SPRING 2010 VOL. 3 ISSUE 1
LIFE UNIVERSITY’S ALUMNI MAGAZINE
PRESIDENT’S letter
Greetings Life Alumni! On Jan. 21, 2010, Life University launched “Follow the Path of Life,” a new campus-wide initiative marking the 35th anniversary of the first classes held at what was originally known as Life College of Chiropractic. The yearlong celebration, which is detailed in the feature story of Your Extraordinary Life, was created to document Life’s history and honor the significant people who shaped the university’s past, are shaping the present and will shape the future. As we observe Life’s anniversary I find myself reflecting on how much we are guided by our past, and realize that, considering the relatively short history of Life University, our current success and vision for the future are that much more remarkable. What better time to celebrate and document our history, and what better way to illustrate how far we’ve come and how much has changed. Speaking of how far we’ve come, the College of Undergraduate Studies continues to make great strides in terms of enrollment and curriculum. Sigma Beta Delta, an academic honor society marking the highest level a college business student can achieve, recently opened a chapter on Life’s campus. Another organization, Phi Beta Lambda, the college tier of the Future Business Leaders of America, recently held its regional conference and competition on Life University’s campus. Read more about the exciting new things happening at the College of Undergraduate Studies in the “What’s New” section that begins on page 2.
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As Life celebrates its illustrious history and vision for the future, we also celebrate all of you who are on the journey with us.
Another major Life milestone is the opening of the new Socrates Café. After much anticipation our new dining facility opened in January. The commitment to healthy, good-quality food, preparation and service offered by Bon Appetit, the café’s food service provider, is in direct alignment with Life’s philosophy and our efforts to green the campus. The café obtains the majority of its beef, poultry, fish, dairy and produce from 28 local farmers who incorporate organic practices (eliminating the use of pesticides and antibiotics and adhering to strict guidelines with regard to the humane treatment of animals) in raising and growing their products. As we become leaders in total wellness, we must first do so by example——the Socrates Café is one such example of practicing what we preach. Read more about the café and our new nutrition program facilities on pages 14 and 15. As Life celebrates its illustrious history and vision for the future, we also celebrate all of you who are on the journey with us. I hope you make a commitment to “Follow the Path of Life” this year and walk along with us as we continue to make history.
Sincerely,
Dr. Guy F. Riekeman President, Life University
The Alumni Magazine of
Life University
www.life.edu
Your Extraordinary Life
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FEATURES
Follow the Path of Life A historic look at Life’s humble beginnings and its 35-year rise to international prominence
Get Ready for Power Up Weekend Come for Lyceum 2010 and stay for Red Hat Day, LIFEforce, Life Leadership Weekend and a host of other campus-wide festivities DEPARTMENTS
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Around Campus: What’s New at Life Millennial Health Attitudes; Chiro Mission to China; Campus Business Conference; Board of Trustees Changes; Bright LIFE Opens; University Grabs Green Award; Dr. Rabin Recovers; New Honor Society; African-American History Classes
6 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
Craig Dekshenieks Director of Communications
Laura Newsome Editor
Leila Tatum Alumni Relations
Amy Selby Associate Editor
Jenni Bennett Public Relations Coordinator
Michelle Schlundt Production Coordinator/ Circulation Manager
Guy D’Alema Senior Photographer
Garon Hart Graphic Designer
Your Extraordinary Life magazine is published three times a year by New South Publishing, 450 Northridge Parkway, Ste. 202, Atlanta, GA 30350. 770-650-1102; Fax: 770-650-2848. Postmaster: Send address changes to Your Extraordinary Life, 1269 Barclay Circle, Marietta, GA 30060-9854. It is the purpose of Your Extraordinary Life to promote the events, accomplishments, accolades and philosophies of Life University and its faculty, staff and students to current, prospective and former students, as well as the academic community at large. Life University is a private, nonprofit institution founded in 1974. For more information, write to Life University, 1269 Barclay Circle, Marietta, GA 30060. Material in this publication may not be reprinted without written permission from the editorial offices in Marietta. All rights reserved. © Copyright 2010 Life University. Printed in the USA.
Around Campus: Athletics Rekindling an Old Rivalry; Invictus Star Search; Ruggers on a Roll
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Life’s Major Donors Recognizing the support of generous donors who have given $25,000 or more to help the university thrive
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The Vision Comes to Life Life’s new café and nutrition program encourage optimum health
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Alumni Spotlight Life pioneer Dr. Gary Craft reflects on being a member of the university’s inaugural chiropractic class
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Student Spotlight The three Fonke brothers share one profession, one passion and one university
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Mark Your Calendar: Seminar and Event Schedule Connect with alumni and earn educational credits through exciting professional learning opportunities
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What’s New at
Life
Millennial Health Study
Far Side of the World
In an effort to become a future health care leader, Life University recently conducted a nationwide survey about the health attitudes of Millennials––young people ages 15 to 27. Though this group has long been a hot commodity among marketers looking to explore and understand their buying habits, Life’s survey is the first study ever attempted to examine and determine the generation’s attitudes toward health. While the results are in some ways predictable, they are also surprising in many unexpected ways. For example, on a scale of one to 10, 84 percent of Millennials rate their health higher than a seven. They also believe they are healthier than their parents, and will remain healthier, even when they reach their parents’ age. However, their habits would suggest otherwise; more than half say they eat junk food several times a week and drink soda regularly, and 44 percent say they don’t workout on a regular basis. Is this simply wishful-thinking by the younger generation? Or does the survey indicate a lack of proper education? Life University recently released these and many other findings to the media. The goals of the study are to understand the attitudes Millennials have about health, and to begin positioning Life University and chiropractic as the go-to thought-leader when it comes to non-medical health issues. Look out for thought-provoking trend stories and reports in local or national media outlets based on Life University’s cutting-edge findings.
