LIFE

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FALL CE SPECIAL EVENTS WEDNESDAY, 9/28 Registration Tent Opens Walking Campus Tour

7 a.m.-5 p.m.

Noon

Meet in Registration Tent at Alumni Relations Table

7 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

9 a.m.-Noon Noon-1 p.m.

Noon 5:30-7:30 p.m.

SHS 311 SHS 311 Meet in Registration Tent at Alumni Relations Table C1&C2, No cost – Sponsored by Oberman Law

7 a.m.-6 p.m.

8:00 a.m.-Noon Noon-1:30 p.m.

2 p.m.

2-4 p.m 4-6 p.m.

6:15 p.m.

6:30-9 p.m.

SHS Upper Gym, No cost Cost of $20 per person Meet in Registration Tent at Alumni Relations Table Lower Athletic Field Lower Athletic Field Lasting Purpose Plaza Socrates Cafe ($25/person, includes dinner and drinks)

THURSDAY, 9/29 Registration Tent Opens IAALU Board Meeting IAALU Committee Meeting Campus Walking Tour Thirsty Thursday Party

FRIDAY, 9/30 Registration Tent Opens President’s Plenary Session Lasting Purpose Award Lunch Campus Walking Tour Women’s Soccer Game Men’s Soccer Game Lasting Purpose Pool Dedication 30th & 35th Class Reunion Dinner

SATURDAY, 10/1 State Rep Breakfast Registration Tent Opens President’s Circle Lunch Campus Walking Tour Men’s Rugby Game Ambassadors Reunion Alumni & Friends Party

7:30 a.m.-9 a.m.

7 a.m.-6:30 p.m.

1-2:30 p.m.

1 p.m.

2:30-4:30 p.m.

2:30-4:30 p.m.

6:30-9:30 p.m.

Socrates Cafe – free for State Reps Socrates Cafe – Invitation Required Meet in Registration Tent at Alumni Relations Table Lower Athletic Field Lower Athletic Field Socrates Cafe ($20/person, includes dinner and drinks)

7 a.m.-1 p.m.

10 a.m.-Noon

Socrates Cafe

SUNDAY, 10/2 Registration Tent Opens Career Vision

Alumni.LIFE.edu | Summer 2016

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athletics ROUNDUP Running Eagles Take Philly by Storm

BY CRAIG DEKSHENIEKS, ASSISTANT ATHLETICS DIRECTOR FOR COMMUNICATIONS

It was Life U’s fifth consecutive trip to the Collegiate Rugby Championship this year, and once again we were the talk of the town. Clad this year in tie-dye T-shirts and bucket hats, you could spot a Life U fan from across the stadium — something the cameramen did on numerous occasions. The stadium crew and television production folks requested, and sported, the Life U gear proudly.

The 2016 edition of the CRC saw our largest contingent ever. We had the most fan packages sold than any previous year, and the student charter bus sold out for the first time, which caused several students to organize their own road trip with friends and make the drive themselves. The Life U section inside Philadelphia’s Talen Energy Stadium was the largest and loudest, even outpacing universities from the surrounding area.

The Running Eagles did themselves and the University proud. The women made a statement playing in just their second CRC, going undefeated in pool play against the University of Michigan, Temple University and Notre Dame, and then dispatched the U.S. Naval Academy and Lindenwood University to win the CRC. Coupled with their win at the USA Rugby Collegiate 7s national championship the week before, the ladies capped off an undefeated 7s season with an 18-0 record and left zero doubt as to who was the best team in the land.

Playing in their fifth CRC, the Life U men won their group against Drexel University, Virginia Tech and Penn State to advance to the Championship quarterfinals Sunday. In an epic match, the guys lost in overtime to the University of Arizona in the quarterfinals.

From an exposure standpoint, this is Life U’s premier event. Our teams played live on NBC and NBC Sports Network three times, prompting a 171 percent spike in our overall website traffic and a 628 percent spike in “Click to Learn More.” Our social media outlets saw a marked increase in “likes” and “shares” during the event.

Once again, the Life U Marketing Department put together a great television spot that aired on the broadcast and reached millions of people. One of the stated goals in

Summer 2016 | Alumni.LIFE.edu

The Life U men’s rugby team put up a strong effort in reaching the quarterfinals in their fifth CRC appearance.

The Life U women’s rugby team captured their first CRC title in just their second tournament appearance.

the mission of Life U athletics is to use the visibility and branding to increase exposure to the institution’s larger mission — and the CRC fulfills that well!

The manufacturers of the Life U uniforms sell their merchandise at the event, and based on history, they revealed to us that they ordered three times as much Life U gear as any other team because we are, by far, the biggest seller.

Every year Life U does it bigger and better. Make plans to come to Philadelphia next June and join us! l

CAMPUS LIFE

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Career Vision: Networking for Success

BY WILL BROOKS

Have you ever wished that you could meet faceto-face with soon-to-be Life University Doctor of Chiropractic graduates and see if they are the right fit to join your practice? With Career Vision, that wish is now a reality.

“As I have traveled to conferences and to offices, I’ve had so many of our alumni and friends ask me how to hire a LIFE graduate,” says Director of Alumni Relations Mary Ellen Leffard. “This is now one of our department’s priorities, as it is now part of the IAALU strategic plan for fiscal years 2016-2018. Career Vision is our first attempt at providing a venue for graduates to meet successful chiropractors.”

