Lasting Purpose
Life University’s
Lasting Purpose
Life University’s guiding principle is Lasting Purpose: To live an inner-directed life, to give, to do, to love, to serve, out of your own abundance. Life University believes that a willingness and desire to serve your community and your fellow man are just as important as academic pursuits. This attitude stems from the recognition that each individual has been given certain gifts, and as a citizen in the world community, it is your duty to give, to do, to love, to serve, out of your own abundance.
This value is not only expected from our students, but also from our faculty and staff as well. Plus, to carry it forward into other areas, such as one’s own practice, is to be commended. Every day, the chiropractic community works tirelessly to bring principled Chiropractic to the world. Within that larger community, individual chiropractors work tirelessly in their local areas bringing Vitalism, health and principled Chiropractic to their patients.
These individuals recognize the importance of giving back to their communities and the schools from which they obtained their degree. At Life University, we recognize the countless efforts that these individuals make on behalf of Chiropractic, as well as the University through the presentation of our Annual Recognition Awards given by the International Alumni Association of Life University.
Each honoree offers such comprehensive support to the University, both in their time and effort, as well as through their generous financial donations, that we take great honor in recognizing them.
Through their professional accomplishments and personal service, honorees are selected as representatives of professional success, social contribution and cultural change. These outstanding individuals are honored at the Lasting Purpose Recognition Lunch held during Life University’s annual Life Vision Extravaganza (LVE) event on the University’s campus.
Lasting Legacy Award
Winners 2023
Lasting Purpose: To Do Award
Honors an individual who has contributed time, talent and treasure to Life University and the chiropractic profession.
Mr. Mackel Harris
Mr. Harris is the Director of Recruitment/Multicultural Affairs for Life U. He spent a short time in the NFL with the Denver Broncos and the Dallas Cowboys after a standout career at the Georgia Institute of Technology. He began his career in banking and has spent the last 30 years at Life U. In 2022 at the 15th Annual Black History Month Gala, Mr. Harris was presented with an award for his dedication to recruiting black students to Life U and increasing the number of black doctors of chiropractic.
Lasting Purpose: To Love Award
Honors an individual who exemplified the highest level of pride and love for Life University.
Deb Roche, D.C. (’93)
Life U has been a major part of Dr. Roche’s life since she matriculated into the Doctor of Chiropractic program in 1990. After practicing full-time for a few years, she returned to the University and served on the faculty; worked in the Registrar’s Office; and served as Assistant Dean, Dean of Instruction and Senior Academic Advisor. The Senior Academic Advisor role really challenged Dr. Roche and was so very rewarding because she was able to influence Life U’s students in a positive, loving way, and live a life of Lasting Purpose. Since 2022, Dr. Roche has been enjoying retirement, splitting her time between Palm Coast, Florida and Dahlonega, Georgia. However, she returns to her chiropractic home each quarter to proudly announce Life U’s graduates’ names at each commencement ceremony.
Lasting Purpose: To Serve Award
Honors an individual who has been a beacon for Life University in their service to their community and our profession.
Josh Paxton, B.S. (’08), D.C. (’10)
Dr. Paxton served as a past President of the Life University Alumni Association and has served on the board since 2018. He has served as a LIFEforce Tribe Member since 2013. He continues to show his passion for service by attending Alumni Student Engagement Dinners on campus among many other events supporting Life U.
Distinguished Alumnus Award
Honors a Life University alumnus who has reached the pinnacle of success in their career and has brought credit to himself/herself and to Life University.
Stephen Welsh, D.C. (’96)
Dr. Welsh has supported Life University (Life U) in many ways, including financially and by attending countless events on Life U’s campus in support of the University vision of a world of vitalistic thinking and action. He is the former president of the International Chiropractors Association (ICA) and has served on the ICA board since 2009. He is currently the Co-Chair of the Integrative Health Policy Consortium (IHPC) Board. He received the B.J. Palmer Leadership Award at the ICA Meeting in 2017.
Young Alumnus Award
Honors a young Life University alumnus, who has graduated within the last 10 years, for their outstanding professional and community achievements.
Marcus Hummel, D.C. (’21)
While attending Life U, Dr. Hummel received the Life Leadership Award as the President of Student LIFEforce for the 2018-2019 academic year at the annual awards banquet. Student LIFEforce also received the Organization Leadership award that year under his leadership. Additionally, Dr. Hummel was awarded the Ohio Chiropractic Association scholarship, funding his education. Today, Dr. Hummel is involved in the Ohio State Chiropractic Organization as the treasurer of his local district and the co-chairman for the membership committee for the state convention.