In February, Dr. Jim Eaton and his wife Pam embarked on the trip of a lifetime. A career journey rather than a vacation, Eaton will become Life’s new clinic director in Zigong, China. Eaton has served on the faculty at Life University as an associate professor of the College of Chiropractic and, more recently, as an adjunct professor and faculty clinician at the Center for Health and Optimum Performance. Eaton will be taking over the duties of Dr. George Hui, who has been in Zigong for the past two years. While most people his age are thinking about retiring and moving to a beach, Eaton is eager to start this new chapter in his life. “When I graduated in 1992, there was a program called Life Around the World,” he says. “Pam and I always wanted to participate in this program, but it never worked out. Now this opportunity has come along, and we decided the time is finally right.” Life University continues to expand its global role, as well as growing the role of chiropractic in China. In a country of 1.4 billion people, there are only about 20 chiropractors. Zigong contains the No. 1 “people’s hospital” in the region and, within this facility, Life operates the only chiropractic-affiliated program with a hospital in all of China. Life University currently has six students working in the clinic, adjusting around
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600 patients per month. Eaton is hoping to take the clinic to the next level in terms of activity and influence. “This is an astronomical opportunity,” says Eaton, who will spend a minimum of two years in Zigong, with his wife Pam along for the adventure. Eaton has been taking a course in Mandarin Chinese, and he and Pam have been making language flashcards, because they feel it necessary to honor the traditions of their hosts by speaking the local language. The hospital in Zigong also has translators available for the students and the Eatons–– making the transition as easy as possible. To follow Eaton as he embarks on his new adventure, visit the Life Clinic through Blogspot, where daily posts give readers a glimpse into the pioneering work of spreading chiropractic throughout China.
Dr. Jim Eaton and his wife Pam
“Pam and I always wanted to participate in this program, but it never worked out. Now this opportunity has come along, and we decided the time is finally right.” —DR. JIM EATON
AROUND campus
Business Conference Comes to Campus
Chuck Ribley Retires from Board of Trustees
In early March, the Life University Business School hosted the Phi Beta Lambda Business Conference on campus. Phi Beta Lambda is a nonprofit education association affiliated with the Future Business Leaders of America. Students from
On Jan. 22, after 36 years of committed and inspiring leadership, Charles Ribley, D.C., announced his retirement from the Board of Trustees of Life University. Dr. Ribley is one of the founders of Life University––having participated in the conceptualization of Life’s mission more than three decades ago. The original idea for Life University started in the early 1970s, during walks at Ormond Beach, Fla., where the founders of the university crafted their vision and then transformed that vision into a reality. “I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished over the last 36 years,” Ribley says. “We had a vision, on that beach in Florida, of making a difference in the world, and today our graduates are delivering health care to millions of people in virtually every country in the world.” Ribley served on the board from the very beginning, and soon Life University grew to be the largest chiropractic college in the world. He also took the reins as board chair at the start of the university’s accreditation crisis, which lasted
business, technology, leadership and other majors squared off in a variety of business-related competitions to earn spots at the state conference competition, held in April. “The conference is an important opportunity for Life to welcome students from so many colleges and universities in the Atlanta area,” says Dr. Ron Kath, chair of the business school at Life University. “We are proud of the hard work of our own business students in Phi Beta Lambda, and appreciate the opportunity this competition brings for all participants to hone their business skills.” Last June, Life University’s own Ty Woods, a business major, placed second in public speaking at the National Conference, held in Anaheim, Calif.
Charles Ribley, D.C.
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from 2002 to 2004. Ribley hired Dr. Guy Riekeman, Life’s current president, and together they paved the way for Life to become, once again, the largest chiropractic college in the world. “It was a day of mixed emotions,” says Riekeman, addressing Ribley’s retirement. “Chuck Ribley is a visionary, leader, humanitarian and, most of all, a great friend. We will look for ways to use his vast perspective, contacts and counsel as we move the goals and vision of Life University forward.” Shawn Ferguson, D.C., was unanimously elected Chairman of the Board, effective immediately. Ferguson has served on the Board of Trustees for seven years. He and his wife Karen Ferguson, D.C., have been in practice in Acworth, Ga., since 1995, where they focus on family health and wellness. “I look forward to building on the legacy that has been handed down from Dr. Ribley,” Ferguson says. “We have been moving Life University into a new era of educational excellence and we are ready to fulfill and build on the vision laid out by our founders 36 years ago.”
Shawn Ferguson, D.C.
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What’s New at
Life Rabin on the Mend Dr. Bob Rabin, a mainstay at Life University for well over 20 years, recently underwent surgery to repair a heart valve. He is recovering quickly and is in good spirits––already making new friends with the staff and other patients at his recovery facility. So it appears that the Dr. Rabin we all know and love is back in the saddle only a few days after being under the knife. You can send your well wishes to Dr. Bob at bob.rabin@life.edu.
University Village Receives Gold LEED Certification The new student-housing facility recently opened on campus has received Gold-level certification from LEED, the authority on green building and construction. The 300-bed facility was recently awarded the certification based on its sustainability, which includes minimal energy and water consumption, a small carbon footprint and reused and renewable construction materials. Life University president, Dr. Guy
Riekeman, is a founding member of the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment Circle. This commitment includes the goal of making the campus carbon neutral; therefore, all current and future construction or renovation projects on campus will be completed to LEED standards. This recent LEED certification illustrates Life’s ongoing commitment to campus sustainability.
Bright LIFE: A Kid’s Campus Life University’s new on-campus child care facility opened to great fanfare in February––offering full day care services to children of students, faculty, staff and area alumni. In addition to the requisite playground and indoor equipment available in most child care facilities, Bright LIFE is a comprehensive educational program that adheres to the vitalistic philosophy of Life University. Parents can take solace in knowing that Bright LIFE is about educating the whole child. Developing motor skills and fostering social interaction is only a part of the process. Bright Horizons, the group managing the facility, has an excellent track record of creating programs that address education, problem solving, social and physical development, as well as facilitating engaging interaction among other children and adults. For more information about Bright LIFE: A Kid’s Campus, visit brighthorizons.com/brightlife.
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Dr. Guy Riekeman (left) and Dr. Bob Rabin
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New Business Honor Society In February, Life University’s College of Undergraduate Studies was approved by Sigma Beta Delta to have a chapter on campus. Membership in Sigma Beta Delta is the highest national recognition a business student can receive at a college or university. To be eligible for membership, a student must rank in the top 20 percent of his or her junior, senior or master’s class. Much like other honor societies like Phi Beta Kappa, membership is a distinction that garners attention from job recruiters, and allows members to attend national and regional conferences for jobs and networking possibilities. “Recruiters know top-notch business students are members of Sigma Beta Delta,” says Dr. Michael Smith, interim dean of the College of Undergraduate Studies. Smith plans to add other honor societies at Life for students studying biology, nutrition, psychology and exercise science. “We have top-notch students in the undergraduate school and awareness of scholastic achievement is important because it improves morale and rewards students for their hard work.” As the College of Undergraduate Studies continues to expand at Life University, honor society distinctions are paramount if Life is to be known for producing scholars––not just in the state of Georgia but also nationwide and internationally.
