Marietta, Georgia – September 11, 2025- Chiropractic Founders Day is an annual event observed on September 18, the anniversary of the first-ever chiropractic adjustment, performed by D.D. Palmer. Life University held an early Chiropractic Founders Day event this afternoon on campus at Socrates Café, from 11:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m.
The goal was to bring faculty, staff, students and the larger community together to celebrate the birthday of Chiropractic. This was achieved through a large birthday card signing, a delicious complimentary snack bar, chiropractic trivia and lots of commemorative Life U SWAG from Life Chiropractic Centers, the Life U Shop and others. Student Ambassadors and Student LIFEForce joined forces to host this event.
Chiropractic Founders Day is a time to reflect on all the good that Chiropractic has brought to the world, as well as honoring mentors, teachers and practitioners that push the profession forward. Several student leaders reflected on individuals who have inspired them along their journey to becoming chiropractors.
“[The first chiropractor who adjusted me, Dr. Margaret Mertens,] fully convinced me that Chiropractic can do wonders for the world. She actually is the sole reason why I decided to become a chiropractor, because of just how influential she was with my health. And I saw how she reacted and worked with patients,” Damontae Dewitt said.
While a memorable first chiropractic adjustment is often a common touchpoint for prospective chiropractors, the start of clinic rotations is another major step on the journey that requires positive mentorship.
“I just started clinic last quarter, and I’ve really loved it. And two of my favorite people there who stand out to me are Dr. Alyssa Kurtiak and Dr. Daniel Gambino. They are so inspiring and always critique me and challenge me to be better all the time,” Milan Losagio said.
Life University once again offers heartfelt gratitude and thanks for not only the inspiring efforts of our chiropractic founders, but also for all who invest in chiropractic education and leadership.
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 12 undergraduate degrees; a pre-chiropractic, degree-seeking pathway; and three 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 Lie 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 2,800 undergraduate, graduate and professional students who come from all 50 United States and more than 60 countries.
For more information about Life University’s Doctor of Chiropractic program, please visit our official D.C. page.
For more information about Life University, visit life.edu.
About Life University
Life University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award 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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