S U M M E R 2017
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V O L U M E 10
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ISSUE 2
Yo ur Extrao rdina ry
Creating Transformational Chiropractic Leaders
William M. Harris Center for Clinical Education
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LIFE UNIVERSITY’S ALUMNI AND FRIENDS MAGAZINE
PRESIDENT’S LETTER
Greetings, LIFE Alumni and Friends! It’s been a season of exciting firsts as I transition aesthetic gem to what is already one of the into my new role of President at Life University. most beautiful campuses in metro Atlanta. Shortly after the announcement was made Not only will it look great, but additionally, regarding both Dr. Riekeman’s advancement it will provide us with the space we need to the position of Chancellor and my to accommodate what we foresee appointment to President, I had my first will be more undergraduate and Facebook Live experience where I was able graduate students looking for the to share my background and journey into true college culture of on-campus both the chiropractic profession and higher living. education leadership. I was also able to Looking a little further into the convey both my chiropractic philosophy future, we also plan to implement and the audacious vision that I, in the Exceptional Experience collaboration with Dr. Riekeman and Curriculum (EEC) that our our other University administration, administration and faculty in the have for both the present and the College of Chiropractic have been future. I’m now honored to be writing working on for a few years now to whom I consider the MVPs (most for the 2018 Fall Quarter. This valuable partners) of LIFE, our new curriculum is designed to be alumni and friends, for the first more interactive, student-centered time in our Your Extraordinary and reliable on technology, as “… wow, now is most certainly LIFE magazine. opposed to the more mundane As President, a big part of my nature of lectures, reviews, tests … a magnificent time to be a job is the day-to-day operations of wash, rinse, repeat. In other part of the LIFE family with our beautiful campus in Marietta, words, we’re more committed Georgia … and wow, now is than ever to teach with the end what is happening currently most certainly a magnificent time result being better chiropractors and what is set to come in to be a part of the LIFE family out in the world and making a with what is happening currently difference. the very near future.” and what is set to come in the That’s where you come in. very near future. Just this past As Life University alumni and Spring Quarter, a much-needed adjustment was friends, you are the representatives of our University completed on a historic campus building, as the in the public eye, showcasing the talents, skills, former Administration building was transformed philosophy and core values that LIFE hopes to into the new William M. Harris Center for Clinical impart to all in their journey to a degree in our Education. This state-of-the-art, multi-dimensional Chiropractic program, or in one of our 18 additional center marks the beginning of a brand new era in undergraduate or graduate degree programs. You all education at LIFE, and you’ll both see and read are invaluable members of our LIFE community that more about its components in our featured article are best equipped to further enhance the prestige of this issue. our University and the advancement of the vitalistic Another item on the agenda that is set to break health care model. I greatly appreciate all that you ground this Summer Quarter is new student give, do, love and serve and hope to see you in housing that will be located in the area off Barclay September at Fall CElebration. Circle where the Commons apartments that house Yours in Chiropractic our student-athletes currently stand. This student housing/dining facility has been in the planning phases for quite some time now, and we are fervently anticipating its completion, as it will add yet another Rob Scott, D.C., Ph.D.
Summer 2017 | Alumni.LIFE.edu
CONTENTS
Your E x trao r d i n a r y
Summer 2017 | Alumni.LIFE.edu
LIFE UNIVERSITY’S ALUMNI AND FRIENDS MAGAZINE
F E AT U R E
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ON THE COVER: Read about the newest facility on campus, the William M. Harris Center for Clinical Education, and its impact on the student experience.
LIFE UNIVERSITY Guy F. Riekeman Chancellor
The Value of Higher Ed in Prison
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Creating Transformational Chiropractic Leaders — William M. Harris Center for Clinical Education
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LIFEforce Is On The Move
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President’s Circle: Helping to Fund LIFE’s Priorities
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LIFE’s State Rep Program Goes Social!
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A Different Perspective on LIFE
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Liberal Arts and Literature at LIFE
Rob Scott President Mary Ellen Leffard Director of Alumni Relations Kelsey Harris Alumni Relations Coordinator Will Brooks Communications and Marketing Manager Lindsey Farley Social Media and Marketing Project Manager David Honeycutt Integrated Content Creator Andi Counts Graphic Designer
DEPARTMENTS
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
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Alumni and Friends Update
Keep in Touch with LIFE Graduates, Friends We’ve Lost
YOUR EXTRAORDINARY LIFE magazine is published three times a year by by Life University, 1269 Barclay Circle, Marietta, GA 30060. (800) 543-3202.. 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 2017 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.
Alumni.LIFE.edu | Summer 2017
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ON THE ROAD
g to 14th Quarter Dr. Todd Hamilton speakin Rosanna and ani Sarf iya Students San Fair 4 LIFE Mancebo during Career
The 1996–1997 Men’s Basketball Championship Team celebrated their 20th reunion on February 18. (l-r back row): Derrick Folston, Anthony Maxwell (’99), Coach Roger Keiser, Tyrone Gainer, James Harris, Coach Bill Firnbach, Dr. John Downes (’86) (l-r front row): Don Smiley and Vireen Harris
Dr. Mark Hines (’02) spe aking with 13th Quarter Student Emily Styer duri ng Career Fair 4 LIFE
(’98) Drs. Joseph Clarino (’99), Norm Colby ent’s and Debra Cirone (’98) at the Presid Black Tie Gala during LIFE Vision
LIFE Recruiter Edwin Medina visiting Dr. Josue Rodriguez (’05) in his practice in San Juan, Puerto Rico
uiting future Dr. John Bennett (’90) recr West Virginia Spring the at ers lead chiropractic er Jasmin Collins ruit Rec Career Fair with LIFE
LIFE Students Jan Ortiz, Austin Boozie, Richie Forte and Zach Angaret took first place in the Running Eagles Scramble for LIFE on May 18
t Leaders for State Partnership Liaisons meeting with the Studen Kelsey Harris, the State Networking Association. Back Row (l-r): Leffard, Dr. Stu Katzen (’97), Dr. Leana Kart (’87), Mary Ellen (’90), Dr. Scott dia LaGuar StuckyPam Dr. (’99), r Silveste Mark Dr. Quigley, Greg Brunengraber (‘99), Dr. Tom Wetzen (’89), Maggie Emily Darr, Logan Harris. Front Row (l-r): Anne Peters, Ana Cortes, Johnny Reuter. Hiers, Daryl Oby, Kierra Smith, Abbi Elbaum and
LIFE Faculty, Students and GCA Members at the Chiropractic Day at the Capitol Summer 2017 | Alumni.LIFE.edu
LIFE ON THE ROAD
Packed house at the LIFE Luncheon Riekeman, during Cal Jam 2017
Ohio Students Derek Billi ng, Kelli Froats, Troy Cros s and Princess Benedicto with Drs. Dillon Huffer (’17) and Kreg Huffer after LIFE Assembl y.
by Assistant Coach), Colton Cariaga (Men’s Rug Basketball Head ’s men (Wo l Anthony Maxwel stling Head Wre n’s Coach), Omi Acosta (Me ast (Athletic Director) derg Pen e Jaym and ch) Coa mble for LIFE at the Running Eagles Scra
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to hear Chancellor, Dr. Guy
Jerry Judd with York X-Ray shaking hands with 13th Quarter LIFE Student Andre Jobson during Career Fair 4 LIFE. Our next event will be held Sunday, October 1 at 10:00 a.m.