African-American History Classes Life University’s College of Undergraduate Studies has added its first AfricanAmerican history course to the curriculum ––African-American History to 1877——taught by Charmaine Herman, D.C. The course was the brainchild of former Undergraduate Studies Dean and Diversity Committee Chair, Dr. Jerry Hardee. Dr. Hardee wanted to see Life offer courses that would better prepare graduates to enter an increasingly diverse global community. Prior to completing her chiropractic degree, Dr. Herman completed undergraduate degrees in biology and history
and a master’s degree in African-American history, with certification in women’s studies at the University of South Carolina. She has taught African-American history at Savannah State University and then at Spartanburg Community College, while attending Sherman College of Chiropractic. “I was excited to see that more than just African-Americans registered for the course; though they need to know their own history, so do white, Asian and Latino students,” Herman says. “I want students to leave my class knowing something they didn’t know before. I want them to be better critical thinkers and less prone to believing the stereotypes society tends to display in our media.”
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AROUND campus
Athletics
Rekindling an Old Rivalry In February, the Life University basketball team renewed its rivalry with neighboring Southern Polytechnic State University, also located in Marietta. In their first meeting since 2002, Life University’s Running Eagles came out on top, 83 to 74. The two NAIA teams began playing each other in 1991 and, since that time, Life holds a 16 to 1 advantage in the match-up. “We’re thrilled to death to bring back this rivalry,” says John Barrett, Life University’s basketball coach. “It’s a great matchup between two storied programs, and hopefully we can play every year.” The Running Eagles have been on a roll this year, and rode their winning momentum into the Southern States Athletic Conference tournament held in early March. The Running Eagles have advanced to the NAIA National Championship Tournament, which began in Kansas City on March 17.
Sports Star Search You may have seen a familiar face in Clint Eastwood’s acclaimed new movie, “Invictus,” starring Matt Damon. The Oscar-nominated movie details the struggles of the South African national rugby team and their quest to win the World Cup in the aftermath of apartheid. During one scene in the movie, before the start of a match, the players from both teams file out of a tunnel and run onto the pitch. As Matt Damon’s character is leading the South African team onto the field, the player leading the other team is Life University’s Patrick Bell, a member of the Life SuperLeague team. Congratulations on your big-screen moment, Patrick!
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Ruggers on a Roll Life University continues to set the standard of excellence in college rugby. Rugby magazine recently voted Life University Rugby Club of the Year, and Head Coach Dan Payne was named Coach of the Year. Three of Life’s players have also been selected to play on the U.S. Men’s National Team, with several more top players contending for the honor in the future. Life has two teams competing this year–– SuperLeague and Division 1, with SuperLeague akin to the major leagues and Division 1 analogous to AAA. The SuperLeague team finished second in the country in 2009 and is looking to build on its success in 2010. Though the SuperLeague has yet to embark on the meat of their schedule, the team is undefeated. “The guys have been training hard,” Payne says. “Finishing No. 2 last year left a bitter taste in a lot of the guys’ mouths, but they continue to work hard to improve upon that finish from last year.” The Division 1 team, made up of mostly undergraduate students, is also undefeated in their season. They are ranked No. 1 in the Southern region, having recently posted a 96 to 0 rout on Nashville. With two teams playing at such a high level, Coach Payne is quick to point out that, “From an administrative and logistical standpoint, there have been a ton of moving parts that have been handled by numerous people. The goal was to create a scenario where the younger guys experience game time in order to become better athletes, and that is going to pay off in the long run.”
Rugby Head Coach Dan Payne
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COVER story
Follow the Path of Life BY CRAIG DEKSHENIEKS
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It all began 35 years ago, during a walk on Florida’s scenic Ormand Beach. As they made their way across the hard-packed Atlantic sand, listening to the hum of migrant waves, a group of passionate and motivated individuals had a vision— a vision that became Life University.
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From these humble beginnings, Life’s first class blazed the trail to what is now an alumni universe of over 19,000. On Jan. 20, 1975, the first class of 22 students walked through the doors of a small building, half of which was the Marietta unemployment office, while the other half was an being leased by a new college called Life. From these humble beginnings, Life’s first class blazed the trail to what is now an alumni universe of over 19,000. As Life University looks to the future, it must first appreciate its storied and improbable past. This year, as Life celebrates its 35th anniversary, the university is not celebrating for just one day, or even one month, but an entire year that recounts the history of the university through a program called “Follow the Path of Life.” The goals of the year-long program are threefold: 1) To create a major and permanent document of Life University’s history, including a book, which will ultimately be incorporated into the curriculum. 2) To honor significant Life leaders who shaped the past, are shaping the present and will shape the future. 3) To create and preserve archives consisting of materials such as pictures, documents and artifacts, and to record video and oral histories from our founders. All of these elements will be the main components of a future museum to be housed on campus.
78. campus, circa 19 Life University’s
Life University’s campus, circa 19 90.
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In honor of their service and leadership, the founders took part in a ceremony where their feet and hand prints
Life University’s History Committee and the Board of Trustees are determined to preserve and celebrate the university’s unique history through a series of quarterly events held throughout 2010. The first quarter has focused on honoring significant people who helped create and shape Life University. As part of the program, in January, Life welcomed nine of the original founders back to campus to be recognized for their contributions. In honor of their service and leadership, the founders took part in a ceremony
where their feet and hand prints were preserved in concrete as a living tribute to the humble origins of the university. Honorees included Drs. Jim Gregg, John Hoffman, Tom and Mary Ann Morgan, Mike Nathanson, Chuck and Ruth Ribley and Sid and Nell Williams. In the second quarter of the “Follow the Path of Life” program, the university will begin collecting documents, videos and oral histories. The goal is to amass 100 hours of audio and videotape to be part of a future campus museum.
were preserved in concrete as a living tribute to the humble origins of the university. A few of Life University’s original founders.
