Big things are on the horizon for the illustrious Life University (Life U), chief among them our celebration in 2024 of Life U’s 50th anniversary. Imagine it … 50 whole years progressing the cause of Chiropractic, Vitalism and health sciences in higher education. And we only continue to strive more intentionally toward a revitalized healthcare paradigm as agents of positive change.
Yet, it is valuable to take stock and look back at all that has been accomplished so that we can continue to build upon our strong foundations. With that in mind, let’s look at 50 fun facts, figures and features of Life U that we take such immense pride in.
50 Reasons Why We Love Our University (in no particular order)
- Our University is an integral part of the community in which it resides, a beautiful forested landscape of 110 acres of property in Marietta, Georgia. Our roots are deep and grow deeper as we seek to serve our local communities and communities extending even far beyond our campus doors.
- You can’t beat the awe-spiring hiking and walking trails, over 5 miles winding around campus with scenic landmarks along the way and sometimes a view of the calming Rottenwood Creek.
- Have you noticed the adorable rustic cabins cozied up in the middle of Life U’s walking trails? That is our 19th Century Village, a recreated pioneer village that repurposes log structures dating back as far as the 1700s. It even has an authentic Grist mill reflected beautifully in the creek water.
- Here at Life University, we have embraced a higher purpose and calling for everything we do. Life University’s foundational value is Lasting Purpose: To live an inner-directed life, to give, to do, to love, to serve, out of your own abundance. Life U believes that a willingness and desire to serve your community and your fellow man are just as important as academic pursuits.
- We have a unique vision and commitment to Vitalism, visible throughout our educational and clinical philosophy. Vitalism is defined as the recognition that the Universe itself is self-conscious, and as such, creates itself as a dynamic system wherein living organisms are self-developing, self-maintaining and self-healing.
- There are few instances where our infinite commitment to Lasting Purpose is better demonstrated than through The Chillon Project. The Chillon Project is an initiative of the Center for Compassion, Integrity, and Secular Ethics to provide higher education to people impacted by the prison system in Georgia.
- We are known for being a school that leads with its heart, which is what serves as the basis for our Compassionate Integrity Training, offered through the Center for Compassion, Integrity and Secular Ethics (CCISE). This training has been taught in over 30 countries. It is a resiliency-informed program that helps cultivate human values as skills. The goal is that we can thrive as individuals and a society within a healthy environment. By learning to calm our body and mind, become more emotionally aware, and practice compassion for ourselves and others, we learn compassionate integrity: the ability to live one’s life in accordance with one’s values with a recognition of common humanity, our basic orientation to kindness and reciprocity.
- Life University has the honorable designation of being the largest single-campus chiropractic college in the world.
- Life University currently offers 19 different stellar degree types, including our flagship Chiropractic program, as well 14 undergraduate and four graduate degree programs, including our new M.B.A. program!
- We whole-heartedly encourage and promote diversity here at this University, which is why we have 65 international countries represented in our student body.
- Orientation is the best kickoff to your time at Life U. Typically, it is a two-day required program complete with an Experiential Learning Activity that will challenge your body and mind in enjoyable ways.
- Eagle Proud. What does it mean to be truly Eagle Proud, you ask? It’s a movement, a lifestyle, a community of like-minded individuals. This initiative of the Quality Enhancement plan (QEP) seeks to establish and promote Life University traditions. How do you show you are Eagle Proud?
- One of Life University’s most noteworthy traditions is our SPEAK Tradition, which constitutes the goal that all Life U community members simply greet their fellow students, faculty, staff or guests on Life U’s campus or online with a simple “Hello,” “Hola,” “How are you?”, etc. A simple greeting can make everyone feel more welcome and appreciated, and ultimately showcase Life U’s inclusive, kind campus culture.
- Special events are happening all the time, all over campus. Check them out on the Events
- We compete, in academics and in sports. We offer 11 men’s sports programs, 11 women’s sports programs and 1 co-ed sport (Cheer), as well as numerous intramural programs. Go Running Eagles!
- Why, our incomparable, caring faculty, of course! Learn more about your favorite professors in Life U’s Online Faculty Directory.
- The quarter system of education is a bit to get used to, but it means that students can complete their degrees more efficiently. And what’s not to love about that?
- We have an excellent student-to-faculty ratio, of 15-to-1. This way, you get to know your professors on a more personal level as they help you navigate your way through your degree.