LIFEforce Impact Award
Stan Dombroski, D.C. (’03), Palmer Chiropractic College
Dr. Dombroski has been a dedicated LIFEforce Tribe member and member of the President’s Circle since 2021. He has sent numerous referrals to attend LIFE Leadership Weekend.
For nearly two decades, Dr. Dombroski has continuously provided his patients in Michigan with support, relief and genuine kindness. He has prided himself on sharing the message and practice of Chiropractic not just with his patients, but also with young minds who are entering the world of Chiropractic.
Chiropractor of the Year Award
Eric Plasker, D.C. (’85)
Dr. Plasker has been a world-renowned speaker since 2000, an international bestselling author, healthcare leader and practicing chiropractor for over 35 years. He is the creator of the 100 Year Lifestyle and the 100 Year Lifestyle Network. He is an extremely passionate and purpose-driven person, and he has become a leader in the health freedom movement fighting for individuals and families to make the best healthcare choices for themselves and their families.
Annual
Recognition Awards
Honorary Alumnus Award
Honors a friend of Life University who has demonstrated exceptional commitment and support to the mission and spirit of Life University.
Deed Harrison, D.C. (’96), Life Chiropractic College West
Dr. Harrison has been supporting Life U through various initiatives since 2004. Dr. Harrison is the Chair of the PCCRP Radiography Guidelines and is a contributing member to two Chiropractic practice guidelines for patient standards of care. He is the President of Chiropractic BioPhysics® (CBP®) Technique & Seminars; is the President of CBP Nonprofit, Inc., a spinal research foundation; and is the Editor-In-Chief of the American Journal of Clinical Chiropractic.
Honorary University Advancement Team Award
Honors an individual who has demonstrated exceptional leadership in raising money and organizing groups of volunteers for major fundraising projects that benefit Life University.
Dr. Michael Smith
Dr. Michael Smith has over 28 years of higher education experience. He has served as a college professor and administrator, NSF grant director, pre-health seminar coordinator and is the Associate Dean of Graduate and Undergraduate Studies at Life U. Dr. Smith has played a key role in assisting the Life University Office of Advancement with multiple programs and initiatives during his time at the University.
LIFEforce Will Not Stop Award
Honors the individual who exemplified the highest level of commitment to the mission of LIFEforce.
Paul McCartney, D.C. (’95)
Dr. McCartney has served as a LIFEforce Tribe Member since 2014. Dr. Paul “Rock” McCartney’s path into the world of Chiropractic was one marked by different chapters that led him to attend Life U and represent them on the rugby pitch.
After graduating from the Doctor of Chiropractic program at Life University, Dr. Rock and his wife Patti moved back to Texas where he would open his own chiropractic practice. Over the years Dr. Rock has had repeated experiences that affirm the healing power of Chiropractic. “Everybody that comes into my office understands the organic impact of a chiropractic adjustment.”
Lifetime Achievement Award
Jerry Hochman, D.C. (’83)
Dr. Jerry Hochman, a full-time professor with tenure in the College of Chiropractic, has been teaching at Life U for 40 years. He served as President and Vice President of the Faculty Senate at Life U and as a member of the Faculty Development Committee as well. Dr. Hochman has had his research accepted by ACC-RAC five times while being published in multiple chiropractic journals and magazines. He’s also a longtime President’s Circle member and funds the Drs. Jim Warden & Pamela Vinci Memorial Scholarship.
Spirit of Philanthropy Award
Honors an individual who has made a significant impact to Life University through their financial contributions.
Julie M. Mayer-Hunt, D.C. (’81)
Dr. Julie Mayer-Hunt has generously given to Life U for 11 consecutive years. Her donations total is close to $40,000. She has also been a President’s Circle Member since 2018.
Lifetime Giving Award
Stu Hoffman, D.C. (’81)
Dr. Stu Hoffman owns and operates ChiroSecure, which offers malpractice insurance to chiropractors nationwide. He is a dedicated donor who has given consecutively to Life U for 41 years and has a lifetime of giving close to one million dollars. Recently, he has made a generous pledge donation of $500,000 for the Dr. Chuck Ribley Lasting Purpose Alumni and Event Center.
The Sunshine LIFE Award
Mrs. Sandy Lupo
Sandy Lupo, of Gross Pointe Shores, Michigan, shares that her chiropractic journey began in 1975 when her husband Dr. Joe Lupo decided to attend Life U. Mrs. Lupo says she has enjoyed a life filled with love, joy, blessings and Lasting Purpose. She is a nurturer and loves taking care of her family, and it has been her privilege to work alongside her husband, son Jeff and daughter Jessie in the family practice, Lupo Chiropractic Center, for many years. Mrs. Lupo stated that she loves coming back to Life U to be among like-minded people and to see her ever-growing friends who give back by sharing their stories of how Chiropractic has helped them. Coming back to Life U for her feels like home.