Mary Ellen Leffard, Director of Alumni Relations, receiving the Best Booth Award at the North Carolina Chiropractic Association’s Spring Convention
Over 75 golfers ready to go for the for LIFE
ment Event during the North Carolina Tar Heels for LIFE Meeting and Student Recruit Chiropractic Association’s Spring Convention
Drs. Jack Rushin (’80), B.J. Harman (’80) and Lou Brie gel (’80) at LIFE Vision
Running Eagles Scramble
LIFE Students Nick Kepreos , David Cao and Carolina Hurtado represen ting the Integrity Doctors Team at the Running Eag les Scramble for LIFE
Mary Ellen Leffard, Director of Alum ni Relations and LIFE Recruiter Jasmin Collins at the NCCA Spring Conve ntion Alumni.LIFE.edu | Summer 2017
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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
SEPTEMBER
12-13 Florida Chiropractic Conference Life University Booth Ft. Lauderdale, FL
15-17 Kentucky Association of Chiropractors Life University Booth Lexington, KY
18-21 Tennessee Chiropractic Association Life University Booth Franklin, TN 23-28 Florida Chiropractic Association Life University Booth #324 & LIFE Reception Orlando, FL
15-17 Michigan Association of Chiropractors Life University Booth #28 15-17 Unified Virginia Chiropractic Association State Partner & Life University Booth #21 Virginia Beach, VA 22 D.C. Graduation 1:00 p.m. TIC Auditorium Life University 27-1 Fall CElebration 2017 For all events, register at LIFE.edu/FallCElebration 27 Campus Walking Tour Noon
Summer 2017 | Alumni.LIFE.edu
28 Campus Walking Tour Noon 28 Thirsty Thursday by ChiroMatrix Complimentary beer and wine with the exhibitors 5:30 p.m. Exhibit Halls C1 & C2 28 Classes of 1977, 1982 & 1987 Reunion Dinner 7:00 p.m. Socrates Café 29 State Representative Breakfast 7:30 a.m. Socrates Café 29 President’s Circle Lunch Noon Socrates Café Invitation Only If interested in attending, contact Mark Elam at 770-426-2660 or Mark.Elam@LIFE.edu. 29 Campus Walking Tour Noon
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OCTOBER 28 Happy Hour hosted by LIFEforce and the Enrollment Team 5:00 p.m. Socrates Courtyard 29 Fabulous Fifties Alumni & Friends Party 5:30 p.m. Socrates Café 30 Lasting Purpose Awards & Recognition Lunch Noon Upper Gym of SHS 30 Campus Walking Tour 1:30 p.m. Life University 30 Chiro Rugby Cup — LIFE vs. LIFE West 6:00 p.m. Lupo Family Field 29-1 North Carolina Chiropractic Association State Partner & Booth Winston Salem, NC
1 Career Fair 4 LIFE 10:00 a.m. Socrates Café Register at Alumni.LIFE. edu/CareerFairEmployers 11 Long Island After Hours & SRE hosted by Dr. Scott Brunengraber 7:00 p.m. 285 Middle Country Rd. #204, Smithtown, NY 11787 Reserve your spot at Alumni.LIFE.edu/AfterHours 12 Tarrytown, New York After Hours & SRE hosted by Dr. Joe Baudille 7:00 p.m. 670 White Plains Rd., Tarrytown, NY 10591 Reserve your spot at Alumni.LIFE.edu/AfterHours 12-15 LIFE Leadership Weekend Life University Students interested in LLW should register at LIFE.edu/Events/ LIFE-Leadership-Weekend 13-15
New York Chiropractic Council State Partner & Life University Booth Tarrytown, NY 19-22 Georgia Chiropractic Association State Partner & Life University Booth #430 Atlanta, GA 20-22 Ohio State Chiropractic Association State Partner, Sponsor & Life University Booth #414 Columbus, OH 20-22 Chiropractic Society of Wisconsin State Partner & Life University Booth The Dells, WI 21-22 Pennsylvania Chiropractic Association Life University Booth Pocono Manor, PA 27-29 Association of New Jersey Chiropractors Life University Booth East Brunswick, NJ
Alumni.LIFE.edu | Summer 2017
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The Value of Higher Ed in Prison There’s a place on LIFE’s campus that honors chiropractors who broke the law. Inside the signature clocktower is an opening that mimics a jail cell and lists all the chiropractors that were arrested for practicing Chiropractic when it was illegal in states. LIFE honors those individuals that fought for the right to practice a form of heath care that others deemed illegal. This doesn’t support the notion that everyone that commits a crime should be honored. However, if there is a way to give people a second chance through education and therefore lift up society, shouldn’t it be a responsibility to engage in that program? How about if the difference it makes is significant — like incarcerated individuals that attain a higher education degree while in prison have a collective recidivism rate of less than 5 percent nationally, as opposed to the national average that is higher than 70 percent! For LIFE, the answer is yes. In July 2016, LIFE launched a college degree program for incarcerated individuals called the Chillon Project. The Chillon Project takes its name from the poem by Lord Byron entitled “The Prisoner of Chillon.” Dr. Sid Williams used to recite passages of this poem to convey caution regarding the environments that influence our lives. He noted Byron’s key message: “So much a long communion tends to make us what we are.” The question before us at Life University became, “Could there be a way for us to help change the calculus of the American prison environment by altering the ‘communion’ of those at the center of it all?” The Chillon Project is an undertaking of our Center for Compassion, Integrity and Secular Ethics in partnership with the Georgia Department of Corrections. The Georgia Department of Corrections
THE CHILLON PROJECT
bringing higher education to correctional facilities Summer 2017 | Alumni.LIFE.edu
is a full partner and supports the ability for the project to be implemented, monitors the safety of everyone involved and provides resources. The program is the only accredited degree program in Georgia available to incarcerated persons, and the first in the state since 1994. In July 2016, an inaugural class of 15 students started the program, and they are slated to graduate with their Associates of Arts degrees at the end of 2018. An additional 15 students started in July 2017, and another 15 students in 2018. The Associate of Arts degree in Positive Human Development and Social Change is taught onsite to the incarcerated students at the Lee Arrendale State Prison for women in Alto, Georgia. This degree emphasizes the cultivation of inner skills, such as emotion regulation and integrity; social skills, such as compassion; and critical social analysis. Incarcerated students receive the same quality of teaching and curriculum as an on-campus student in a program that challenges students to think critically and creatively about the problems that face society. The curriculum, based on the idea of secular ethics, is rigorous and focused on providing the skills and knowledge necessary for creating positive and sustainable social change. It includes coursework in positive psychology, business and social entrepreneurship, peace studies and other disciplines. It also includes lab components for the cultivation of inner values, emotional and social intelligence, and contemplative practice. Two for-credit courses are offered each quarter of the year, totaling eight courses per year. An example of how this program is already making a difference can be seen through one of the students at Lee Arrendale State Prison for Women, who penned the following letter: To Life University and anyone who had any part, no matter how small, in the creation and implementation of the Chillon Project and the PHDSC degree program here at Lee Arrendale State Prison. This is an update on the effects of the program in relation to my mental status thus far. Others in my class may’ve experienced this already, or not. I may be early into this development, or late. Nonetheless, I’ve recently started experiencing something so
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profound that the act of putting it into words seems to reduce the greatness of it all. I fear it will leave it sounding simplistic and you wondering why I even bothered to write this letter. The parameters of my mind have expanded so much so that I now see my prior view of the world was muted, the sounds drowned out by useless static and seen at best through cataracts glossed over by idle time and a life lost. Everything is coming together now, as each class stacks wonderfully, complimenting the one before it. I never would’ve known the things that now occur to me so innocuously, were it not for this program. Now I see color; I see mechanisms and disciplines, science and beauty where before there was only shades of grey. Critical analysis and “aha” moments have become the norm in a mind where they were before unheard of. Not only have you facilitated discovery for me, but you’ve given me the means to become the discoverer. It is awesome in every sense of the word. I am so utterly thankful for this education, and no thanks will ever be adequate for a gift such as this. May my life serve it well.
The inaugural students know and understand their role as standard-bearers, as well as the need to counter the public perception that incarcerated people are limited in terms of potential. They have worked hard, and as a result, their class GPA stands at 3.9. In addition, their work ethic and confidence have led to their becoming role models within the prison for many of the other incarcerated females; helping improve their family and personal relationships; and creating social and emotional learning materials that will aid Atlanta school kids living in stressed neighborhoods. Interested in getting involved? The best way to help is to ensure the program is funded completely. LIFE raised approximately $80,000 in private support to cover the budget gap in the initial year of program. This gap is the difference between what the State of Georgia and LIFE funds. With the launch of a second class in July, the gap will rise to $150,000. You can support this program at Alumni.LIFE.edu/ChillonProject. Alumni.LIFE.edu | Summer 2017
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athletics ROUNDUP BY: JAKE HUDSPETH, SPORTS INFORMATION DIRECTOR
Adkins Leads Men’s Basketball into New Era of Success To say that Head Coach Keith Adkins first season at Life University was success would be a drastic understatement. Not only did Adkins breathe new life into a stagnant program, he brought it all the way back to national prominence. Having a track record of winning, Adkins was hired to bring a once proud basketball program back to national relevancy, and he did just that in one of the most remarkable seasons in recent memory. Adkins has described the fairy tale campaign as a tale of two seasons. The squad struggled early adjusting to the new coaching, dropping four of their first five games. Once MidSouth Conference (MSC) play began in late November, the Running Eagles seemed to have somewhat gelled as a unit, winning all four of their first conference games, including wins over No. 19 Pikeville and No. 20 Lindsey Wilson. However, the season once again looked murky as the team lost four of their next five non-conference games. Once MSC play resumed on January 7, Life U put together their best stretch in many years, winning 10 of their last 12 MSC games. After starting the second portion of conference play with a
Ron Pavan (MSC AC Chair), Jayme Pendergast (LIFE Athletic Director), Coach Keith Adkins and Eric Ward (MSC Commissioner) Summer 2017 | Alumni.LIFE.edu
below .500 record of 7-8, the Running Eagles finished the regular season an astounding 19-10, capturing the MSC Regular Season Championship in the process. Life U finished the regular season ranked No. 9 in the NAIA Coaches’ Poll.
earned All-American honors for his play. Senior Jonathan Beausejour earned the Charles Stevenson Hustle Award and was named MSC Male Student-Athlete of the Year. Keith Adkins was named MSC Men’s Basketball Coach of the Year and was the recipient of the MSC Male Coaching for Significance Award.