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The third quarter will be dedicated to highlighting and appreciating the political and professional implications of Life University in relation to the chiropractic community. The fourth quarter will focus on the creation of permanent archives, as well as involving the faculty in determining ways to include Life’s history into the curriculum. And finally, in 2011, the area set aside for the museum will be designated, and the publication of the book will commence. Through the efforts of “Follow the Path of Life,” there is much to celebrate and many people involved. Life’s current students have also been participating by trying to piece together their own understanding of Life’s history. Instead of spoon-feeding them the names, dates and significant events, the students have been given the incentive to investigate on their own and find significant names in the history of Life, which include everyone from original students and first faculty members to founding board members of the Ladies For Life. Life University wants you to be involved too! If you have an old picture, a textbook from days gone by, or any other memorabilia from the early days of Life on campus, please consider donating your treasured artifacts to the museum. If it has been a while since you have visited the campus, we welcome you to attend the next Life event. Each and every one of you is a part of the history of Life University. Come follow the path of Life.
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cognizing Re Life’sMajor Donors
We wish to thank those who have provided generous support to Life University throughout its 35-year history. The following list recognizes donors who have reached a cumulative giving level of $25,000 or more. This list includes all paid gifts through Jan. 31, 2010, as recorded in Life’s gift database. Dr. Daniel A. Abeckjerr Dr. Joseph W. Accurso Mr. William Adams Dr. Medhat M. Alattar Dr. Darcy Andersen Dr. Sol M. Aordkian Dr. Robert Argoe Dr. Gregory A. Baker Dr. John S. Barrett Coach John P. Barrett Dr. Michael J. Bartell Dr. Larry A. Bartell Batson-Cook Company Dr. Daun Battersby Drs.Dexter and Lisa Beck Dr. Richard L. Bend Dr. Craig Berko Ms. Doris Blair Dr. Gilbert Bohemier* Dr. John T. Boutwell Dr. Donald W. Boylston Dr. Robert Braile Dr. Jean Yvan Breton Drs. Louis and Laurie Briegel Dr. James R. Brown* Dr. Deloss Brubaker Dr. Leonard Budsock* Dr. Brian O. Burns Dr. John A. Cadieux Dr. Thomas E. Calhoun Dr. George Camacho Dr. David L. Camhi Dr. Robert Champagne Dr. Patricia L. Chelenyak Ms. Edna Clark Drs. Joseph and Carolyn Clauss Dr. Art Coffman Dr. Eddy Cohen Mrs. Bobbie Combee Dr. Timothy Conroy Dr. William Cooke Dr. Francis Corbin Dr. Henry J. Cousineau
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Dr. Kenneth Csillag Dr. David A. Czerminski Dr. Gregory R. Daniels Dr. Stacey Davis Dr. David Davis Dr. Alan Davis Dr. Christophe Dean Dr. Steven Deehl Dr. Paul Delaney Dr. Michael P. DeRosa Drs. Michel and Louise Desaulniers Dr. Richard Desira Dr. William E. Dillman Dr. Bruce J. Dorais Dr. John Downes Dr. Ann Drake Dr. Douglas Drobbin Dr. James W. Dubel Dr. Alan H. Dubin Dr. James W. Eaton Mr. Bruce Emery* Dr. Steven D. Erde Dr. David Eugster Ms. Sandy Everage Ms. Melanie Ezzel-Nelson Dr. Daniel Fenster Dr. David C. Fields Mr. William Firnbach Drs. Harvey and Jane Fish Drs. Gary and Carolyn Fish Flynn-Finderup Architects Dr. Alan K. Foster Dr. Richard L. Franks Dr. Murray C. Galbraith Dr. William S. Gandee Dr. Frank Gilbert Dr. Robert Gise Drs. Peter Kevorkian and Patti Giuliano Dr. Wayne Goforth Drs. Irene and Reggie Gold Dr. Steven Goldfarb
Dr. Sharon Gorman Dr. Robert Graham Mrs. Janet Grassam and Dr. Ian Grassam* Mr. Kent S. Greenawalt Dr. James Gregg Dr. Joseph Gregory Dr. John Grone Drs. Jill Bradshaw and John Grostic* Dr. Lee Gruber Dr. Jett D. Gurman Dr. Samuel S. Haley Dr. Randall J. Hammett Dr. and Mrs.Rod Handly Dr. and Mrs.Jay Handt Dr. Bruce J. Harman William M. Harris Family Foundation Dr. William M. Harris* Mr. Mackel Harris Dr. Ronald Hash Mrs. Marian Hatch and Dr. Robert Hatch* Mr. David Haygood Dr. Danita Heagy Drs. Kenneth and Deborah Heairlston Dr. Peter Heffernan Dr. Mark Heffron Mr. Bob Henry Dr. Dennis L. Heskett Ms. Nancy Hill* Dr. Raymond Hillenbrand Dr. Hubert Hitchcock* Dr. Jerry I. Hochman Drs. Richard and Karen Hodish Dr. Stephen A. Hoffman Dr. Stuart E. Hoffman Dr. Robert Hoffman Dr. John A. Hofmann Dr. Stephen Hoody Dr. John Hopkins*
Dr. Lasca Hospers Dr. Marc Hudson Dr. D.D. Humber Dr. J.K. Humber* Dr. Ken Humber Dr. Steven M. Humber Dr. T.O. Humber* Dr. Lisa Jackson Drs. Kevin Jackson and Selina Sigafoose Mr. Phil Johnson Dr. JoAnn Jones Coach and Mrs.Roger Kaiser Dr. Eric S. Kaplan Dr. John I. Kelly Dr. Mildred Kimbrough* Mr. Monroe M. King Dr. Ronald O. Kirk Dr. David Kirsch Drs. Josef Kish and Mary Ellen Moore Dr. Thomas M. Klapp Dr. Mark Klingert Dr. Ellis Kooby Dr. Thomas Kopinski Dr. Andrew Krantz Dr. Daniel J. Kribs Dr. Elizabeth Krupar Ladies for Life Dr. Cecil Laney Dr. Michael G. Law Dr. Peter Lawrence Dr. Scott Lawrence Dr. Alan Levine Dr. David Levinson Life Foundation Dr. David B. Linden Dr. Ken Lipke* Dr. Kenneth O. Logan Dr. Richard Lord Dr. Joseph Lupo Dr. John Madeira Dr. Peter Marascia