Academy of Fellows
Darren White, D.C. (’01)
Dr. White is the CEO of ADURO, a company that unlocks human potential in the workplace. It is a fun, inspiring platform that brings together expert coaching, interactive content, meaningful incentives and personalized data that drives engagement and insights about organizations. He is the former CEO of Clear Chiropractic in Kirkland, Washington. Being honored as an Academy of Fellows by Life U, Dr. White is being recognized as a donor whose cumulative cash giving is at least $100,000 and who will be recognized at a Life U commencement ceremony where they will receive a Life U medallion.
Lasting Legacy Award
Winners 2022
Lasting Purpose: To Give Award
Honors the individual who has demonstrated a notable increase in giving or an expansion of their giving to Life University.
Camilla Franson, D.C. (Life U 1996) and Stephen Franson, D.C. (Life U 1996)
- Own Franson Family Chiropractic in Massachusetts, one of the largest wellness clinics in the world.
- Family honored on Life U Generations Wall.
- Dr. Stephen was listed as one of the Top 25 Most Influential Chiropractors in the World
in 2017. - Dr. Stephen is Co-Founder of Chiro Match Makers.
- President’s Circle Members
- Founder of The Remarkable Practice Scholarship
Lasting Purpose: To Do Award
Honors an individual who has contributed time, talent and treasure to Life University and the chiropractic profession.
Paul Weeks, D.C. (Life U 1998)
- Life University Alumni Association Board of Directors
- Owner of Dothan Spine and Specialty since 2004
- Member of the American Chiropractic Association
- LIFEforce Tribe Member
- President’s Circle
- 2019 LIFEforce Impact Award Recipient
Lasting Purpose: To Love Award
Honors an individual who exemplified the highest level of pride and love for Life University.
Johnny Brown, D.C. (Life U 2001)
- President’s Circle Member
- LIFEforce Doctor
- PEAK Doctor
- CEO of the newly formed Cornerstone Performance Center, previously known as Sparlin Healthcare.
- Previously a member of the student chapter of the American Black Chiropractic Association (SABCA) as well as a student doctor in the Life University Research Department.
Lasting Purpose: To Serve Award
Honors an individual who has been a beacon for Life University in their service to their community and our profession.
Tony Ebel, D.C.
- Dr. Ebel has built one of the largest pediatric clinics in the country and also runs a functional wellness program called 8 Weeks to Wellness. His practice earned the prestigious Top Flight award from Integrity Management and was the fastest ever to earn “Top Flight” status.
- Featured in the documentary film “Doctored – Exposing the Modern Medical Monopoly”
- President’s Circle, PEAK Doctor
Distinguished Alumnus Award
Honors a Life University alumnus who has reached the pinnacle of success in their career and has brought credit to himself/herself and to Life University.
James “Doc” Eaton, D.C. (Life U 1992)
- Eaton served in the Army National Guard from 1963-1969. He later went into the financial industry, which led him to Georgia.
- In 1993, he opened Eaton Chiropractic in Kennesaw, Georgia, now run by his daughter Cris.
- Eaton served on the Kennesaw Downtown Development Authority for eight years and was the Chair for four years. He is also a founding member of the Kennesaw Museum Foundation and served on the Kennesaw City Council for six years.
- LIFEforce Tribe Member
Young Alumnus Award
Honors a young Life University alumnus, who has graduated within the last 10 years, for their outstanding professional and community achievements.
Michael Hollerbach, D.C. (Life U 2017)
- Dr. Hollerbach was awarded the Chiropractic Philosophy Distinction Award and the Earnest Arnold Speak Tradition award from Life University, two of the most prestigious awards given to members of the graduating class.
- Earned Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science while attending Life University and will be finishing his master’s degree in the Fall of 2022 from Life U.
- Owns and operates Anthony Wayne Chiropractic
in Whitehouse, Ohio. - President’s Circle Member
- LIFEforce Tribe Member
LIFEforce Impact Award
Deborah Little, D.C . (Life U 2005)
- Dr. Little works for Back To Genesis Chiropractic in Marietta, Georgia and most recently won Dr. Deane Mink Membership Award. She was sworn in for a second term as director of the GCA during the Georgia Chiropractic Association’s 109th Annual Fall Conference.
- She spent many of her days serving as president of the Student Black Chiropractic Association (SABCA) and now serves proudly at the executive National level of the (NABCA).