Life U Women Go Back-to-Back; Men Fall Just Short at CRC in Philly
Dalarian Williams
In the postseason, Adkins and his squad ran roughshod over opponents in the MSC Tournament, capturing the tournament title. Earning an automatic bid into the Buffalo Funds NAIA Division I National Tournament, Life U was seeded third in their division of the bracket and faced off against 24th-ranked Martin Methodist. Adkins and his squad continued rolling through the tournament and found themselves making it all the way to the NAIA National Championship game against Texas Wesleyan, which was broadcast on ESPN 3. Unfortunately, the magic ran out, as the Running Eagles fell 86-76 in the final game of the 2016-17 season. Adkins and his team earned several accolades for their accomplishments during the season. Senior Dalarian Williams was named NAIA National Player of the Year for his performance, as well as being named a First Team All-American. Junior Zach Landis also
Looking to defend their 2016 title, Life U women’s rugby looked primed to make another run after going undefeated in pool play on the first day at the Penn Mutual Collegiate Rugby Championships (CRC). The Running Eagles earned the overall top seed in tournament playoffs after winning their first three matches against Bloomsburg, Clemson and Indiana by a combined 189-0 score. In the quarterfinals on Saturday, the squad continued their dominance, steamrolling the United States Naval Academy 38-0, advancing to the semifinals. On Sunday, they plowed through Dartmouth 26-5 en route to the championship match later that day. In the championship match, which was broadcast live on NBC Sports Network, the Running Eagles met their first real competition of the tournament in Lindenwood. With their backs against the wall for the first time all tournament, Life U responded to a 7-0 halftime deficit to take a 12-7 lead midway through the second half. From there, they didn’t look back and earned their second consecutive CRC Championship with a 17-12 victory. As for the men’s squad, they entered the tournament looking to avenge their early exit in the quarterfinals the previous year. In pool play, the
AT H L E T I C S RO U N D U P
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the same title in the outdoor season. Competing in the NAIA Outdoor Track and Field National Championships in Gulf Shores, Ala., the Nassau, Bahamas native did just that. With a mark of 12.31m (40-4.75), Sands claimed the triple jump crown and completed her sweep of the event at the national level. Her mark was 0.16m better than the next competitor. This was Sands’ first outdoor national title and the first such title for Life University.
Nadine Fiege – Putting Life U Women’s Wrestling on the Map
Life U Women’s Undergrad Rugby Team
Running Eagles found victory in their first two matches with 29-17 and 19-12 wins over Wisconsin and Notre Dame, respectively. In the final match of the day, Life U found themselves in a tightly contested match against rival Arkansas State. Faced with a 19-12 deficit with 2:00 minutes remaining in the match, the squad tied the match at 19-19, forcing a draw as time expired.
of California. With the match being broadcast live on NBC, the squad had their work cut out for them. After a back and forth, defensive first half, the Golden Bears were able to get on the board first as time expired to take a 7-0 lead into the half. They wouldn’t look back from there and successfully defended their title with a 19-0 victory.
The quarterfinals on Sunday featured a rematch of the USA Rugby DIA 15s National Championship between the Running Eagles and Saint Mary’s. In what was a brutally defensive and low scoring match, Life U was able to come out on top with a 7-5 victory. In the semifinals, facing Lindenwood’s men’s team, Life U trailed for the entire first half, but was able to cut the lead to 14-12 at halftime. That momentum carried over into the final period, and the Life U squad took control to punch their ticket to the final with a 24-14 win.
Bria Sands – Track and Field Star
In their first time back in the championship match since 2013, the Running Eagles met up with the 7s powerhouse that is the University
After making a name for herself in the indoor track season as the NAIA national champion in the triple jump, sophomore Bria Sands looked to claim
Bria Sands
Only in its third year as a program, Life U Women’s Wrestling already has a face for itself in sophomore Nadine
Ashley Sword-Buster (Women’s Wrestling Head Coach), Nadine Fiege, Dave Matthews and Christina Schmitt
Fiege. After finishing sixth at last year’s WCWA Nationals, Fiege, a native of Jacksonville, Fla., was hungry to improve her standing in the national tournament. She did just that. Her fourth place finish was the highest in school history and made her the first two-time All-American in school history as well. Because of her success during the regular season, Fiege became the first Life U wrestler (male or female) to compete at the US Open World Team Trials for a spot on the U.S. national team. Alumni.LIFE.edu | Summer 2017
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Creating Transformational Chiropractic Leaders —
William M. Harris Center for Clinical Education BY: WILL BROOKS
The 2017 Spring Quarter brought about the highly anticipated renovation of the oldest building on the Life University (LIFE) campus, transforming what was formerly known as the Administration building to what is now the William M. Harris Center for Clinical Education. This new facility will be a teaching and skill-development chiropractic center that physically incorporates the existing Sid E. Williams Center for Chiropractic Research and the Campus Center for Health and Optimum Performance (CC-HOP), funded by Foot Levelers, on campus and provides expanded facilities for improved learning. By retrofitting the oldest campus building, LIFE captured additional academic space of 30,000 square feet to house the Harris Center in a cost-efficient and environmentally sustainable way. The Harris Center includes the following new areas:
The southwest lobby of the William M. Harris Center for Clinical Education contains a memorial (above) to the late Dr. William M. Harris for which it is named. A bronze bust, plaque with biography and memorabilia case provide the Center with a space to recognize this great chiropractic icon.
MASTERY (COMPUTER-BASED) TESTING CENTER: The Mastery Testing Center is comprised of more than 70 computer stations that will be used for testing purposes for all academic departments within the University. Students will be able to go into that area to take a lecture exam, an exam utilizing digital x-rays, or any knowledge-based formative or summative assessment that could be administered on a computer. “Our plan is to set the Mastery Testing Center up where a faculty member can tell his or her students that their exam will be available during a particular date range and time period, giving that student the flexibility to sign up for a date and time for on-demand computer-based Summer 2017 | Alumni.LIFE.edu
A beautiful view of the southwest lobby of the William M. Harris Center for Clinical Education
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testing,” explains College of Chiropractic Dean Leslie King, D.C., M.Ed. There will always be a faculty monitor in the Mastery Testing Center with keys to all assessments being offered during those time periods. There are also cameras in that area that show all cubicles for monitoring purposes and to eliminate cheating threats. The National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) is also looking at creating on-demand testing for our chiropractic students so that they can take the National Boards when they are ready in this testing center. When this comes into fruition, it will allow students to have more control over when they go in to take their test. One of 23 rooms in the William M. Harris Center for Clinical Education’s Assessment Center complete with state-of-the-art LearningSpace Technology
DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING AND ALIGNMENT (DIA): The Diagnostic Imaging and Alignment area is used to teach students diagnostic imaging by using digital and plain film images as part of their educational curriculum. Each room in this area contains two, state-of-the-art Epson Projectors so that students
WILLIAM M. HARRIS, D.C.
Life University faculty member Dr. Deborah Roche using the new Epson Projectors in the Diagnostic Imaging and Alignment area of the Harris Center.
The late chiropractic icon William M. Harris, D.C. was widely recognized in the profession as a philanthropist who made many significant donations to chiropractic colleges and professional organizations. His gifts to Life University helped pull the institution out of financial struggles, and his subsequent work on the LIFE Board of Trustees was instrumental to the success that LIFE has garnered in the years since. For so many decades, Harris exemplified Chiropractic’s commitment to humanity. This facility honors his memory. The William M. Harris Family Foundation’s Jane Goodwin says this in regard to how she thinks Harris would have felt about this center, “I think he would have been astounded and amazed! Dr. Harris had a lot of vision, and he would have been so proud to see that building and all that goes on inside.”
Lucia Paolucci, administrative assistant at the Dr. Sid E. Williams Center for Chiropractic Research, speaks with Dr. Eric Plasker (’85), regarding dynamic research studies going on at the Center. Alumni.LIFE.edu | Summer 2017
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A STUDENT’S TAKE The William M. Harris Center is a clinical educational dream turned into reality for the profession of Chiropractic. Think of it this way, as an athlete it is important to watch film of the opponent and of yourself in order to recognize when you may be putting yourself in bad positions, using bad technique or understanding when to call a play. The same goes for the Harris Center.