Career Vision made its debut in April at the LIFE Vision seminar, with D.C. students coming to network and share their resumes with LIFE alumni looking to add prospective associates or even sell their practice. Career Vision is scheduled to be held at the July 22-23 and Oct. 12-13 LIFE Vision events, as well as at this year’s Fall CElebration Sunday, Oct. 2, from 10 a.m.-noon.

“I’m just seeing the connections being made.

It’s a real critical thing to be able to connect face-to-face because seeing a job posted online is very different than being able to tangibly meet a potential co-worker,” explains Sue Dudt, director of Career Services at LIFE. l

Alumni.LIFE.edu | Summer 2016

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F E AT U R E

Why World Change Starts Here

BY LINDSAY PENTICUFF

Summer 2016 | Alumni.LIFE.edu

F E AT U R E

In an effort to broaden the reach of Chiropractic around the world, Life University has set a strategy to grow by leaps and bounds over the next several years. LIFE is positioned to build student enrollment, increase the number of campuses and open for-profit clinics that will create job opportunities for graduates.

Joe Lupo, D.C. (’78), says the current movement is all about a continued vision to move the University forward so that it can increase student enrollment. “Every new student is very important for a couple of reasons: 1) they will graduate from LIFE understanding Vitalism and perpetuating Chiropractic throughout their career and touch literally thousands of people; and 2) they bring resources to the University.”

In a recent conversation among the Board of Trustees, it was noted that sports are extremely important for building an undergraduate program because students quite often will choose a school based on their ability to play the sports that they love while earning their degree.

To encourage growth, the Lower Athletic Field is currently being renovated. Once completed, LIFE will have a legitimate artificial turf surface that student-athletes can play, on and on a consistent basis, no matter what the weather is like. That will grow the athletic program and student enrollment. “It could translate into an additional 150 undergraduate students-athletes to come in per year, just because we have the facility to play their sports on,” says LIFE Athletic Director Dan Payne.

Lupo says LIFE has been successfully recruiting students since 2003, but the school’s goal, and what’s part of the vision, is for LIFE to serve 2,000 Doctor of Chiropractic students, and 5,000 students among all degree programs each year. There are about 1,750 D.C. students at this time. “It’s great that we are the largest [single campus] chiropractic institution in the world, but that doesn’t do enough as far as I’m concerned. We want to get to 5,000plus students,” Lupo says. “About 10-15 percent of non-chiropractic students would matriculate into the D.C. program. You’re talking about a few dozen students a year, which is pretty significant for people who wouldn’t have otherwise come to our school.”

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GROWING THE RUNNING EAGLE NATION “I think that everything we do in athletics is built around enrollment initiatives and driving awareness and bringing students to campus,” Payne says.

“With some of the new facilities that we are able to put in as a result of this initiative, we’ll then be able to expand the sports offerings that we have and, subsequently, it leads to bringing more students to campus to be able to partake in everything that Life University has to offer.”

LIFE currently serves student-athletes in 16 sports, including men’s and women’s soccer and women’s basketball, which will begin this fall.

The athletics offerings have grown significantly, adding 12 in the last three years. “It’s seen pretty expansive growth as of late, and it’s all with the growing undergraduate college and the connection between more and more high school studentathletes wanting to participate and combine their university education with the sport that they have devoted so much time to in high school.”

Student-athletes account for approximately 300 LIFE students, up from about 50 six or seven years ago. “With each successive year, we will add one to two more sports, so we’ll continue to grow,” Payne says. “Right now, we are digesting our most recent growth, and we have to get our legs under us, per say, but we’re not set to stop. We’ll keep building the base, but then also continue to add opportunities for student-athletes to be able to combine both.”

Reasons student-athletes are selecting LIFE as their university include smaller class sizes and the intimacy of the campus. “Many also have a common thread with the vitalistic ethos that is on campus,” Payne adds. “There are a lot of students concentrating on health science.”

Each student-athlete also partakes in Chiropractic and is exposed to it, Payne continues. “Whether they study it or remain utilizing chiropractic care when they graduate, they all get heavily immersed in the benefits of it.”

DEFINING PURPOSE

Growth can begin by installing a new all-purpose synthetic field, called the Lupo Family Field,

‘It’s great that we are the largest chiropractic institution in the world, but that doesn’t do enough as far as I’m concerned. We need to grow. – Joe Lupo, D.C. (‘78) Alumni.LIFE.edu | Summer 2016

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F E AT U R E

named in honor of his family’s donation to the University and its athletic department. Construction of the field began in June. Costing approximately $800,000, a field, bleechers, seating boxes and a scoreboard will be home to new sports such as men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s rugby and lacrosse.

There is a gap of $150,000 to complete the campaign. To cover the gap, Lupo decided to lead a campaign called the Elite 150. “It’s a very modest pledge,” says Lupo, who contributed the lead gift of $300,000 for the project. “We don’t want a lot of money; we just want a lot of participation and broad participation. I thought 100 or more people would be a good start that could generate $15,000 per month toward our goal of getting this field paid for.”

provide chiropractic, kinesiology and neurology care to the birth center families that need the support.

New clinics could generate profit and employ LIFE D.C.s, so there would eventually be career opportunities for students graduating from the University. “If we had 100 clinics in the U.S., graduates could work their way to making sixfigure incomes because they were able to get into practice,” Riekeman says. “They would make a very good living and get their student loans paid off quicker. It’d also provide profits to be brought back to the school to help expand our reach and influence. There’s really no limit to the number of clinics that we could have — in every state and in countries around the world. This would afford many, many opportunities for LIFE graduates.”