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Mr. David Marcarian/ MyoVision Dr. Douglas L. March Dr. Lorenzo E. Marchese Dr. Carl Mashike Dr. David C. Mason The Masters Circle, Inc. MBNA/Bank of America Mr. Eddie McAshan Dr. Rod McCanse Mrs. Joan McLemore and Mr. Ralph McLemore* Dr. Robert S. Mellette Dr. Robert C. Melnik Dr. Timothy Merrick Dr. and Mrs. Dan Michel Michigan Chiropractic Foundation Dr. Joel S. Miller Dr. Steven Mirtschink Dr. Ronald M. Mitchell Dr. Roy D. Mitchell Dr. Dennis Mizel Dr. and Mrs. Tom Morgan Dr. Wilson A. Morgan Mr. Harold J. Mulkey Dr. Mike Nathanson National Chiropractic Mutual Insurance Company Dr. Nada Nenadovic Dr. Randolph C. O’Dell Dr. Meredith L. Oudt Dr. Tom Owen Dr. Thomas D. Palmer Ms. Rome Palmer
Dr. Thomas L. Pamer Dr. Don N. Parkerson Dr. Jennifer B. Peet Dr. Palmer M. Peet Dr. and Mrs. Jerald Pfister Dr. Bradford J. Pizza Dr. Eric Plasker Dr. Deborah Pogrelis Drs. Dan and Shawn Powers R.W. Sweat Foundation Dr. Neil Rabin Dr. and Mrs.Robert Rabin Dr. Micheal Rappaport* Dr. Linda Rassel Dr. Donald E. Ray Dr. Rebecca A. Ray Dr. Charles E. Ribley Drs. Patricia and Lawrence Ribley Mrs. Rowena Rich and Dr. Clark Rich* Mrs. Jean Riley Dr. Bradbury Robinson Dr. and Mrs. Corey Rodnick Dr. Ronald Roland Dr. Paul J. Roses Dr. Suzan Rossi Dr. Armand Rossi Dr. Henry M. Rubinstein Dr. Diana Salzmann Ms. Joyce Sample Dr. Walter Sanchez Mrs. Chris Scanlan and Dr. William Scanlan* Dr. Daniel A. Schaeffer
Dr. Jerry Schar Dr. Robert R. Schiffman Drs. Ron Schmeltzer and Alyson Andres Dr. Robert R. Schultz Dr. Robert Schumacher Dr. William L. Sesco Dr. Brian Sheres Dr. Mike W. Shreeve Dr. Thomas J. Sidoti Dr. Chriss J. Sigafoose Dr. Kenneth Sistino Drs. Micheal and Lori Smatt Mr. Melvyn Smith Mr. Robert L. Snelson Society of Chiropractic Orthospinology Dr. Eugene Sparlin Mrs. Lucy Spurgeon and Dr. Andra Spurgeon* Dr. Bryce Staker Dr. Gary Stewart Dr. and Mrs.Joe Stucky Dr. Mark Studin Dr. Roy W. Sweat Drs. Michael and Vicki Swenson Dr. William H. Tarlton* Dr. Tim Tarry Dr. Jim Taylor Teaching the World about Chiropractic Drs. Jan Teitelbaum and Siri Smith Dr. Jonathan Tepper
Dr. Thomas Thornton Ms. Amanda Timberlake Dr. and Mrs. I.N. Toftness* Mr. Roger Tripp Dr. Clarence Ungerank Dr. Gregory A. Ungerank Dr. Micheal Ungerank Dr. Ralph Ungerank* Dr. Robert Van Note Dr. Louis Vastola Dr. Besty Vingle Mr. Bernard S. Vinick Dr. David E. Wade Drs. Gary and Susan Walsemann Dr. Gary C. Wanamaker Mr. W. W. Wannamaker* Dr. Mary J. Ward Dr. Mamie B. Ware Drs. Stuart and Theresa Warner Dr. Micheal Warner Dr. Neal Watkins Drs. John and Victoria Webster Drs. Stephen and Claire Welsh Dr. Eric Whitehouse Dr. Gary L. Wickiser Drs. Frank* and Jan Willhite Dr. Kim S. Williams Drs. Sid and Nell Williams Mr. Benjamin H. Williams Drs. Bill and Kay Willis Dr. Peter Wilson Dr. Michael M. Wolff Dr. Steven Zimmerman Dr. Timothy L. Zook * Denotes deceased
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THE VISION COMES TO LIFE
Foodie IQ Life’s vision for healthy, sustainable fare sparks a smart food revolution.
Socrates Opens for Business In January Life University unveiled Socrates Café, a new campus dining facility for students, faculty and staff. The project was an ambitious undertaking, but the finished product was well worth it. The indoor and outdoor café features live plants, flowing water fountains, tranquil reflection pools and an open-air patio that seamlessly connects to the interior space without the use of doors. A sight to behold, the interior features high ceilings and natural lighting enhanced by attractive LED bulbs scattered throughout the café. There are multiple big-screen televisions tuned to news and sports programming, as well as flatscreen televisions in the “smart booths” of the dining area. These smart booths allow students to connect their laptops and have group study and discussion. While this technological marvel may sound like your average rowdy sports bar, think again. All the food served at Socrates is organic. The protein and produce is supplied exclusively by 28 local farmers who use zero pesticides and adhere to strict standards with regard to the humane treatment of animals. The healthy menu has been designed to please everyone, from the most conservative of vegans to those who prefer sandwiches and pizza. And dining at the
café is easy on a college budget——a main dish, side and drink averages about $6. After the meal is over the environmental perks don’t end, as the café is a zero-waste facility. Every facet of the meal is biodegradable, compostable or recycleable——even the plates and silverware. At the end of the day, all the waste is broken down, compacted and then used as natural fertilizer for the new campus garden. When combined with the low electrical use, the café is a near zero-energy consumption facility.
The open-air patio at the Socrates Café.