Left: A view down one hallway of the Assessment Center showing some of the 23 clinical assessment rooms Below: Students study in the quiet reception area of the Harris Center’s Assessment Center
With 23 clinical assessment rooms armed with technology to view yourself after performing an adjustment, we will be able to make adjustments to our adjustments, leading to longevity, solid form and, ultimately, patients living life with no interference. — Jagerran Knight, Student Ambassador
have an opportunity to see a normal and abnormal x-ray side-by-side, which helps increase their knowledge of the differences between the two. The Epson Projectors create a Smart Board environment where faculty can write, highlight and even capture images on the screen to save and email to each student in their class. “That makes it so much easier and efficient from a teaching standpoint, and also students can have information that they can go back and review based on what they’ve seen on the projectors,” notes Dr. King.
ASSESSMENT CENTER Perhaps the most prominent section of the Harris Center is the 23-room, Assessment Center designed to create simulated patient encounters for LIFE’s students. The Assessment Center is the largest one of its kind in the Southeast. In comparison, Atlanta’s Emory University’s assessment center has 16 rooms. The Assessment Center has state-of-the-art LearningSpace Technology that allows for video and audio capture. “Students can go into the assessment rooms and perform a skill. That skill would be captured by video and audio and sent to their instructors by email. Additionally, instructors could choose to watch in real time from their own computer,” says Dr. King. LIFE plans to have standardized patients, actors who have been trained to portray patient scenarios during encounters. For instance, an actor may come in and simulate having arthritis and follow a written script from the course instructor. When the student Summer 2017 | Alumni.LIFE.edu
comes in, they would get the real world experience of taking a case history, doing a physical exam and giving a lay lecture, as if they were in their own practice.
OVERALL IMPACT “The Harris Center will propel us way ahead of the educational curve, and is a wonderful resource for our students and faculty,” says Dr. King. “Having this technology available will only benefit our educational impact in that we can provide remediation, retesting, immediate feedback and selfassessments, all of which add depth and engagement to the learning experience.” The William M. Harris Center for Clinical Education is a critical addition to chiropractic education at Life University. LIFE is capable of expanding its clinic system and remolding its academic curriculum in order to graduate more highly skilled, principled chiropractors that will be transformational leaders in the future healthcare system; meet demands of the consumer market seeking total wellness care; and be equipped philosophically and technically to spread Chiropractic worldwide.
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WILLIAM M. HARRIS CENTER FOR CLINICAL EDUCATION DONORS Abundant Life Family Chiropractic Adio Chiropractic, Inc Dr. and Mrs. Jeffrey L. Aita Dr. Franca B. Alterman Ms. Kirsten C. Anderson Dr. and Mrs. Mark H. Anthony Dr. Amanda L. Apfelblat Mrs. Kathy Bannister Barley Family Healthcare & Rehab Dr. Joseph E. Bartell Dr. and Mrs. Michael J. Bartell Dr. Norman Bishop Dr. Debra W. Bisiacchi Dr. Michael J. Blendl Dr. Stephen A. Bloomingdale Dr. Krista Boline Dr. Sebastian S. Bonnin-Girod, IV Dr. Beatrice Borges Dr. Cynthia A. Boyd Dr. Jennifer P. Brandon Dr. Morris Braum Ms. Winfrey E. Brown Dr. Ralph E. Bucci Dr. Michael P. Carnes Dr. James W. Cassillo Dr. Sheldon K. Cheeseman Chiropractic Wellness Center, Inc. Forest Acres Dr. Adam R. Church Dr. Dennis and Mrs. Dianne Cirone Dr. Daniel K. Claps Drs. Joseph Clarino and Debra Cirone Dr. and Mrs. Gerard W. Clum Dr. Michael T. Clusserath Dr. Austin L. Cohen Dr. Michael J. Cohen Drs. Anthony and Patricia Colasurdo Coombs Chiropractic Dr. Patty Ribley Dr. Henry J. Cousineau Dr. Miguel A. Cruz Dr. and Mrs. Robert Crystal Mr. Guy D’Alema Dr. Jason Deitch Dr. Tanya Dejkunchorn Dr. Samuel Demons Dr. David A. Denmark Drs. Dean and Jen DePice Dr. Michael P. DeRosa Dr. Lydia L. Dever Dr. Eddy L. Diaz-Valero and Mrs. Neia Diaz Dr. and Mrs. James A. DiBlasi Ms. Kelsey Donaldson Dr. Jean-Claude Doornick DrNatura Dr. James W. Dubel Dr. James L. Duffy Dukes Chiropractic Health Clinic, PA Dr. Cris A. Eaton-Welsh and Mr. Stephen Welsh
Drs. Jean-Marc Slak and Linda Eisen-Slak Drs. Sandra and Adam Elbaum Elevation Health Dr. Marc A. Ellis Dr. Vincent J. Erario Dr. Susan E. Esposito Eugster Enterprises, LLC Ms. Sandy Everage Fender Chiropractic Center Dr. John A. Fenn Dr. Maritza Fernandez Flagler Chiropractic Dr. Debra S. Flynn Dr. Kevin G. Fogarty Dr. Robert S. Fogarty Foot Levelers, Inc. Dr. and Mrs. James F. Fox Dr. Michael C. Fox Dr. Richard Franz Drs. Daniel and Kimberly Gambino Gamble Chiropractic Clinic Dr. Steven J. Garber Dr. Gwendolyn Gardner Dr. James J. Gaudet Genesis Chiropractic Center Dr. Harold George Dr. Michael I. Goldstein Dr. Sharon R. Gorman and Mr. Ron Gorman Great Works Chiropractic and Wellness PA Dr. Tim D. Guest Dr. Kathryn Haag Dr. Roohieh Hamrang Dr. Jay and Kathi Handt Dr. Lawrence H. Hansen Dr. Anthony T. Hardnett Ms. Kathy Harley Mr. Mackel Harris William M. Harris Family Foundation Dr. Jeffrey S. Haskel Dr. Danita T. Heagy Dr. and Mrs. Joseph P. Heffernan Drs. Jeremy and Amanda Hess Hill Laboratories Company Dr. Richard L. Hodish Dr. Cierra Hoffman Dr. Mitchell Holsten Dr. Sanford L. Hopkins Drs. Kevin Jackson and Selina Sigafoose-Jackson Dr. Patricia A. Jackson Ms. Susan S. John Dr. Craig P. John Ms. Monyetta Joshua Dr. Leana Kart Dr. William C. Keenan Mr. Paul Ketcham Drs. Peter Kevorkian and Patti Giuliano
Dr. Leslie M. King Dr. Ronald O. Kirk Dr. Tom and Kim Klapp Dr. and Mrs. David B. Koch Dr. Jay Korsen Dr. Shelley Kovacs Dr. Kerry A. Kramer Dr. Christie I. Kwon Drs. Gilles and Melissa LaMarche Dr. Michael T. LaRocca Dr. Bernadette J. Lavender Mrs. Mary Ellen Leffard Dr. John W. Legel Dr. Patricia A. Leheny Dr. Kevin L. Lenahan Dr. George A. Lisjak Dr. Kenneth O. Logan Dr. Gregory D. Loman Mrs. Nita S. Looney Dr. and Mrs. Joseph Lupo Dr. James M. Lynch Dr. Mark R. Maiyer Dr. and Mrs. John P. Maltese, Jr. Dr. Doug L. March Dr. Joel E. Margolies Dr. John F. Markham Dr. Troy M. May Dr. Terence P. McAuliffe Sr. Mr. Thomas McCleskey* Dr. Leo McCormick Drs. Michael and Patricia McLean Dr. Deidre Meiggs Dr. Daniel L. Michel Dr. Fred A. Miller Dr. Steven D. Mirtschink Dr. David L. Mjoen* Dr. Mary A. Moore-Batson Dr. Tom and Mrs. Mary Ann Morgan Mrs. Bridgette Morris Dr. Linda E. Mullin Dr. James T. Murdock Dr. James I. Myers Dr. Thomas E. Nicholas Mrs. Lauren M. Nielsen Mr. Brett North Dr. Kevin J. O’Dell Dr. Richard E. Olson, II Dr. Chester Palumbo Mrs. Robin Parker Patient Media, Inc. Dr. Vincent Perri Ms. Tiffany Peterson Ms. Karen Preston Dr. Vincent Preziosi, Jr. Dr. Tracy L. Price Dr. Michael A. Pryor Dr. Tex R. Rabourn, Estate Dr. and Mrs. Bradley S. Rauch Ms. Shamere Reynolds Dr. Paula C. Rhodes Dr. Guy F. Riekeman
Dr. Bradbury N. Robinson Dr. Raymond F. Roddy Roosevelt Rehab and Chiropractic, Inc. Dr. Rosemarie Russo Dr. Anthony Santangelo Dr. Frank K. Schwitz Dr. Susan Sharkey Dr. Robert D. Shire Dr. Thomas J. Sidoti, Jr. Dr. Daun Sigafoose Mrs. Patricia A. Sigafoose and Dr. James M. Sigafoose* Mrs. Nicole Smart Dr. Russell S. Smith Standard Process Inc. Mr. Robert Sterling Drs. Kim and Greg Stetzel Dr. Felicia Stewart Ms. Susan Stewart Dr. Eric M. Stofman Dr. Susan E. Strobel Dr. Gary L. Sullenger Dr. Stephanie B. Sullivan Mrs. Camille Sullivan Mr. Steve Sullivan Dr. Mignon A. Sweat Dr. Roy W. Sweat Dr. and Mrs. Michel Y. Tetrault Dr. Carleen A. Thum Dr. Aura L. Tovar Mr. Adam F. Townsend Dr. Gwendolyn Tutt Dr. and Mrs. Michael L. Ungerank Dr. Kent D. Vanderslice Mr. Cory Viehl Dr. Betsy Vingle Dr. Brian W. Wallace Dr. Gary and Mrs. Susan Walsemann Dr. and Mrs. Steven Warfield Dr. Ramona D. Warren Dr. James M. Watkins, III Dr. Terry L. Watts Dr. William R. Webb Drs. Stephen and Claire Welsh Drs. Cathy Jo Wendland-Colby and Norman Colby Dr. Randall C. Williams Dr. Judith J. Wilson Dr. Peter J. Wilson Dr. and Mrs. John F. Winner Dr. Michael A. Wolff, Sr. Ms. Shelia Wood Dr. Katherine Wurst Dr. David E. Yachter York X-Ray, Inc. Drs. Radomir R. Zivkovic and Annette L. Croskey-Zivkovic * Denotes deceased
Alumni.LIFE.edu | Summer 2017
lights
LIFE OF
Thanksgiving Day November 23, 2017
New Year’s Eve
December 31, 2017
More than just a magical light display! Lights of LIFE also features: Pony rides! Train rides! • Petting zoo! • Concession stand!