With the field improvement, Lupo says it will result in higher student enrollment, some enrolling in the D.C. program. As the plan becomes a reality and enrollment increases on campus, LIFE needs to have additional sites to educate more students. “If we are going to dominate Chiropractic, we have to move toward opening other campuses,” Lupo says. “We can spread the LIFE mission and influence to other locations.” According to Riekeman, first up is Rome, Italy. The campus is scheduled to open in fall 2017.

As a result of more campuses, Lupo continues, Riekeman would move into a position of serving as the University’s chancellor, freeing him up to use his talents in other areas, such as opening forprofit clinics with no limits as to how many can be opened. This process has already started with the opening of Atlanta Birth Center in June. It is a holistic center with comprehensive midwifery care; a nurturing environment where expecting mothers will feel supported, respected, safe and secure; and personalized, family centered care from highly qualified health care providers. Riekeman says LIFE is opening a clinic beside Atlanta Birth Center to

Lupo adds that it’s important to him personally to see an increase in the school’s enrollment, specifically in the D.C. program because even since he started in Chiropractic in the mid-1970s, the percentage of the population that sees a chiropractor has remained unchanged. “Forty years later, that percentage has barely changed, and I think that’s appalling,” he says. “Our population is too dependent on drugs, and we want to expand the concept that health comes from within and Chiropractic is absolutely not a drug profession.

The idea that the body has the ability to maintain its health and Chiropractic has a major role in that, that whole idea should be promoted around the world. It saves many lives.”

Summer 2016 | Alumni.LIFE.edu

BOOSTING ENROLLMENT With the growth in LIFE’s student population, Dr. Cynthia Boyd, D.C., the University’s vice president for enrollment and marketing, says they’ve been fortunate in adding a very good fit of students who are committed to the school’s philosophy of health, fitness and inside-out help.

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‘Whether they study [Chiropractic] or remain utilizing chiropractic care when they graduate, they all get heavily immersed in the benefits of it.’ – Dan Payne, Life University Athletic Director

“We really hope to educate a lot more students about who we are so that they can go spread that news around the world,” she says. This fall, with the addition of three new sports, her department will be welcoming 40 new student-athletes that wouldn’t have otherwise enrolled in the school.

Boyd has worked with Lupo a lot, brainstorming with him on the idea of increasing student enrollment. He also works with her staff regularly at student recruitment events for LIFE. “He is such a passionate chiropractor, so he is always turning people onto Chiropractic as a career, which is why he got interested in wanting to give money to do this field expansion and upgrade so that we could attract more students,” she says.

Elite 150 and growing the University is important to Boyd, who has worked at the school since 1995, because it has already brought so much to her life personally. “I share this philosophy, and I am very interested in sharing it around the world,” she says. “People should have a better education about their bodies and health and how they achieve and maintain it. What I think this can do is give us so many more avenues to introduce our philosophy to other people. There is this whole culture of people who share and live Chiropractic and want to turn more people onto it. The impact it can have is just huge because it’s not just chiropractors spreading the word but people in all kinds of careers, whether it be someone working with sports teams or people in business and psychology or social sciences.”

PARTNERING WITH THE COMMUNITY As a result of building the all-purpose field, a partnership has also sprouted between LIFE and Atlanta United F.C., the Major League Soccer that will begin its first season in early 2017.

The team will play at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, but the practice facilities and executive and administrative staff offices will be housed in Marietta, less than 1 mile from the Life University campus. The 33-acre practice site represents more than $50 million in new investment to the area.

Owned by Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank and operated under the direction of team president Darren Eales, the location in Marietta will allow Atlanta United to build a world-class training facility in the area that has a strong youth soccer presence.

Tony Annan, the academy manager for Atlanta United and a LIFE alum who graduated with a Bachelor of Science in nutrition and dietetics in 1998, coaches the Under 16 and Under 18 teams for the MLS team. The University will host the two teams in the fall for training until their facility is ready in 2017.

“I’ve always stayed connected with the school, but Atlanta United President Darren Eales asked if I would be the representative because I have ties to the school,” Annan says about the partnership forming. “And when I found out what they were doing [with Elite 150], I agreed to do my best to try and help them raise money for the campaign and connect with some of the old soccer players.”

As an alum and former LIFE student-athlete, Annan adds that he thinks Elite 150 is a great opportunity for the University because it allows his young academy players to work out alongside college student-athletes. “I think the way that LIFE is trying to expand its sports programs, it’s a good tie-in for all kids to see college athletics and the facilities of LIFE,” he continues. “All around, it was just a good fit for us — the location, working with the community and their drive, so for me, it’s brilliant. It’s great to see the athletic programs growing.”

He’s also shared news about the campaign with former teammates at LIFE. “We all got so much out of LIFE as a student, and they gave us so much opportunity, athletically and academically, that giving back to the University and helping the University getting back to where it should be is a worthwhile cause and definitely should be supported by those who played sports,” he says. l To join the Elite 150, visit Alumni.LIFE.edu/LowerAthleticField.