- LIFEforce Tribe Member
- President’s Circle Member
- PEAK Doctor
Annual
Recognition Awards
Honorary Alumnus Award
Honors a friend of Life University who has demonstrated exceptional commitment and support to the mission and spirit of Life University.
Patrick Lowe
- Chiropractor, Clinic Director, Lowe Chiropractic & Wellness LLC, Louisville, KY 1998–present
- Doctorate of Chiropractic, Cleveland Chiropractic College, Kansas City Missouri 1997
- Member of the American Chiropractic Association
- Member of the Kentucky Association of Chiropractors
- LIFEforce Tribe Member
- President’s Circle Member
- 2021 LIFEforce Impact Award
Honorary University Advancement Team Award
Honors an individual who has demonstrated exceptional leadership in raising money and organizing groups of volunteers for major fundraising projects that benefit Life University.
Thomas Fabisiak, D.C.
- Director of the Chillon Project at Life University
- Received his undergraduate degree from Cornell University, his master’s at Harvard University and his Ph.D. from Emory University.
- Founding member and Co-Executive Director of the Georgia Coalition for Higher Education in Prison
LIFEforce Will Not Stop Award
Honors the individual who exemplified the highest level of commitment to the mission of LIFEforce.
B.J. Harman, D.C. (Life U 1980) and Mrs. Jackie Harman
- Dr. B.J. has been a speaker at LIFE Vision and other chiropractic programs around the country.
- Dr. B.J. practiced in Florida from 1980-1991 and currently teaches at Life U; part of the first quarter committee developing the Exceptional Experience Curriculum at Life University.
- Jackie Harman currently works for Innovative Properties Group/Sandra Watkins & Co. RE/MAX Town & Country Cobb & Cherokee.
- President’s Circle Members; LIFEforce Tribe Members
Lifetime Achievement Award
Joe Dispenza, D.C. (Life U 1980) and Mrs. Jackie Harman
- Over the past decade, Dr. Dispenza has lectured in
24 different countries on six continents educating people about the role and function of the
human brain. He wrote two best-selling books,
Evolve Your Brain: The Science of Changing Your Mind and Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself:
How to Lose Your Mind and Create a New One. - Dr. Dispenza is one of the scientists, researchers
and teachers featured in the award-winning films, What the BLEEP Do We Know!? and Down the Rabbit Hole. He is also featured in the recently released film, The People v. The State of Illusion. - LIFEforce Tribe Member
Philanthropy Award
Honors an individual who has made a significant impact to Life University through their financial contributions.
Darcy Andersen, D.C. (Life U. 1989)
- Practices at Anderson Family Chiropractic in York, Pennsylvania and has 33 years of chiropractic experience.
- Academy of Fellows
- President’s Circle Member
- Family honored on Life U’s Generations Wall
Lifetime Giving Award
Amie Bend, D.C. (Life U 1996) and Mr. Rich Giuli
- Dr. Amie Bend and her husband Rich Giuli made a generous donation to Life University to help found The Generations Wall.
- Rich Giuli serves on Life University’s Board of Trustees
- LIFEforce Tribe Members
- President’s Circle Members
- Three Generations (13 DCs) honored on Life U’s Generation’s Wall
- 2014 Donor Legacy Award Recipients
The Sunshine LIFE Award
Mrs. Kathi Handt
- New Beginnings Board of Directors Member
- Kathi is an international speaker on chiropractic philosophy, business growth and personal growth and co-authored the book Retire in Practice with her husband Dr. Jay Handt. The book helps others find more passion, purpose and abundance within themselves.
- Kathi leads a spiritual part of the Inner Winners Program, which was founded by River and Sunshine Ribley.
- President’s Circle Member
- LIFEforce Tribe Member
- Family honored on Life U’s Generations Wall
Legacy Society Award
Claudia Anrig, D.C. (Life U 1982) and Mr. Gary Janzen
- Dr. Claudia Anrig has been in practice for 30 years; founder of the first comprehensive pediatric program and community outreach, Peter Pan Potential.
- Dr. Anrig is the past president and served 25 years on the board of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association.
- Dr. Anrig is Postgraduate faculty of Life University.
- She received the 1997 Chiropractor of the Year Award from the World Chiropractic Association, Fellow of the International Chiropractic Association (ICA) in 1997, and Distinguished Service from the ICA in 1998.
- Mr. Janzen, husband to Dr. Claudia, founded and currently owns Janzen Brands. He serves as virtual Marketing Director and mentor to young marketers.
- President’s Circle Members
- Family honored on Life U’s Generation’s Wall