$10 PER CAR Friday | Saturday | Sunday November 23—26 & December 15—31 6:00—10:00 p.m.
$5 PER CAR Monday—Thursday | 6:00—9:00 p.m. (except for above listed dates)
$20 PER BUS on all dates
Summer 2017 | Alumni.LIFE.edu
ASSOCIATE DEGREES IN:
Computer Information Management Coaching Psychology Health and Wellness
BACHELOR’S DEGREES IN:
Biology Biopsychology Business Administration Computer Information Management Culinary Nutrition Dietetics Exercise Science General Studies Health Coaching Nutrition Positive Human Development and Social Change Psychology
MASTER’S DEGREES IN:
Applied Neuroscience (Coming Soon) Athletic Training Clinical Nutrition Positive Psychology Sport Health Science
DOCTOR OF CHIROPRACTIC
CAMPUS LIFE
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LIFEforce Is On The Move BY: DAVID HONEYCUT T
There’s no question that the best source of growth in the chiropractic profession is current chiropractors and their patients. To that end, Life University is pleased to announce a change that should prove to be very successful — the combining of Enrollment with LIFEforce. As icing on the cake, the new Director of LIFEforce and Strategic Initiatives is Magi Rodgers, a proven leader coming off five years as the highly successful director of LIFE Leadership Weekends. This new addition under the Enrollment umbrella retains the original mission of LIFEforce members: we will not stop until everyone on the planet has access to chiropractic care and a chiropractic education if they so choose. LIFEforce’s move to Enrollment is a perfect fit with Enrollment’s vision for the DC Program of dramatically growing the number of LIFE chiropractors in the world.
A LITTLE ABOUT LIFEFORCE LIFEforce was started by Life University and a group of Doctors of Chiropractic and supporters about ten years ago and continues to be skillfully guided by Chancellor Dr. Guy F. Riekeman. LIFEforce was founded with the belief that a thousand members of a committed network makes the difference in spreading a message far beyond the original network. This belief grows out of Seth Godin’s marketing and communications masterpiece, “Tribes,” where he cites instances in which this philosophy has created exponential growth in
sharing a message. clinics and schools LIFE’s Vice President all around the world; for Enrollment and transform chiropractic Marketing, Dr. Cynthia education and the Boyd, says, “Before its campus; and maintain inception, there were a desire to create a many doctors who waiting list of students saw it as their mission to get into Life to refer students to University’s College of LIFE and see to it that Chiropractic.” LIFE chiropractors are Rodgers adds, “Four Magi Rodgers, Director of located all over the times a year, LIFEforce LIFEforce and Strategic world. We thought members come Initiatives how critical it was together to interact that there are alumni with our prospective and friends of LIFE who want students and attend LIFE Vision to participate with us, so we or a planning session. We are want to see how we can organize beginning work on a new strategic LIFEforce in a way that best plan for the group to maximize supports their passionate mission our efforts in accomplishing our and contributes to the mission of mission.” Life University.” The reason that rallying To that end, Dr. Riekeman committed LIFEforce members created LIFEforce to help spread is so important is that when the message of principled, vitalistic one looks at the number of Chiropractic and Lasting Purpose chiropractors across the world, around the world. One of the there simply are not yet enough first things the doctors did was of them to fully carry out the talk about three commitments LIFEforce mission. Dr. Riekeman they could make — first, host two says, “When you compare us to student recruitment events per other professions, like medical year; second, attend a training doctors, etc., we have a very at LIFE to tour and learn more small number. We are barely about the University; and third, graduating enough DCs to send five students to LIFE in replace those retiring or passing five years. away. There are 1.1 million MDs Dr. Riekeman adds, “LIFEforce in the U.S. and there are only is crucial in helping us establish 77,000 chiropractors. Even more
Alumni.LIFE.edu | Summer 2017
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CAMPUS LIFE
dramatically, the European Union has 700 million people and there are fewer than 6,000 DCs.” This comparative gap is why LIFEforce is so vital — this kind of movement and energy is necessary to grow the profession and create greater demand for chiropractors.
EVEN NON-LIFE ALUMNI JOIN LIFEFORCE Very interestingly, not all LIFEforce doctors are LIFE alumni, yet they still participate in the initiative. These individuals see that Life University is the vital health revolution leader that makes things happen, and they want to be part of it. They are LIFEforce members because of LIFE’s vitalistic philosophy and vision. For example, LIFE has repeatedly taken a stand for the profession in fighting the inclusion of drugs in chiropractic care. It is a substantial force in the chiropractic field and has the fortitude to stand up for the profession, philosophy and vision for a planet filled with people expressing their full potential under chiropractic care. Dr. Boyd adds, “Plus, being that we are the largest singlecampus chiropractic program, we know that there are patients and doctors alike who believe what we believe; therefore, they want to send their prospective students to LIFE.” “We also have so many other programs here like Nutrition, Positive Psychology, Exercise Science, Sport Health Science, Athletic Training, etc., that have the same vitalistic philosophy, but a different way of sharing it with the world. A student can earn their undergraduate degree, postgraduate degree and professional degree and build a career with breadth. To me, this is why students choose Life University; we provide them with Summer 2017 | Alumni.LIFE.edu
the opportunity to pursue more of their interests in fulfilling their potential and making a difference in the world,” Dr. Boyd explains. Rodgers continues, “LIFEforce plays a big part in that because they are the core group of doctors we work with who give of their time, talent and tireless service. They are so incredibly dedicated to the University and its mission. They show up at our events, they send prospective students, they serve in all kinds of ways and some even come to campus every quarter. Others participate from afar when they host Student Recruitment Events (SRE) in their towns or meet possible prospective students through the course of their daily activities by recognizing the potential in others to become a good chiropractor. When that happens, they tell their prospects about Life University and invite them to LIFE Leadership Weekend (LLW).” The Association of Chiropractic Colleges (ACC) has even pointed out one of the things that makes Life University’s College of Chiropractic so attractive: its service orientation. According to ACC research, most people are drawn to becoming chiropractors because of their desire to serve others. The fact that LIFE was founded on Lasting Purpose (To Give, To Do, To Love, To Serve — Out of a Sense of Abundance) is also a huge draw to potential students. Academically, LIFE’s success as a chiropractic university, with many gifted faculty members who do incredible things with a great vision, is another plus for prospective students. As a result, LIFE’s students are well known in the profession for being some of the most well-trained doctors, as well as leaders in their state, national and international chiropractic organizations. Dr.
Boyd adds, “Our graduates are all over the world making a difference, which was instilled in them at LIFE. They have the mentality of changing the world. And we know they can because we see them do it every day.”