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“It is refreshingly different from where we were before,” says William Jarr, vice president of Operations and Finance for the university. “Socrates Café was built with the idea of changing the environment on this campus and also providing more food choices that are substantially more consistent with our philosophy and direction.” The Visioneers Group, a campus-based focus group representing all segments of the university, met months in advance during the planning stages to create an
The Visioneers Group hit a home run, as the café is packed during peak lunch hours, and remains abuzz with activity all day long. atmosphere that lives and breathes physical wellness. Their vision was translated to architects and designers, resulting in a space that allows patrons to see, feel, hear and consume health. The Visioneers Group hit a home run, as the café is packed during peak lunch hours, and remains abuzz with activity all day long. “We have created more than a dining facility here,” Jarr says. “We’ve created a campus center for students, which should be a welcome addition as we further the authentic university experience.” The Socrates Café was constructed according to the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System, a third-party certification program utilized by architects, engineers, interior designers, landscape architects, construction managers and government officials to effectively build according to environmental sustainability. Sustainability focuses on five areas of environmental and human health: water conservation, energy efficiency, sustainable site development, indoor environmental quality and the selection of green materials. A New Foodie Facility At the same time the Socrates Café opened its doors to hungry students, the Department of Nutrition recently relocated to a brand new 3,465-square-foot section of the Center for Undergraduate Studies. The beautiful, state-of-the-art nutrition facility includes seven offices, a reception area, a work-study room and food science/kitchen lab with six workstations and research area, as well as a culinary demonstration amphitheater. Additionally, the department has dedicated rooms for the dietetic interns, a nutrition research clinic, assessment labs and a nutrition clinic at the Center for Health and Optimum Performance (CHOP). The nutrition department is undoubtedly one of the best facilities in the
country for nutrition education and research. The department’s new facility allows faculty members to assemble students in smaller groups, providing more hands-on practice of culinary skills. The use of state-of-the-art equipment has also exposed students to technology that will be an asset to them when seeking careers in the field of food and nutrition. The new food labs are an asset to the nutrition department, especially during the four nutrition courses that involve lab work——“Introduction to Food Science,” “Principles of Food Preparation,” “Quantity Food Production” and “Culinary Cooking.” The clean walls, subdued colors, new lab equipment, shiny stainless-steel tables and quartz countertops have greatly improved the learning environment so that students are encouraged to learn and attend classes regularly. The culinary demonstration amphitheater features stadium seating
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and a large flat-screen TV mounted above the professor/chef staging area for the purpose of viewing, from a fixed camera, what is being demonstrated on the stove. Since the media-savvy facilities are very similar to those seen on the Food Network, the video feed from the demonstration kitchen will eventually be fed to the flat-screen monitors lining the walls of Socrates Café. The new facilities mean that Life University is able to accommodate more dietetics and nutrition students, as well as dietetic interns. When the American Dietetic Association’s accreditation agency approves the new program, dietetic interns will be able to conduct some of their rotations at the new facilities. The new facilities will also increase the amount of research conducted at Life, as evidenced by the start of a new master’s degree program in clinical nutrition, which will begin in the fall of 2010.
Nutrition for Optimum Performance Life University’s commitment to wellness is further exemplified by the nutrition counseling now offered at the Center for Health and Optimum Performance. The counseling provided at the center goes far beyond simple advice on eating healthier. Ilana Katz, a clinic consultant who offers counseling to patients, creates individualized meal plans that take all the aspects of a person’s life into consideration, whether an elite athlete, a busy executive or a stay-at-home mom or dad. Katz will even go to the grocery store with patients to help educate them on how to read labels and recognize healthy ingredients. Katz, who maintains a private practice and consults with the Life clinic a few hours per week, believes that chiropractic care, along with nutrition, is about optimum energy, regardless of your lifestyle. “We have a wide range of tools to enhance lives and overall health, including weight management and fitness, along with other stress relievers,” Katz says. “Wellness needs to be a package approach.”
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ALUMNI spotlight
Life Pioneer Dr. Gary Craft IN TODAY’S WORLD, it seems like students stay in college far longer than fours years. People often say, “He’s on the five-year plan,” but Life University’s Dr. Gary Craft must be on the 36-year plan. When Life University held its first class in January of 1975, one of the first students who walked through the doors was a curly-haired, mustachioed chiropractic hopeful named Gary Craft. He liked college so much, he never left. The hair and moustache may be gone, but the same elements that drew him to Life University during its embryonic stages are what have kept him here ever since.
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Once he began classes at Life, Craft knew he was in the right place. “The atmosphere was much like family. Everyone cared for everyone else.”
Dr. Gary Craft
“We started out with 25 students in our class that first day,” Craft recalls. “After the first week, three had left campus––two had transferred to Palmer and a third student, Art, drove his VW Beetle back to California. When the school eventually received its first skeleton for use in labs, the class named it after Art.” Craft, originally from Florida, did his undergraduate work at the University of Alabama and then attended Logan College of Chiropractic for one semester. “It was too cold!” he says. “When Life opened, the weather and the fact that it was closer to my family drew me there.” Once he began classes at Life, Craft knew he was in the right place. “The atmosphere was much like family. Everyone cared for everyone else. Most of the students lived at the Barclay Arms Apartments (now The Commons), so if someone did not show up for class, a student was sent to check on them.” Craft does remember one student with rather unusual housing arrangements.
“We actually had a student who lived in a teepee across the road in the woods near the waterfall. She didn’t have to pay for rent this way––I guess.” Craft has seen a lot of changes at Life over the years. “The one thing that has stayed consistent about Life University has been change.” Craft recalls that in the early years, as each new class began coursework, a new classroom was built; portable walls in the main building were expanded to make room for additional classes. Students were hired to do all the maintenance jobs, since there was no maintenance department. Craft also became one of the first library employees. “We had a library from the beginning with Mrs. Hill serving as the librarian. I was hired to assist Mrs. Hill in creating shelves for books that were donated to the school and for cataloguing donations. Many books were donated by chiropractors in the field. The library originally consisted of one square table with four chairs and one copy machine, which was the only one in the school.” Craft was president of the university’s pioneer class when they graduated in 1977. He fondly recalls that Sen. Herman Tallmadge was one of the guest speakers at the graduation dinner. The inaugural class also presented the first class gift to Life––the flagpole still stands in front of the administration building.