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How to Turn Your Practice Assets Into a Lifetime Income Stream

BY GREG HARRIS, VICE PRESIDENT FOR UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT

If you are retiring or needing to First, what is an annuity? end your chiropractic practice, An annuity is a contract an there used to be two options individual has with a financial — sell the practice to another institution to provide a revenue chiropractor or close it. The first stream in exchange for an investoption worked well in decades ment. Most annuities are estabpast but not as much today. The lished with a cash investment of number of doctors retiring is $10,000 or more. The funds are almost outpacing the number of invested and a payment is made students graduating from chiroon a predetermined rate of quarpractic colleges. Many of today’s terly, semi-annual or annual. graduates are working as an associate with little money to invest So, what is a CGA? in purchasing a new practice or A CGA can only be issued by are starting their own practice at nonprofits with annuity pronewer facilities that don’t need to grams, which tend to be univerbe remodeled. In fact, only about sities or national nonprofits. In 5 percent of new graduates want many cases, a financial institution to purchase another doctor’s backs the annuity program. The existing practice. So with the difference between a CGA and market favoring the buyer, many a regular annuity is a) the CGA chiropractors are closing their can be funded by a charitable gift practice and selling their assets that provides the donor with a for pennies on the dollar. tax deduction on top of the lifeA new option is now availtime revenue stream, and b) the able. Doctors have the choice of CGA can be funded by an appreworking with Life University to ciated asset, such as stock, real receive a revenue stream for life estate or other tangible product. in return for the practice assets.

How does this work? It’s through a charitable gift annuity program (CGA). Most ESTATE PLANNING RETREAT universities have CGAs in place, Oct. 20-23 but few accept Indian Paintbrush Ranch tangible assets as the investment.

Lake George, Colorado This is what is To register, email unique about Greg Harris at Greg.Harris@LIFE.edu.

LIFE’s program.

Summer 2016 | Alumni.LIFE.edu

Can I use my practice to fund a CGA? Yes. In the calculation of the assets of your practice, LIFE will hire professional third parties to value your clinic equipment and clinic real estate. The valuation yields a higher amount if there is real estate involved — either the building that contains your clinic or an unrelated real estate investment. Why? Because real estate tends to be assessed higher than used equipment. Though we don’t include the value of your patient base, we ensure during the formal valuation process that your practice information gets in front of graduating students, if you or brokers haven’t done so already.

What are the first steps to explore this option?

The first step is to contact LIFE’s Vice President for University Advancement Greg Harris at Greg.Harris@LIFE.edu or (404) 358-5283. He works with individuals on various estate plan options in a highly confidential manner. l

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Vision Statement of the International Alumni Association of Life University: To service Life University and its students, alumni and friends by bridging a mutual connection and level of engagement for the betterment of all.

STRATEGY 1: STRENGTHEN CURRENT STUDENT ENGAGEMENT FOR LATER ALUMNI INVOLVEMENT Objective A: Work with Student Services to improve access to LIFE’s job board by both alumni and students to better identify quality job and career opportunities for students.

Tactics: 1. Make job board easier to find on the website 2. Improve user interface so job board is easier to use by eliminating login information, such as alumni IDs, using only common information like name and email 3. Re-publicize availability of job board to alumni once improvements are made 4. Promote link to the job board from the alumni web page 5. Promote information on the job board regarding practices for sale to maximize use by alumni 6. Help create a formula that identifies the job opportunities that provide a higher net level of compensation and highlight those opportunities 7. Promote job opportunities through state association partnerships when possible

Objective B: Communicate what it means to be an active and engaged alumnus to both alumni and students.

Tactics: Create three messages to be used by LIFE staff and alumni in working with students that address the roles, responsibilities and opportunities for alumni.

1. Options for these three messages include: a. the ongoing need of the University for engaged and supportive alumni b. the additional help alumni can provide in helping recruit future students c. the importance of serving as “ambassadors” for the University in their own social and professional lives d. the role of alumni in helping provide financial support even if that is modest 2. Formally communicate these messages to students working with deans and faculty, at University events, in publications, on the website, etc.

3. Communicate to students that LIFE can be a continuing resource throughout their careers Objective C: Increase student access to alumni.

Tactics: 1. Become a known resource for students who want to connect with alumni during academic breaks in order for students and alumni to know each other (for possible jobs after graduation) and for students to observe the “real world” of a practice 2. Reconsider hosting an alumni/student networking event at Fall CE categorized by states 3. Create more partnerships with alumni from nonchiropractic disciplines to establish internships by department and school; work with the CGUS community and development staff member 4. Grow state partnerships; these are a resource for building student-doctor mentorships and career advice Alumni.LIFE.edu/IAALU Alumni.LIFE.edu | Summer 2016

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Life U & State Partnerships Life University currently has partnerships with state chiropractic associations in Georgia, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia and Wisconsin. Student clubs have formed on campus for each of these states. Collectively, the state’s association and student partnership is referred to as the State Networking Association (SNA).

The state partnerships provide chiropractors and students who participate in the SNA with the following benefits: LIFE Leadership Weekend. Travel benefits to offer prospective students to attend LIFE’s premiere prospective student event, offered four times a year; to include up to $200 toward travel reimbursement and a third night of lodging, in addition to benefits offered to every attendee.

Scholarships. First quarter students have the opportunity to apply for a scholarship from their home (participating) state.

Each association gives out 12 scholarships per year. Each scholarship is valued at $7,500, the equivalent of one quarter’s tuition.

Speakers. Students meet twice a quarter to enjoy speakers from various participating states to

give career advice and speak on what’s going in their state and how it affects them.

Mentors. Chiropractors who have joined the partnership are invited to serve as mentors. Students may choose one or more chiropractors to be their mentor. Students are also encouraged to join their state association as another opportunity for networking.

PEAK Support. Some of the state association partners will provide students, through LIFE, an award of up to $500 for students that PEAK in the partner state.

Post-Graduate Assistance. When a state club student graduates, they will receive from LIFE a special discount rate through Scrip Hessco to purchase equipment and supplies to get started in their chiropractic career for one year following graduation. For new graduates who become licensed in a partner state, a nuts and bolts “getting started” seminar will be offered by some of the state associations. Some of the participating state partners also provide up to a $500 award for new graduates that become licensed in one of the participating states and upon joining the state partner association.