MAGI RODGERS — NEW TO THE POSITION, BUT NOT TO LIFE Though Rodgers is the new Director of LIFEforce and Strategic Initiatives, she has worked with LIFEforce doctors for a long time in her previous role as Director of Enrollment Events and Tours, where she oversaw LLW, Tours and other Enrollment Programs after joining LIFE in November 2011. Rodgers says, “The LIFEforce doctors and members who attend LLW are an integral part of our event. Their presence and interaction with the prospective students is irreplaceable and makes a lasting impact showing future chiropractors their love of the profession, Life University and its vision. Many times, a LIFEforce doctor will attend the weekend with the students they referred. We very much encourage LIFEforce tribe members to attend as many weekends as they can and share valuable time and expertise with these students.” Rodgers came to LIFE from Colorado and attended a LLW in April 2011 as a guest attendee. What she learned in that weekend changed the course of her life. She interviewed for the position of Director of Enrollment Events and Tours and began her life at LIFE. Like so many LIFE employees, Rodgers found that embracing LIFE’s values and vision had a profoundly positive impact on her own life, saying of both her initial and new roles, “I feel like this is what I was supposed to do, and I’m very fortunate for it.”
CAMPUS LIFE
THE FIT BETWEEN LIFEFORCE AND LIFE LEADERSHIP WEEKEND LIFEforce and LIFE Leadership Weekend — they go hand in hand. There are many Student Ambassadors, student LIFEforce members and LIFEforce doctors who have gone through LLW, and due to its very powerful, moving and growth-inspiring activities, they decided to participate at a higher level by transferring that energy to prospective students. Rodgers notes, “Sixty to seventy percent of our LLW attendees are sent by our LIFEforce doctors, so they’re helping deliver the knowledge and passion to prospective students. LLW is a four-day commitment with travel time bookending a full two days of events, so it’s a real commitment for them to participate. Nevertheless, they do it because it’s not only rewarding for them, but also because they believe passionately in the mission of LIFEforce.”
THE FUTURE OF LIFEFORCE Dr. Boyd notes, “It’s always good to evaluate where we are in accomplishing our mission. Our commitment to continuous improvement has us regularly exploring LIFEforce for opportunities to update. We may have found a few changes to better continue LIFE’s mission, so stay tuned to see what’s happening!” Rodgers and Dr. Boyd go on to say, “We are inviting all LIFEforce Doctors and anyone interested in becoming a LIFEforce member to help us obtain our goal for everybody on the planet to have access to care and access to a chiropractic education if they so choose. We want you to know how much we value and appreciate you. How, just
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LIFEforce members Carol Aita (center) and Dr. Josh Paxton (right) with a prospective student at LIFEforce / LIFE Leadership Weekend”
by doing Student Recruitment Events a couple of times a year, you are a huge and important component in continuing on a path of growth, sending students to LIFE and helping us to spread Chiropractic — in breadth and depth — all around the world.” As hard as it is to believe, not everyone who loves Chiropractic and its vitalistic philosophy wants to commit to the academic rigor it takes to become a chiropractor. So, it is also important to remember that students can also be referred to LIFE’s undergraduate or master’s programs. LIFE has so many excellent programs that share the same philosophy of removing interferences to fully expressing one’s optimal health. So, while Chiropractic might not be the choice for everybody, LIFE could still be the perfect choice. LIFE’s vision is big, and in moving forward with that vision, LIFE really is changing the world.
YOU TOO CAN PARTICIPATE IN LIFEFORCE Life University is committed to increasing the influence of the profession worldwide, so we would appreciate your help and participation in any way in which you are able to offer it … anything from hosting an SRE or an undergraduate college visit, to
working with different clubs at LIFE. What we need is to have the best minds of our LIFE family wrapped up in a growth mindset, helping the LIFE brand and our vital health perspective to flourish. Consider these benefits of becoming a LIFEforce doctor: • Stay Connected — As a member of Dr. Riekeman’s inner circle, you can be among the first to receive news from Life University. •M ake a Difference — Create new relationships and strengthen current relationships by increasing your visibility in your community. •C hange the World — Raise awareness of Chiropractic, increase the number of vitalistic chiropractors worldwide and make a difference by expressing Lasting Purpose in your own life. We encourage you to engage with us, and we will help to make it as easy as possible for you. Simply email us at LIFEforce@LIFE. edu or visit LIFE.edu/lf1000/ for more information on becoming a LIFEforce doctor. There’s an African proverb that says, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” LIFE’s vision takes Chiropractic beyond anything previously imagined for it — and we need each other to make it a reality. Alumni.LIFE.edu | Summer 2017
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Keep in Touch with
LIFE Graduates ®
1970s Dr. Joel Margolies (’78) is passionate about educating his community with a weekly chiropractic blog, monthly newsletters, workshops and classes. He has been sending a weekly chiropractic email newsletter since 1996. The newsletter, which also features practice sales and employment opportunities, reaches 5,000 chiropractors in 36 countries. While at LIFE he was the founder and editorin-chief of the school newspaper. He currently maintains a private practice in Tucker, Georgia where he has mentored many students while serving his friends and neighbors since 1978.
Dr. James “J.C.” Smith (’78) announces the release of his new book, To Kill a Chiropractor: The Media War Against Chiropractors, which is currently available for purchase on Amazon and the sequel to his previous book The Medical War Against Chiropractors. For the past 39 years, Smith has carried on in a career as a practitioner, an author, and blog master. His degree in sociology of sports has helped him understand the sociology of chiropractic in the medical and media wars. He has written a total of five books dealing with the practice and politics of chiropractic health care. He also maintains a full-time chiropractic practice in Warner Robins, Georgia.
1980s Dr. Tom Ayres (’86) was recently elected and appointed by the Governor to the North Carolina Chiropractic Board of Examiners. At the first Board Meeting in April, Ayres was elected Vice President by his peers. He has been very involved in chiropractic politics throughout his career, spending his time supporting and participating in a variety of organizations in leadership roles. Some of the organizations have included: The North Carolina Chiropractic Association (President), American Chiropractic Association (Member) Summer 2017 | Alumni.LIFE.edu
and International Chiropractic Association (North Carolina Representative). Ayres maintains his private practice in Raleigh, North Carolina. Dr. Claire Welsh (’88) was honored with the Mabel Palmer Service Award during the International Chiropractors
Association’s (ICA) 91st Annual Meeting in April 2017. She has been involved with the ICA in leadership roles since 2005. Leadership positions have included serving as the ICA delegate to the World Federation of Chiropractic, being elected Distinguished Fellow of the ICA and serving as a Representative in the ICA Assembly for the state of Georgia. The Award is a cumulation of all her tireless service to the Association.
1990s Dr. Steve Welsh (’96) was honored with the B.J. Palmer Leadership Award during the International Chiropractic Association’s (ICA) 91st Annual Meeting in April 2017. He has been
ALUMNI AND FRIENDS UPDATE
involved with the ICA in leadership roles since 2009 where he served as Secretary/Treasurer. He was named the ICA Chiropractor of the Year in 2011 and currently serves as Vice President.
Dr. Dan DeReuter (’97) was recently interviewed on Chattanooga’s WDEF TV Show “Let’s Chatt.” He talked about his practice, adjusting kids and how he got started. DeReuter is a social media wiz and current serves on the Alumni Association’s “SWAT’ committee. He also gives back to the University as a President’s Circle contributor.
2002s Dr. Stephen Hennington (’02) was awarded the Chiropractic Practice of the Year Award by Breakthrough Coaching during the annual awards reception at the Member Conference on November 12, 2016. He was selected for the award demonstrating
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compassionate care, community involvement and providing a credible and professional role model to colleagues and other healthcare professionals. Hennington is a longstanding practitioner in the McComb, Hennington with Dr. Mark Sanna, CEO of Breakthrough Mississippi Coaching community.
2010s Dr. Jeffrey Rosum (’10) welcomed his second son Easton Paul Rosum into the world on March 21, 2017 at 12:08 a.m. Both mom and son are doing great and the family is overwhelmed with love for their new addition!
Dr. Bob Ruano (’97) recently relocated his practice into their “box” at Go Primal Fitness in Gainesville, Florida. As a coach, athlete and practitioner of Crossfit, Ruano has first-hand understanding of the daily wear and tear of the Crossfit style of training. After 20 years of chiropractic practice, he’s able to combine his two passions on a daily basis!
Alumni.LIFE.edu | Summer 2017
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ALUMNI AND FRIENDS UPDATE
Dr. Anthony DeMaria (’11) is our newest addition to the LIFE Alumni Association Board of Directors! DeMaria pactices with his wife and fellow LIFE grad Dr. Casen DeMaria (’11) and father in Westlake, Ohio. He is a LIFEforce Doctor, State Representative and President’s Circle Contributor. In 2016, he was the recipient of the State Rep of the Year Award. We are thrilled to have DeMara on board and look forward to his leadership!