After graduation, Craft was hired as an instructor at Life. He taught full-time until 1982, then worked as the assistant registrar, the dean of students in institutional research and, finally, moved on to admissions. Craft now works on developing and managing articulation agreements for all of Life’s academic programs. Articulation agreements create partnerships with other chiropractic schools, high schools or colleges and universities by matching coursework between schools. These agreements are designed to help students make a smooth transition when transferring from another school to Life. For example, Southern Polytechnic State University recognizes Life’s B.B.A. degree as the prerequisite for their M.B.A. program. Being an educator runs in Craft’s family. His father was a high school principal and his wife was a gymnastics coach at his former high school. She now teaches middle school in the Cobb County School System. The Crafts have two sons in college; Scott, a history major at Kennesaw State University who wants to become a teacher, and Adam, who will receive an M.B.A. degree in May from the University of Charleston in West Virginia. Craft still loves to teach. When asked about his favorite class as an instructor, he says, “It doesn’t matter. I enjoy the contact with the students. They keep me young.” With an attitude like that, and a fire for chiropractic that still burns brightly, perhaps Craft will end up on the 40- or even 50-year plan. Life University can only hope so.
www.life.edu
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STUDENT spotlight
The Three Musketeers BY CRAIG DEKSHENIEKS
Joe, Ben and Jon at Life’s basketball court.
BEN, JOE AND JON are the next generation of the Fonke chiropractic dynasty. Ben is the serious one and, at age 25, also the oldest. Joe, the middle brother at 23 years old, is the nice one. The family comedian is baby brother Jon, age 22. Though many three-brother families have a multitude of time-worm stories involving broken bones, bloodstained carpets, stitches and scars from good times gone bad, the Fonke brothers are a different breed entirely. Though they live in close quarters, play intramural sports on the same team, watch Sunday football together in their matching recliners, and never miss an episode of Fox’s “24,” the biggest debate among these biological best friends is where to eat, what to eat and what to watch. Spring
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The Fonke brothers grew up in High Point, N.C., where their parents Dan and Victoria started their own chiropractic practice shortly after graduating from Life University in 1997. “We’ve never had any serious physical fights,” says Joe. “We’ve always been close,” adds Ben. Due to the closeness of their ages, they all attended high school and graduated from college at the same time. Now they are all in the DC program together at Life University. “We became really close at an early age,” says Jon. All three brothers are quick to credit their parents for the peaceful climate in their household. The Fonke brothers grew up in High Point, N.C., where their parents Dan and Victoria started their own chiropractic practice shortly after graduating from Life University in 1997. And while children of chiropractic parents are naturally drawn to the profession, each son has a different chiropractic catalyst. For Ben, his interest in his parent’s occupation began in fifth grade when he was having almost bi-monthly ear infections. Ben winces at the memory. “The pain was excruciating,” he recalls. “It was the middle of the night and I’m awake again in pain, and my mother, who was still a student at the time, came in and adjusted my atlas. I was able to sleep through the night, and I can’t remember even having an ear infection after that night.” Ben knew early on that chiropractic was his calling, saying, “I’ve been telling people since high school that I wanted to be a chiropractor.” Joe is a little more philosophical about his foray into chiropractic. “I’ve always maintained that you don’t choose it, it chooses you,” he says, of the profession. With a mother and father, two uncles and his brother already in chiropractic, Joe thought he might do something different. He was in graduate school at N.C. State, studying mathematics, when he had an epiphany. “I realized one night that mathematics wouldn’t be helping people in the way I felt I could and should be. So, I decided
The Fonke brothers studying at Life University.
right then and there to do it––to become a chiropractor.” For Jon, the turning point came one day during a visit to his parents’ practice. “We were always running around at my parents’ practice, helping a little, playing a little, and I never really paid that much attention to what was going on there,” he says, reflectively. “This one particular day, I remember a woman arrived at the office, and she couldn’t get out of her car. She was in so much pain––her body all twisted and contorted. My mom adjusted her twice a day, and within a week she could walk and stand up straight! No drugs, no surgery, just the power of the adjustment. At that point, I just knew what I was going to be.” Though the Fonke brothers may be studying hard in school, that doesn’t mean they don’t have time for a little bit of fun too. All three brothers stand well over six feet tall, making their intramural basketball team a formidable opponent on the court. In their last game, they won by 49 points. Intramural flag football and softball are also regular activities
for the brothers, as well as meeting up at the Wellness Center to pump some iron. And once a year, all three lanky brothers pile into one car for their annual road trip to watch the Carolina Panthers football team play at home. Ben also had the privilege of adjusting both his younger siblings while in student clinic. Joe says he has great hands, but Jon says he was a little hard on the thoracic adjustment. “That’s the reason we have student clinic––to work these things out,” Ben reminds them, with a laugh. Ben is in 10th quarter, while Joe and Jon are in first, though their futures are already secure. Ben is going back to North Carolina to work in his father’s practice in Greensboro. Joe and Jon are also headed back to North Carolina, where they will start their careers in their mother’s practice in High Point. Will they live together again back home? “We’ll have to wait and see on that,” jokes Jon. For now, the Fonke brothers will continue on the path set forth by their parents, and they look forward to making their mark on the world after graduation.