If interested in participating in your state partnership program, please visit Alumni.LIFE.edu/StatePartnerships to sign up.

Summer 2016 | Alumni.LIFE.edu

Thank you to the following alumni and friends for their support in the state partnership:

Dr. Jay LaGuardia, CSW Liaison

Pete Brettingen, President of the Wisconsin Club

Chiropractic Society of Wisconsin Badgers for LIFE Dr. Ashley Anderson Dr. Scott Bautch Dr. Brian Becker Dr. Katherine Gress Dr. Greg Haas Dr. Jennifer Haas Dr. Alyse LaGuardia Hall Dr. Vincent Hall Dr. Jay LaGuardia Dr. Cindy Mickelson Dr. Dean Shepherd Dr. Luke Staudenmaier Dr. Pam Stucky-LaGuardia Dr. Bobbi Voermans Dr. Steve Wilsens

Dr. Leana Kart, GCA Liaison

Eric Mundie, President of the Georgia Club

Georgia Chiropractic Association GA 4 LIFE Dr. Robert Alpert Dr. John Bennett Dr. Kenneth Boscher Dr. Alicia Braddy Dr. Jamie Braddy Dr. Cal Brice Dr. John Brink Dr. Richard Buchanan Dr. Heather Camp Dr. Winston Carhee Dr. Christopher Connelly Dr. Stephen Cooper Dr. Edward Cordovado Dr. Keith Crowe Dr. Edwin Davis Dr. Philip Day

CAMPUS LIFE

Dr. Allen Dellinger Dr. Daniel DeReuter Dr. Jay Di Vagno Dr. Jodi Dixon Dr. Marc Ellis Dr. Byron Gadsden Dr. Bill Glaccum Dr. Bryan Hooper Dr. Leana Kart Dr. Charles Kim Dr. David Lee Dr. Samantha March-Howard Dr. K. Merati Dr. James Moorman Dr. Steve Rasmussen Dr. Kenneth Register Dr. Matthew Ryan Dr. Bruce Salzinger Dr. Clark Stull Dr. Mark Vandine Dr. Michael Vaughn Dr. John Vilardo Dr. John Webster Dr. Chris Wheelan

Dr. Joe Baudille, NYCC Liaison

Ana Cortes, President of the New York Club

New York Chiropractic Council NYC LIFE

Dr. Andrea Auerbach Dr. Joseph Baudille Dr. Brian Bogdanski Dr. Robert Browne Dr. Scott Brunengraber Dr. Justin Calhoun Dr. Richard Davidson Dr. Gary DiBenedetto Dr. Douglas Drobbin Dr. Catherine Falk Dr. Ann Forte Dr. Diana Galish-Frasier Dr. George Gertner Dr. David Hecht Dr. Ralph Krutulis Dr. Adam Lamb Dr. John LaMonica Dr. Debra Macko-Cavalluzzi Dr. Maxine Mayreis Dr. John McAtamney Dr. Kimberly Moynihan Dr. Avrum Musnik Dr. Gregg Rubinstein Dr. Darren Scarafile Dr. Scott Schwager Dr. Helena Tsourounakis Dr. Jane Whitaker

Dr. Mark Silvester, Bryna Waters, NCC Liaison President of the N.C. Club

Dr. Kreg Huffer, OSCA Liaison

North Carolina Chiropractic Association Tar Heels for LIFE

Ohio State Chiropractic Association Buckeyes for LIFE

Dr. Thomas Ayres Dr. Robert Barnum Dr. Debra Bell Dr. Holly Clemens Dr. Miguel Cruz Dr. Bruce Davies Dr. Alisha Davis Dr. Paul Davis Dr. Michael Edgerton Dr. Jerome Fonke Dr. Patrick Gallagher Dr. Aliya Gard Dr. Charles Gilreath Dr. Stacy Gray Dr. S. Glenn Jaffe Dr. Lonnie Katro Dr. Andre Knecht Dr. Jason Kuoma Dr. Kathy Michel Dr. Sarah Morrison Dr. Jennifer Murphy Dr. Fotine Myers Dr. Jacqulyn Nygren Dr. Christopher Outten Dr. Jerry Pokorney Dr. Gina Policari Dr. Blake Prelipp Dr. Sean Reese Dr. Donald Reese Dr. Wendy Robbins Dr. Michael Rosen Dr. Dennis Royal Dr. Anthony Santangelo Dr. Michael Schmitt Dr. Grant Sikes Dr. Mark Silvester Dr. Jennifer Slechter Dr. Bob Stroud Dr. Chris Thompson Dr. Andy Van Hoewyck Dr. Gary Wojeski Dr. Latisha Wright

Dillon Huffer, President of the Ohio Club

Dr. Merle 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. Michael Collins Dr. Adrian D’Amato Dr. Kara Davidson Dr. Mark Demalio Dr. Casen DeMaria Dr. Anthony DeMaria Dr. Dustin Detrick Dr. Gary Domanick Dr. Patrick Ensminger Dr. Dwaine Everett Dr. Jason Feltz Dr. Matthew Finke Dr. Gregory Goffe Dr. Bharon Hoag Dr. Marie Hoying Dr. Kreg Huffer Dr. Julia Keiser Dr. David Klosterman Dr. Patrick Lalama Dr. Jonathan Laux Dr. Joseph Lindeman Dr. Ross Lubrani Dr. Christopher Mabry Dr. Brian Mabry Dr. Danielle MacDuff Dr. James McCoskey Dr. Craig Miladin Dr. John Mistretta Dr. Anthony Monnin Dr. John Moore Dr. Kimberly Muhlenkamp Dr. Mathias Pamer Dr. Brady Partee Dr. David Peltier Dr. Robert Prewitt Dr. Jennifer Ramsey Dr. Anthony Rump Dr. William Schneider Dr. Misty Senz Dr. William Slater Dr. Jay Smith