Dr. Emily Barnes Acosta (’13) married Anthony Acosta on March 18, 2017 at the Coteau Des Prairies Lodge in Havana, North Dakota. Since graduation, Acosta practiced in both Tennessee and North Carolina before making her way to Strive Chiropractic in
Fargo, North Dakota. She is one of 42 chiropractors in her family living on the tradition of natural healing! Dr. Caroline Herring Babb (’13) married Tim Babb on April 22, 2017 at the Fountainview Mansion in Auburn, Alabama. Babb has been serving the Tallassee community with her father, Dr. Randal Herring (’83), for over four years. She is the official
Team Chiropractor for the Tallassee Varsity Cheerleaders and is a board member of the Tallassee Chamber of Commerce. She hopes to carry on the legacy her father began over 30 years ago. Dr. Colby Giles (’16) is happy to announce the grand opening of Luxxey Chiropractic in Tempe, Arizona. Nearly 100 people were in attendance. Luxxey is honored to follow in the footsteps of Dr. Jonathon Levine, and his father, Dr. Warren Levine, who has kept the office thriving for almost 30 years. On May 1, 2017, Giles took ownership and hopes to open a second location soon.
FRIENDS WE’VE LOST Dr. John Robert Travan (’83) passed away March 29, 2017 in Greenville, South Carolina. Originally from Winnipeg, Canada, John moved to the states to attend Life University. He was in private practice for almost 35 years. He is survived by his wife Deborah Rabb Travan and children, Katherine, Caroline and Daniel. Jonathan Matthew Jenkins (’15) passed away on April 28, 2017. He was a U.S. Coast Guard Veteran and received his Bachelors of Science
degree at Life University. Jonathan was currently enrolled in the Doctor of Chiropractic program. He was an avid angler; he loved to boat and fish. He is survived by his son Jonathan, his parents Carrie and Ronald, his sisters Yvette and Nicole and his brother Alexander. “Coach” John Barrett passed away May 23, 2017. Coach Barrett was integral in coaching the Running Eagles through decades of unprecedented success. Under his leadership, Life University’s men’s basketball program earned
DON’T BE SHY! We’d like to include your personal and professional news and photos in upcoming issues of Your Extraordinary LIFE. Send your information to Alumni@LIFE.edu.
Summer 2017 | Alumni.LIFE.edu
three NAIA National Championships, a reginal or conference title every year from 1991-1998 and 12 National Tournament appearances. He officially resigned from LIFE in May 2016 where he had served 18 seasons coaching the Running Eagles and seven years as the Athletic Director. He is survived by his wife Anna and two sons Philip and Matthew. He was a mentor and friend to countless and will always be remembered fondly as “Coach.”
ALUMNI AND FRIENDS UPDATE
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President’s Circle: Helping to Fund LIFE’s Priorities “IN GRATEFUL RECOGNITION OF THESE INDIVIDUALS WHO SHARE THEIR SUCCESS, LEADERSHIP AND VISION WITH LIFE UNIVERSITY, AND THROUGH THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS SUPPORT THE MISSION OF THE PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE.”
based chiropractic philosophy and programming;
Promoting Chiropractic. The chiropractic profession is These are the words inscribed These weekends are critical in constantly being affected by on the title plate of the wall growing LIFE’s enrollment. legislation both here in the on campus that recognizes U.S. and abroad. To meet these contributors to LIFE’s President’s Academic Initiatives. Curriculum challenges, President’s Circle funds Circle. But what exactly do those consultants are often used to are sometimes used to: contributions support, and why is review the Doctor of Chiropractic • Participate in efforts that bring it so important? and other academic curriculums awareness to the opioid abuse Contributions by President’s to ensure excellence and crisis and promote healthy Circle donors are received as exceed accreditation standards. alternatives of care; unrestricted support; thus the Funds are also used to bring • Support efforts to stop funds can be applied to any area chiropractic business leaders to the expansion of scope of of need. These funds are critical to campus to teach the Capstone Chiropractic and monitor the University’s ability to respond program — providing business national and state bills; to unbudgeted opportunities and entrepreneurial knowledge to or provide extra support for D.C. students in 4th, 8th and 12th • Assist in efforts that promote Chiropractic favorably both priority programs. Here are a few quarters. nationally and internationally in examples of how the University the media. directs the funds: President’s Initiatives. President’s Circle contributions provide funds We invite you to join this shared Student Recruitment. President’s to allow President Scott to act commitment to help Life University Circle funds help support travel quickly on projects, such as: recruit tomorrow’s leaders, scholarships for prospective • Opportunities internationally to promote a vitalistic lifestyle and students to attend special promote the LIFE brand through change the world. Please visit: weekends that serve as an educational programs and clinics; Alumni.LIFE.edu/PC to become a introduction to a LIFE education. • Avenues to support subluxationPresident’s Circle donor TODAY!
Vice Provost Dr. Tim Gross
Dr. Jay Perniciaro (’91) and Erin Dancer, Director of Development
Dr. Marc Hudson
Dr. Jason Deitch (’96) with Board of Trustees Chairman Dr. Kevin Fogarty Alumni.LIFE.edu | Summer 2017
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ALUMNI AND FRIENDS UPDATE
LIFE’s State Rep Program Goes Social! The State Rep program was kicked off in 2013 as a need for LIFE to keep in touch with Alumni & Friends in each state across the country via email. Over the past four years, the program has exploded with almost 200 representatives across 41 states, one U.S. territory and two countries. In total, our State Reps are representing over 50,000 alumni and friends! The program was meant to be easy and simple. Each month the State Reps would send out a communication to their peers to ensure important LIFE news would be read. However, as the program continued to evolve, the feedback we were receiving was clear — you are feeling overwhelmed by the constant emails that flood your inbox each day. So, our challenge became how to create a positive community online while keeping less emails out of
Get Social with us! Facebook.com/LIFEAlumniandFriends Search for “Life University Alumni Network” Search for “Life University Alumni”
your inbox each month. With this in mind, we have decided to change the way our State Reps will communicate with you. As of July 1, all State Reps will be begin spreading the word on campus happenings, alumni news and local events via their social media pages. Our hope is that this will allow our Reps to pick and choose what content they believe will resonate with their social networks, while making our reach even larger. Do you love LIFE and love telling people? We invite you to be a part of the State Rep program. All we ask is that you follow us on our social media accounts and share posts on your personal page 1-2 times every month. You can find out more information and sign up online at Alumni.LIFE.edu/StateReps.
Registration opens May 15. To be notified, please update your Alumni Profile at Alumni.LIFE.edu/MyProfile.
