October 5, 2023 – Marietta, Georgia – The 2023 Life Vision Extravaganza (LVE) continuing education event came to a tremendous close this past Saturday, September 30, this year being held at the luxurious Cobb Galleria Centre. More than 1,700 attendees from all around the country experienced three exciting days of speaking sessions, networking opportunities with alumni & friends, and an exhibition hall filled with some of the most innovative sponsors and vendors in Chiropractic today. The continuing education portion of the LVE culminated in a captivating fireside conversation between Life University (Life U) President Dr. Rob Scott and 2024 presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., where they discussed the major healthcare challenges the nation is facing today on what is on the horizon. Then, for a final wrap-up of the festivities, everyone made it over to the Life U campus for the annual Athletic Festival to see some rugby, enjoy some camaraderie and take in some fireworks to cap off the evening.
“By most accounts from feedback received, attendees, sponsors, vendors and speakers were pleased with our first effort to host more than 1,700 chiropractors off campus for Life Vision Extravaganza,” notes Life University Vice President of University Advancement Dr. Gilles LaMarche. “Though Mr. Kennedy was gracious and easy to host, having a speaker of that notoriety did not come without significant security challenges. Rest assured that we will always look for ways to improve the experience for all involved. Thank you to all who participated.”
Many distinctions were presented to various Life U faculty, alumni and friends throughout the duration of LVE. The Lasting Legacy Awards specifically recognized individuals who have made outstanding contributions to Life U and the greater chiropractic community.
LASTING PURPOSE – TO GIVE: Amanda Apfelbat, D.C.
The individual who has demonstrated a notable increase in giving or an expansion of their giving to Life University, supporting Lasting Purpose.
LASTING PURPOSE – TO DO: Mr. Mackel Harris
The individual who contributes time, talent and treasure to Life University and the chiropractic profession.
LASTING PURPOSE – TO LOVE: Deb Roche, D.C.
The individual who exemplifies the highest level of pride and love for Life U.
LASTING PURPOSE – TO SERVE: Josh Paxton, D.C.
The individual who has been a beacon for Life U in their service to their community and our profession.
2023 CHIROPRACTOR OF THE YEAR: Eric Plasker, D.C.
Honors an individual who has made significant contributions to the chiropractic profession and leads the way for other doctors and patients. They exemplify Life U’s tradition of excellence and have brought credit to the university and their profession through professional achievements or humanitarian service.
DISTINGUISHED ALUMNUS/A AWARD: Stephen Welsh, D.C.
Honors a Life U alumnus who has reached the pinnacle of success in his or her career and has brought credit to themselves and to Life U. The contribution(s) do not need to be publicly renowned but should represent important creative effort or accomplishment with societal or educational value.
YOUNG ALUMNUS/A AWARD: Marcus Hummel, D.C.
Honors a young Life U alumnus, who has graduated within the last ten years, for his or her outstanding professional and community achievements.
HONORARY ALUMNUS/A AWARD: Deed Harrison, D.C.
Honors a friend of Life U who has reached the pinnacle of their individual career and life success, including making a measurable difference in their profession, community and at Life University.
HONORARY UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT TEAM AWARD: Michael Smith, Ph.D.
Honors a faculty or staff member who exemplifies his/her pride for Life U through assisting the advancement team and securing donations.
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: Jerry Hochman, D.C.
Honors an individual who represents a lifetime of Lasting Purpose and dedication to the chiropractic profession and Life University.
SPIRIT OF PHILANTHROPY AWARD: Julie M. Mayer-Hunt, D.C.
Honors an individual, family, association, corporation or foundation with a proven record of providing major, ongoing financial support and leadership to Life University. Their generosity encourages others to take leadership roles in philanthropy toward Life U.
LIFETIME GIVING AWARD: Stu Hoffman, D.C.
Honors a donor who has given consistently and selflessly to Life University over the course of many years.
THE SUNSHINE LIFE AWARD: Mrs. Sandy Lupo
Honors an individual (non-DC) who exhibits the true mission of Life U shown by their Serving, Unwavering, Nurturing Spirit, and strives for Harmony, Impact, Nobility and Empathy in everything they do.
LIFEforce WILL NOT STOP AWARD: Paul McCartney, D.C.
The LIFEforce – Will Not Stop Award is for that LIFEforce Tribe Member who has stayed committed, shown strength and resilience, and never stops educating and promoting Chiropractic – They are changing the world!
LIFEforce IMPACT AWARD: Stan Dombroski, D.C.
A new LIFEforce Tribe Member who has committed to the LIFEforce program and mission. Through this award, we recognize those who exemplify the power of education and dedication to making a lasting impact through sharing Chiropractic with the world.
Founded in 1974, Life University is a health sciences institution most known for its College of Chiropractic, the largest single-campus College of Chiropractic in the world. Undergraduates can pursue undergraduate degrees; a pre-chiropractic, degree-seeking pathway; and graduate degrees within the College of Graduate and Undergraduate Studies. Some degree programs are offered to distance learners through the College of Online Education.
Life University strives to empower our students to succeed both professionally and personally. At Life U, we innovate our approach to higher education, while also remaining true to our philosophical commitment to produce informed leaders who exemplify humanistic values in their professions. To achieve this goal, Life U recognizes and demonstrates its dedication through three official Life University Values: Lasting Purpose, Vitalism and Integrity.
Life U’s 110-acre campus in Marietta, Georgia, just northwest of Atlanta, is home to more than 2,700 undergraduate, graduate and professional students who come from all 50 United States and more than 65 countries.
For more information about Life University, click here.
About Life University
Life University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, master’s and Doctor of Chiropractic degrees, and also has programmatic accreditation through the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE) and the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). The mission of Life University is to empower students with the education, skills and values necessary for career success and life fulfillment, based on a vitalistic philosophy.
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