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Dr. Brandy Spaulding Dr. Joshua Steinke Dr. Stephanie Winegardner Dr. Thomas Witwer Dr. Clay Wolph Dr. Randy Wurts Dr. Jeffrey Zaika

Dr. Tom Wetzen, UVCA Liaison

Abbi Elbaum, President of the Virginia Club

Unified Virginia Chiropractic Association Unified with LIFE Dr. Marco Accordo Dr. Leroy Bazzarone Dr. Jeremy Busch Dr. Craig Camidge Dr. Samantha Coleman Dr. Gary Dennis Dr. Diane DeReu-Foley Dr. Janice Dunlap Dr. Sandy Elbaum Dr. Adam Elbaum Dr. Tarek Elganainy Dr. Ashley Genthner Dr. Stephen Genthner Dr. Lawrence Griffith Dr. Mark Gutekunst Dr. Mark Haynes Dr. Leslie Holcombe Dr. Jessica Howard Dr. Wendy Jacobs Dr. Brian Jensen Dr. Patrick Kennedy Dr. Elizabeth Koch Dr. Demetrios Kydonieus Dr. Alexis LaBarbera Dr. Carol Lee Dr. Lee Matthis Dr. David Milot Dr. Bibhu Misra Dr. Imanuel Morenings Dr. Meredith Oudt Dr. Minesh Patel Dr. Jennifer Rathmann Dr. David Reynolds Dr. Jasmine Robinson Dr. Matthew Schrier Dr. Raymond Solano Dr. William Sonak Dr. Sean Stewart Dr. Eugene Su Dr. Carly Swift Dr. Jessica Upton Dr. Kevin Walsh Dr. Thomas Wetzen Dr. Jeffery Wynn Dr. Mohammad Yousefi

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NeuroLIFE Institute’s Inaugural

Concussion Awareness and Prevention Summit The NeuroLIFE Institute (NLI) hosted the inaugural Concussion Awareness and Prevention Summit on the campus of Life University May 14. The summit was a community-wide event to showcase the most recent and important information regarding concussion injuries, specifically related to protecting our most precious commodities — children.

“Raising awareness and prevention strategies is just one way parents, coaches, teachers, trainers and health care providers can employ practices and policies to protect our children from the damaging effects of concussion,” notes Dr. Michael Hall, executive director of the NLI. “At the Concussion

Summer 2016 | Alumni.LIFE.edu

Awareness and Prevention Summit, we highlighted some of the most leading-edge, innovative technologies along with current research involving the most effective methods of caring for the concussed athlete. We also revealed ways in which to be more resistant to the violent forces associated with concussions.”

Expert speakers from the fields of Chiropractic, functional neurology, athletic training and sport health science all presented at the summit, answering the questions and concerns of one of the most highly discussed and prevalent topics in the sports arena and media today.

Hall opened up the event with

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Dr. Michael Hall, executive director of the NLI.

Dr. Sherry McAllister spoke on recognition and prevention of concussions.

Kelly Noble (left) and her son, Rease Noble, a former patient at the NLI, shared Rease’s amazing testimonial.

Dr. Spencer Baron explained simple ways to help prevent concussions.

an empowering presentation on “Changing the Landscape of Concussions in America,” setting the stage for the rest of the day’s talks that provided attendees with a plethora of information valuable to professionals in sport-related fields, professionals in health care, student-athletes and their parents, coaches and educators.

Another advantageous component to the summit was its offering of continuing education opportunities for chiropractors and athletic trainers. Leaders in both fields provided clinical tools and advice for immediate

utilization, as well as current assessment and treatment trends with regards to concussion.

“The Concussion Awareness and Prevention Summit put on by the NeuroLIFE Institute is without question the best continuing education program I’ve been to in years,” says Dr. Paul Donaldson, D.C., assistant professor and faculty clinician at LIFE’s Center for Health and Optimum Performance. “Dr. Michael Hall and the captivating group of speakers provided the most up-to-date information on the causes, diagnosis methods and

treatments for traumatic brain injury. The most poignant part of the day was the panel discussion, which included student athletes that regained their lives through care at the [NLI].”

For more information on the NeuroLIFE Institute, concussion awareness and prevention strategies, making an appointment at the NLI or to contact one of their experts in the chiropractic functional neurology field, visit NeuroLIFEInstitute.com or call (770) 426-2829. l

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2016 Octagon

Compassion, Integrity and Secular Ethics From May 14-16, The 2016 Octagon, hosted by Life University, brought together an interdisciplinary group of leaders from the worlds of business, nonprofits, sustainability, health care, wellness and the academy to share current practices and research. They were also tasked with thinking through how compassion, integrity and secular ethics can manifest and be cultivated in organizations, what benefits they could produce and the type of research that is necessary to advance this agenda.

Since 2007, The Octagon has brought together an interdisciplinary group of thought leaders to promote world-changing conversations on health care and the human condition. Beginning in 2014, The Octagon set the theme of integrity and citizenship for a series of five annual conferences.

Under this banner, The 2014 Octagon focused on integrity and compassion, which helped launch the Center for Compassion, Integrity and Secular Ethics in July 2015. The 2015 Octagon continued the work of the multiple projects currently underway through the Center. The 2016 Octagon was the first of three conferences that will focus on the areas of integrity and citizenship on a particular domain.