September 26 - September 30 • Up to 32 hours of CE credit for Chiropractors • More than 60 exhibitors • 1,600 Alumni & Friends to attend
Alumni & Friends Party will be Friday, September 28, 2018
Celebrating Reunions of 1978, 1983, 1988, 1993, 1998, 2003, 2008 & 2013
Summer 2017 | Alumni.LIFE.edu
LIFE.edu/FallCElebration
LA S T I N G P U R P O S E
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A Different Perspective on LIFE DR. KEITH G. RAU To say that Dr. Keith G. Rau stays busy would be an understatement. As associate professor in Life University’s Sport Health Science Department, and as the Director of Sports Chiropractic for the Department of Athletic Care within the Athletic Department, Rau is on the move all day — even carrying his lunch with him to eat when he finds a spare moment. Even before deciding to teach at LIFE, Rau stayed busy with a full-time chiropractic practice for about twelve years in Roswell and Marietta, Georgia. He says that while he very much enjoyed his practice, he did not always enjoy the business side of the practice. “I thought that I might like to teach since I was teaching Sunday School at my church and enjoyed it so much. I thought that I had a knack for it, so I decided to look for a teaching position and joined LIFE in 1994. It seemed like a good fit. I got hired, and the rest is history.” Rau, who was born in New Orleans, Louisiana and grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, thought when he was a boy that he might follow in the footsteps of French undersea explorer Jacques Cousteau. “However, I had asthma and allergy problems at the time, so that wasn’t my path after all,” he says with a chuckle. Later, as a sophomore in high school, a friend suggested that he go to a chiropractor for the treatment of his ailments … and he immediately started seeing the benefits from it. So, when he was in high
school and deciding what path he would take in his life, he took a trip to LIFE and also went to a Dynamic Essentials meeting in the ballroom of the Peachtree Plaza to learn more about Chiropractic. He said that there must have been a couple thousand people in attendance at the meeting and that each had a very positive and refreshing attitude toward their chosen profession. About the trip, he recalls, “When I visited as a high school senior, the campus was just one building and probably not even the whole building!” Even then, he was thinking that he wanted to attend LIFE, but after the Dynamic Essentials meeting and campus visit, it still “sealed the deal,” as he says. Rau then returned to Missouri to finish high school and attend the University of Missouri before coming back to, what was then called, Life Chiropractic College, from which he graduated magna cum laude in 1982. He notes, “Another part of my decision-making process to become a chiropractor was influenced by the progress that I made with my own chiropractor. Plus, I had a doctor who, if he saw someone with even an inkling of interest in the profession, would encourage them to pursue it — which he did with me.” Rau, like so many other LIFE alumni, not only knows and respects LIFE’s Lasting Purpose, but lives it on a daily basis. “The idea ‘to give, to do, to love, to serve’ is to me, as a Christian, what you just did, so that was my mindset already. You just do
things because they should get done, and because it’s the right thing to do — and not to look for a reward. I feel that you ‘do the right thing and the reward will come,’ and it’s not something that you talk about as much as you demonstrate.” Currently, Rau is teaching several classes on upper and lower extremity treatment for sports injuries that are required for a Master’s of Sport Health Science, as well as an undergraduate course. He says about it, “Originally, Dr. Rob Scott was teaching the class, and I then took it over from Dr. David Koch. I’m actually a bit awed by the fact that I’m following in their steps.” This past quarter was the first time that Rau taught this course, Fundamental Concepts of Chiropractic, where big picture topics about chiropractic philosophy and terminology are covered, and he says, “we talk about the history, not just of Chiropractic, but also Life University itself — like how it evolved from Life Chiropractic College to Life College and now to Life University — so it’s very much a LIFE perspective class and has been so much fun to teach.” As a matter of fact, a student who attended the class sent him Alumni.LIFE.edu | Summer 2017
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an email recently and said that it had really prepared him for his upcoming LIFE studies, and Rau comments, “It was very gratifying since I had hoped it would be a good preparation. I had fourteen students in class that quarter, and probably six to eight of them were second and third generation chiropractors, but that email proved to me that this class helped them all put a ‘LIFE perspective’ on the chiropractic program’s expected outcomes.” To prospective chiropractic students, Rau would say, “I think that this is an exciting time because of all the failures in the allopathic medical system that are coming to the forefront now.” With that said, Rau believes that more and more people are becoming interested in alternatives
to traditional medicine and that this will push them toward Chiropractic — and with more demand, should come more students of Chiropractic. With that idea in mind, and with Rau’s focus on athletics, he also says, “When I know that someone wants to be a sports chiropractor, then there’s no place better in the profession than LIFE. We’re the only college of chiropractic that also has intercollegiate athletics onsite — nobody else has NAIA or NCAA teams, and I have the privilege of overseeing the students who provide care to our athletes. They get to learn things hands-on right here with our student athletes, and that’s really amazing. Frankly, otherwise it is a fantastic chiropractic college, but if you
have a particular interest in sports, then I know that nobody else is doing what we’re doing here at LIFE.” Since it played a role in his decision-making process, perhaps include a sidebar on DE? LIFE Dynamic Essentials was started by Life University’s first president, Dr. Sid Williams, his wife Dr. Nell Williams and their longtime friend and colleague, Dr. D.D. Humber. These three chiropractic icons started LIFE Dynamic Essentials meetings when each was still in practice. The meetings, which continue today, were originally hosted in Drs. Sid and Nell’s practice every week so that they could help other chiropractors develop the skill and capacity to enjoy the success they were experiencing.
Liberal Arts and Literature at LIFE DR. MICHAEL VINCENT MONTGOMERY An award-winning screenwriter, author of poetry books and Life University English professor, Dr. Michael Montgomery is a literary force to be reckoned with. Montgomery’s background includes a Bachelor’s in English and Philosophy from Macalester College, studying literature abroad at Cambridge and earning his Master’s and PhD, focusing on English, Teaching and Media Arts, at the University of Arizona. Originally from Minneapolis, Minnesota, he came to Georgia to teach at Gordon College, a smaller state school located in Barnesville, where he was assigned to teach composition and, every other year, a literature course. He recalls, “Here I was with a background in philosophy, Eastern philosophy, Summer 2017 | Alumni.LIFE.edu
literature, creative writing, film, media – and I was kind of just teaching nothing but composition. I liked my students, and it was a nice area, but I didn’t feel like I could really use my skills and talents.” Montgomery then decided to follow his passion and came to LIFE in 1996 after his daughter, who is now a junior at Georgia College, was born. “I am able to teach a variety of different courses here. When I first came here from Gordon College, I was the film department, creative writing department and the world literature department. LIFE has really given me the chance to teach a variety of different subjects.” Now at LIFE for 21 years, Montgomery says, “I look forward to teaching Film 101,
because that’s the bare bones film cinema class,” he says, speaking of a favorite class. “They get to watch the silent era to French New Wave in the 60s, get to talk about ‘Citizen Kane,’ ‘Vertigo’ and ‘Jules and Jim’ — the classics.” He enjoys the steady rotation and variety of classes, never wearying of the subjects.
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“Even though we’ve always been sort of a feeder to the chiropractic program, it’s nice to expose students to some of the liberal arts. While most students probably only take English 1 and 2 and a literature course, it’s good to expose them to the liberal arts as much as possible. I’m always making the case that if we truly want our students to be world leaders and implementers of change, then this type of background is a good thing to give them. If you think of leaders like Mandela or Gandhi, they had very broad liberal arts backgrounds.” “Plus, I think it connects to everything and is very foundational, and it connects to LIFE’s Lasting Purpose. A part of Lasting Purpose is to free the body of interference, and the liberal arts free the mind to pursue different spheres of knowledge. To me it’s foundational to help students connect with their careers.” On his inspiration for the subjects upon which to write, Montgomery says that it can come from anywhere. He explains that while he needs something of a prepared master plan when composing a screenplay, the inspiration for a lot of his shorter pieces — poems, flash fiction, etc. — come out of a dream journal, notes on things that he is reading and personal interactions. In his classes, Montgomery hopes to spark students’ interest in the written word by challenging them with a variety of texts for inspiration. He says, “You want to expose them to as much as possible. And, if you write about it, you learn it. Any art, and writing certainly, is a form of meditation. You’ve got to be able to concentrate deeply, and if you do, you reap the rewards of it.” Neema and Sid sent him digging through pop culture on
the internet to catch up with Gen Z to flesh out his characters: Neema (an African-Indian princess K-Pop fan) and Sid (a gamer who listens to techstep and spacey ska). Regarding his writing process, Montgomery likes to memorialize his ideas and dreams on the computer and then perhaps take a walk or work in the yard to ruminate on them for a while to truly develop the idea. While he focuses on several short pieces at a time, he says that he has to be a bit ‘monomaniacal’ when working on a longer piece such as a feature length screenplay. “You have to carry it with you all the time. As a matter of fact, over that last ten-year span, I probably wrote almost every day for a few hours in the morning on the days that I didn’t work at the University. And a lot of time on the weekends too. I sort of follow the thread of my thoughts in the early stages of drafting something.” He is currently working on a series of 1,000 word stories called Curious Fables — the proceeds of which will go to charities through his publisher Winter Goose, which sponsors several literacy organizations in the Sacramento area where they are based. While Montgomery’s screenplays have gained recognition recently not only in the U.S., but in Australia, Canada, England, France, Germany, Mexico, Poland, Romania, Russia, Scotland, Sweden, and Switzerland, he says, “I try not to be too attached to the outcomes of film festivals; just to have work selected is a sign someone on another part of the planet has met the characters and successfully formed a bond with them also. And I feel gratified just to make the introductions.” However, Montgomery is an award-winning writer and finalist
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in many competitions. About winning, he says, “Of course it’s nice, but just to be an official selection at something like Film Quest, one of the biggest sci-fi festivals, means a lot. And it’s fulfilling to know that someone has read my work, and in their minds, think that it’s a superior piece of writing. But it’s really all about the work. You get the rewards from the work itself. The recognition is something else.” While Montgomery remains somewhat on the periphery of the film festival circuit, he does attend a couple of them a year and sees them as an opportunity to become familiar with new titles that he may want to order for the classes that he teaches at LIFE — classical, world and contemporary cinema. Some of Montgomery’s recent screenwriting accomplishments are: • “Neema and Sid Go Totally Off Grid”— Best Original Feature Screenplay, Back in the Box, 2015 • “The Chaos Makers”— Best Screenplay, Swedish International Film Festival, 2016 • “Ginny Has a Grunge Band”— Best Feature Screenplay, RiverReel International Film Festival, 2017 • “All Living Things and The Invisible Kingdom”— FilmQuest listed both in its list of Top 25 Unpublished Sci-Fi Scripts of 2016 • “Lexington Blue”— A finalist for Best Independent Script, River Bend Film Festival While Life University is better known for its health sciences degrees, Dr. Montgomery continues to further its focus on the liberal arts as he builds upon the minds of LIFE’s implementers of change. Alumni.LIFE.edu | Summer 2017
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