www.life.edu
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2010
POWER UP WEEKEND preview
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Come to Lyceum 2010— The world is waiting for you to become extraordinary! Spring Lyceum 2010 will empower you to lead your life with vision, commitment and a Lasting Purpose that will transform both you and your practice. Come join us on campus April 8 and 9 for inspiring lectures and an interactive Thursday-night opening ceremony from Life University President Dr. Guy Riekeman featuring fireworks, fellowship and inspiration for enhancing your personal and professional life. Take all the energy and passion you gain from this stellar weekend, infuse it into your practice and get ready for explosive growth! Space is limited, so register today. In addition to the action-packed Lyceum 2010, there are so many other events taking place on campus during that same April weekend––programs that appeal to DCs, students and alumni. In fact, Life University is hosting so many on-campus events that it created an allencompassing moniker to describe the overwhelming magnitude of the festivities––Power Up Weekend. There is truly something for everyone! In addition to the regular quarterly editions of LIFEforce and the prospective students’ weekend known as Life Leadership, the university will also have other activities leading up to the weekend. The flagship is, of course, Lyceum, but there will also be a presentation of the past year’s findings and results from the LifeSource Octagon’s study, which focuses on problems ranging from health care and education to human interaction based on the philosophy of vitalism. And don’t forget about the annual celebration of the life of the late Dr. William
Harris, memorialized by the secondannual Red Hat Day. And last, but certainly not least, is the annual student competition, Talk the TIC. If you are a LIFEforce doctor who is scheduled to come to campus for your quarterly LIFEforce weekend, the university invites you to arrive a few days early to participate in Lyceum and the other exciting programs featured throughout the week. A special program rate has been created just for you! Also, if you are a DC coming to Lyceum, Life invites you to stick around for the LIFEforce and Life Leadership weekend festivities. Perhaps you may be inspired to become a LIFEforce doctor, or perhaps you know a prospective chiropractic student you could bring along to Life Leadership Weekend! Power Up Weekend features something for everyone––we hope you attend and feel the power! For more details about Power Up Weekend and Lyceum 2010, visit life.edu/powerup.
Lyceum 2010 is not a continuing education program; Life University will host a three-day continuing education program on campus in the fall, Sept. 30 to Oct. 2. More details will be forthcoming, so be sure to save the date! Spring
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and Power Up!
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MARK YOUR CALENDAR
2010 Alumni Event Schedule DATE EVENT LOCATION April 17 New Beginnings Chiropractic Philosophy Weekend Ocean Plaza Resort & Spa, Longbranch, N.J. 24 Michigan Association of Chiropractic Spring Convention Grand Traverse Resort, Traverse City, Mich. 24 North Carolina Chiropractic Association Grove Park Inn, Asheville, N.C. May 15 Unified Virginia Chiropractic Association Spring Convention Omni Hotel, Charlottesville, Va. June 10-12 Texas Chiropractic Association Sheraton, Austin, Tex. 12 Alabama Chiropractic Association Rossbridge Golf Resort & Spa, Birmingham, Ala. TBD Arizona Association of Chiropractic TBD July 28-1 South Carolina Chiropractic Association Kingston Plantation, Myrtle Beach, S.C. August 13-15 Florida Chiropractic Society Breakers, Palm Beach, Fla. 27-29 Tennessee Chiropractic Association Franklin Marriott Cool Springs, Tenn. 26-29 Florida Chiropractic Association Gaylord Palms, Kissimmee, Fla. 27-29 Pennsylvania Chiropractic Association Gettysburg, Penn. September TBD Georgia Chiropractic Council TBD October 1-3 Illinois Chiropractic Society Westin Chicago Northwest 2-4 Chiropractic Association of Louisiana Holiday Inn Crown Plaza, Baton Rouge, La. 8-10 Ohio State Chiropractic Association TBD 16-17 Association of New Jersey Chiropractors East Brunswick Hilton TBD Kentucky Chiropractic Assoc. TBD TBD Maryland Chiropractic Association TBD TBD Michigan Association of Chiropractic Fall Convention TBD 22-24 Georgia Chiropractic Association Marriott Century Center November 11-13 Canadian Chiropractic Convention Sheraton Center Toronto This schedule is subject to change. Please contact the Alumni Relations Department with any questions or to reserve a seat. alumni@life.edu or (800) 543-3203.
Life University Sponsored Seminars CCEP Modules 1-7 Upper Extremity 1 Lower Extremity 1 Foot, Gait & Orthotics 1 Rehabilitation 1 Soft Tissue 1 Global Assessment 2 Cervical Dissection 3 Florida Last Chance 4
DATES
INSTRUCTOR
March 6-7 April 17-18 May 1-2 June 5-6 July 17-18 Aug. 7-8 Feb. 27-28 March 6-7
Dr. Capes Dr. Rau Dr. Hearon Dr. Sinclair Dr. Krasnov Dr. Downes Dr. Sweat & Dr. Romfh Dr. Tribuno, Dr. Kart & Ms. Ledbetter Dr. Hochman
Pelvic & Cervical Analysis April 10-11 for Confident Adjusting
CE 15 CE 15 CE 15 CE 15 CE 15 CE 15 CE 15 CE 13 CE 15
1 STATES APPROVED: NY,FL,GA,KY,LA,MI,NC,SC,AZ,CO,CT,DC,GA,IA,ID,IL PENDING: AL, TN 2 STATES APPROVED: AL,NY,FL,GA,KY,LA,MI,NC,SC,AZ,CO,CT,DC,IA,ID,IL,IN PENDING: TN 3 STATES APPROVED: FL, GA 4
STATES APPROVED: AL,NY,FL,GA,KY,LA,MI,NC,SC PENDING: TN
Lyceum Spring 2010
DATES
INSTRUCTORS
(No CE credit available) Schedule subject to change
April 8-9
Dr. Arno Burnier Dr. Guy Riekeman Dr. Kevin Donka Dr. JC Doornick Dr. Julie Peterson Dr. James Chestnut Mr. Will Bowen
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2010
www.life.edu
CA Certification Program The Advanced Program: The Amazing “Dr. YOU” New Patient Introduction Low Stress Insurance Red Cross CPR Certification The Chiropractic Experience
DATES
INSTRUCTOR
May 15 May 22 June 5 June 19 July 10
Dr. Vince Dr. Pizza Ms. Shoemaker Dr. Krantz Ms. Engle
The Basic Program Georgia X-Ray Certification Creating a Winning Team; Centered Procedures
DATES
INSTRUCTOR
March 27-28
TBD
April 10-11
Ms. Engle
Life Non-Sponsored Seminars Neurology and its Practical Application SOT: Cranial Technical Integration for Confident Adjusting
DATES
INSTRUCTOR
March 27-28 April 17-18 May 8-9
Dr. Horseman Dr. Rosen Dr. Kevorkian
Life University 1269 Barclay Circle Marietta, GA 30060
www.life.edu
Important Contacts Update Your Information: Office of Alumni Relations 800-543-3203 Make a Gift: Office of Development 800-543-3436 Order a Transcript: Office of the Registrar 888-423-5547 Volunteer with Student Recruiting: Office of Recruitment 800-543-3202 Place an Ad on the Website: 770-426-2700 or email careers@life.edu