COMPASSION, INTEGRITY AND SECULAR ETHICS The world has become increasingly interdependent and the time has passed when each individual, organization, culture, society or religion can survive independently.

Summer 2016 | Alumni.LIFE.edu

There has never been a time when promoting pro-social values through organizations has been more imperative. Recent scientific research shows that compassion is especially important to individual and social flourishing. Compassion is the wholehearted motivation to benefit others and alleviate their suffering. Studies show that compassion and related processes like empathy are not only important values for individual and social wellbeing, but also skills that can be taught and cultivated through contemplative practice.

Cultivating compassion changes the brain and body in measurable ways, increasing cortical thickness in key areas of the brain, strengthening immune function, promoting pro-social behavior and decreasing the likelihood of chronic illness.

Also, helping others out of genuine compassion requires integrity as its foundation. Being able to remain true to one’s deepest values, regardless of pressures or temptations, to compromise them for short-term gain, is not only essential to a life welllived, but is also of profound benefit to both oneself and others. Moreover, like compassion, it is a skill that can be learned and developed.

Compassion and integrity are universal human values, part of “secular ethics,” that promote individual, social and environmental flourishing. Secular ethics is a system of basic human values that transcend any one religious or humanistic tradition, recognize our common humanity,

innate potential and interdependence and are grounded in common sense, common experience and science.

OUTCOMES FROM THE 2016 OCTAGON “This year’s Octagon was a tremendous success,” says Dr. Michael Karlin, Life University associate professor of psychology and associate director of the Center for Compassion, Integrity and Secular Ethics.

“Compassion, integrity and secular ethics can have a positive impact on businesses, and through busi- Dr. Michael Karlin ness, the wider world.”

Karlin went on to note that The Octagon strengthened and expanded many collaborations of Life University’s Center for Compassion, Integrity and Secular Ethics, including their work with multiple outside enterprises, including etsy.org, the Sustainability Laboratory and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights to name a few.

It also helped validate their new Compassionate Integrity Training for businesses.

“As a primary engine of social change, businesses must be part of solving the many crises we face throughout the world, and The Octagon was a step forward in that direction,” Karlin says.

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Life TALKS 2016

BY HALLY JOSEPH

This year, the second annual LIFE Talks World Congress delved into an overarching theme of integrity, with speakers from across the nation discussing contemporary issues of integrity from birth to death. The event took place May 12-13 at Life University and was coordinated and emceed

by Life University Vice President of Professional Relations Dr. Gilles LaMarche.

Beginning the spectrum of integrity throughout life, Anjli Aurora Hinman, director of Atlanta Birth Center, explored how the way we care for women during their pregnancies and births is fundamental to the human experience. Next, Dr. Drew Rubin, D.C., used an actual case study of a young boy to investigate alternatives in the world of health care.

From there, integrity was examined in business, life satisfaction, relationships and more. Speakers included Drs. Guy Riekeman, Barbara De Angelis, Michael Ben-Eli, Michael Karlin and Brendan Ozawa-de Silva and Barbara Loe Fischer, with musical interludes by singer-songwriter Bob Sima.

Scarlett Lewis closed the spectrum by examining integrity at death. Lewis lost her young son in

Scarlett Lewis delivers a heart-stirring and inspirational message of choosing forgiveness and love in the wake of personal tragedy.

the Sandy Hook Elementary School shootings in Connecticut in 2012 and discussed choosing courage and love after an embittering loss.

Participants left with “LIFE Talks Lifestyle Changes� ready to apply to their lives in the days following the event. As an event, LIFE Talks aims to build a tribe of empowering leaders to create social change, assisting each participant to realize their soul purpose, make a transformational impact on the world, create social change for good and remove the interference to maximize their perfection within.

Learn more at LIFETalks.org.

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Keep in Touch with

1980s

Dr. Larry Marchese (’83), president of the International Alumni Association of Life University, was the recipient of the ICA B.J. Palmer Leadership Award in appreciation of his tireless work on behalf of the ICA Assembly and the Profession at Large. Marchese was presented the award at ICA’s 90th Annual Meeting in April. He thanks ICA and all his representative assembly worldwide for having the support and confidence in him to serve.

June has been an exciting month for Dr. Eric Plasker (’85)! His son, Jacob, received his Doctor of Chiropractic from Life University June 17 and Dr. Plasker was honored with the Presidential Award at the California Chiropractic Association Convention. Congratulations to the Plasker legacy!

Summer 2016 | Alumni.LIFE.edu

LIFE Graduates ®

1990s Dr. Greg Baker (’90) gave a presentation at ACC-RAC and sat on an expert panel fielding questions about best practice and clinical practice guidelines. Baker is the current chairman of the Council on Chiropractic Guidelines and Practice Parameters, the national organization formed to develop science based practice guidelines for the chiropractic profession. Baker maintains private practices in Dalton and Chatsworth, Georgia. His stepdaughter, Tember, will soon be enrolling in Life University.

Dr. Danny Gambino (’90), LIFE’s California State Rep, was recently elected as one of seven Regional Directors by the California Chiropractic Association for the next fiscal year.

Gambino represents San Diego, Riverside and San Bernardino counties and was officially installed June 24.

Dr. Peter Keen (’94) was spotted on campus with his daughter and current D.C. student, Fallon Keen, in front of the infamous hands structure. We love hearing about LIFE families, where multiple generations come to Life University to get their education. Dr. Keen maintains a private practice in Demopolis, Alabama.

Dr. Tony Santangelo (’96) returned to campus May 19 to speak to the student group –– State Networking Association. As a representative of our state partnership with the North Carolina Chiropractic Association, Tar Heels for LIFE, Santangelo gave

Congratulations to Dr. Manuel Belaval (’91) who received an award for “The Oldest Life University Alumnus in Puerto Rico” at our annual CE event in San Juan, Puerto Rico, in February.

ALUMNI AND FRIENDS UPDATE

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Dr. Stu Katzen (’97), vice president of the International Alumni Association of Life University and chair of the sports committee, organized his first alumni tailgate at the LIFE vs. New York Athletic Club rugby match. With the help of committee member Dr. Phil Facquet (’90), there was a good group of tailgaters to cheer on LIFE, while also helping to adjust the players. insiders advice and tips for success after graduation to a packed room.

We are thankful for his support of the partnership and the time he spent with the students.

Dr. Andrea Auerbach (’97) wrote a children’s book, “The Best Kept Secret,” that touches on subjects such as tolerance among classmates, bullying and a boy’s trip to his favorite doctor. She hopes the book will help introduce children and their parents to the benefits of chiropractic care for children as an integral part of their health care and wellness lifestyle.

Auerbach has practiced in Park Slope, Brooklyn, New York, for 15 years. Her practice includes newborns, infants, toddlers and children of all ages, as well as adults and prenatal and postnatal moms.

2000s

Dr. Danielle Ager (’02) is excited to take over Ager Chiropractic after 15 years working for her incredible father, Dr. Richard Ager in Denville, New Jersey. Although Richard will still work three days a week, Danielle anticipates that she will have very big shoes to fill. She describes her family’s passion through a quote from Dr. Sid Williams, “Are you into Chiropractic or is Chiropractic into you?”

Dr. Josh Wagner (’10) was featured in a chiropractic podcast, “Are Visit Number D.C. Care Models Going Extinct?” with Billy Sticker of ChiroCandy Podcast.

Throughout the podcast, Wagner shares a revolutionarily simple and effective care plan method for cash patients providing D.C.s with a new way to recommend care to patients who will accept, stay and refer for easier than ever before. The full podcast can be listened to at ChiroCandy.com.

Dr. Shannon Darrow (’09) has developed Spinal Missions: Sports Drive and will donate new and gently used sports equipment to those in need on their mission trips. The equipment will not only give happiness to deserving children, but also help develop a healthy way of life. Spinal Missions is a nonprofit of chiropractic doctors, students and others that have a very strong desire to help people in poor countries in handling health care issues.

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ALUMNI AND FRIENDS UPDATE

In addition to being a chiropractor to humans, Dr. Tara Layne (’10) is a chiropractor to mares.

Horses often give so much in the arena and Layne ensures that they stay in top performance by having them checked and adjusted. To check out more about her work with these horses, search for “Equine Wellness” on Facebook.

Congratulations to Dr. Thomas Taylor III (’12) and his wife, Amanda, on the birth of their new son Matthew in June. Mom, dad and big brother Drew are all doing well.

FRIENDS WE’VE LOST Dr. Vito Guarino (’82) passed away peacefully June 30. He maintained his own practice in New Rochelle, New York, where he treated patients for almost 30 years. He loved spending time with family and friends, walking his dogs and, in his younger years, enjoyed skeet shooting, skiing and scuba diving. He will always be remembered for his generosity, warmth and indomitable sense of humor. Dr. Guarino is survived by his wife, Ann, and two sons Vincent and Nicholas.

always giving, loving and serving and will be remembered for his generous nature, his big smile and his easy laugh. He is survived by his wife, Margaret; a daughter, Hayley; and two sons, Peter and Stephen.

Dr. Peter Marascia (’82) passed away March 28.

He practiced as a D.E. chiropractor in Brooklyn, New York. Peter was

Dr. John Chomer (’84) passed away Feb. 28. He played for LIFE rugby in the early 80s and was a great guy who always believed in using your abilities to give to others and did so by going on missions both home and abroad. His life revolved around God

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Summer 2016 | Alumni.LIFE.edu

and his family, who he loved dearly, as well as his staff and his patients.

He was passionate about the ocean and scuba-dived up to the very end.

He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Lisa; his son, Caleb; and his daughters, Briana and McKinzee.

Dr. Larry McCartney (’97) passed away Oct. 21, 2015. Larry was a kind, loving and funny individual. He was community oriented and helped anyone who needed his help — be it human or animal. He was also an avid hockey player who loved the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and managed to celebrate the Grey Cup each year. He is survived by his loving wife, Christine; and daughters, Lauren Christina and Jenna Marie.

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 – honors an alumnus or alumna who has reached the pinnacle of their career and brought credit to themselves and LIFE. •• Young Alumnus/Alumna Award – honors an alumnus or alumna who has graduated within the last 10 years.

•• Honorary Alumnus/Alumna Award – honors a non-LIFE graduate who has demonstrated exceptional commitment and support for the mission and spirit of LIFE. •• Lasting Purpose: To Love Award – honors an individual who exemplifies his or her love and pride for LIFE through social media, attending events and supporting LIFE. •• Lasting Purpose: To Serve Award – honors an individual who supports LIFE through engagement (LIFEforce 1000, PEAK, State Rep, Reunions).

•• Lasting Purpose: To Give Award – honors an individual who has made an impact on LIFE through their financial contributions.

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. Awards will be presented to recipients in a formal ceremony at the Lasting Purpose Recognition Lunch Sept. 30 during our annual Fall CElebration program.

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