- Flexibility in education is paramount to the success of busy professionals, which is why we offer 10 fully online degree programs, including our new M.B.A.
- There are clubs or organizations for students to plug into in a wide range of professional and personal interests. Chiropractic students, in particular, have so much to choose from, from clubs celebrating Pediatric Chiropractic, technique clubs and so much more. And for three quarters out of the year, you can attend a L.I.F.E. event to learn more about all these clubs and organizations.
- Located in Celebration Plaza adjacent to the Guy F. Riekeman, D.C. Center for Chiropractic Education (RCCE) stands a symbolic pillar to the principles of Chiropractic, the Safety Pin, larger than life in all its silver glory. This simple pin represents the neurological connection between the brain and the body. It also represents the notion of how the body interacts with the environment. This is a symbol of how all the systems of the body and the environment work. Remaining open, it serves as a daily reminder to educate and care for the world, in efforts to reconnect individuals with their innate and optimal potential (thereby “closing” the pin).
- The Iconic Bell Tower at the front of campus tells of a rich and turbulent history. Nestled neatly inside the Bell Tower is a model of a jail cell. In this way we honor the first pioneering chiropractors that stood their ground and upheld their principles to assert chiropractic’s validity as a separate and valid profession. 600 principled chiropractors have their names carved in stone inside the central cell, a testament to their bravery and sacrifice that has allowed today’s chiropractors to practice without fear. It also features a statue in front of it, of two large hands performing an adjustment.
- Life University is proud to serve patients in need of restorative chiropractic care through its LIFE Chiropractic Centers (LCC), staffed by knowledgeable and caring faculty clinicians and dedicated chiropractic student interns. Make an appointment today at one of two locations, the Main Campus location in the Center for Optimum Health and Performance (C-HOP) or the Roswell Road location in Marietta.
- Your connection to Life U doesn’t have to end when you graduate! Life U has cultivated a wonderful, warm and welcoming Alumni & Friends organization so that Life U Alumni and friends of the University can network, reconnect and mentor the future chiropractic stars of tomorrow!
- Life University has educated almost uncountable numbers of top-notch chiropractors practicing worldwide. Looking for a Life U chiropractor? See if the right one for you is listed in the Alumni & Friends ‘‘Find a Chiropractor’ Directory.
- Did you know that Life University has a super fun, informative and readable weekly blog? It’s called Slice of LIFE, and this award-winning resource has all kinds of free content for you to take in at your leisure, connecting you to our Living Life at Life U podcasts, stories about members of the Life U community and natural health tips for a better life.
- Speaking of the Living Life at Life U podcast, if you haven’t checked it out yet, you really should. Life U has created the Living Life at Life U podcast to generate dynamic content, mind-blowing conversations and new ways for the Life U community to connect with the University. Our host, Dr. Véronica Garcia-Chaparro, is a proud alumna of the Life U D.C. program as well as a practicing chiropractor and faculty member.
- Here at Life U, we do everything in our power to get our chiropractic students ready to practice in the real-world environment, which is why in addition to standard clinic work, we have the PEAK Clinical Program. The PEAK (Practice, Excellence, Art and Knowledge) program is a program designed to allow senior interns to complete their clinic requirements under the direction of an off-campus doctor.
- In order for the art and science of Chiropractic to grow, thorough chiropractic research must be conducted and published. That is where the Dr. Sid E. Williams Center for Chiropractic Research comes in, providing the chiropractic community with research clinically relevant to the patients and profession of Chiropractic, embodying the core values of Life University.
- Research isn’t just a career academic’s path. We create many opportunities for students to explore burning research questions that stimulate their mind and soul. One possible avenue is student chiropractic research and the option to complete the Chiropractic Research track as part of a Doctor of Chiropractic degree.
- We are partnered with the cutting-edge in neurotechnology and neuroplasticity research with NeuroLIFE Institute. Their clinical mission is to restore and optimize brain and neurologic function using non-drug, non-surgical approaches that utilize the body’s innate capacity as a self-developing, self-maintaining and self-healing organism.
- For undergraduates, faculty or staff with the research bug, the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) has you covered. Check out the possibilities for funded projects, student travel awards and RISE scholarships on the CETL home page.
- Formerly known as Fall CElebration, Life Vision Extravaganza (LVE) is our annual continuing education seminar that makes completing required CE hours a breeze and a blast. It’s complete with special speakers, vendors and more!
- Life University offers a ton of great scholarships to make college more affordable, For example, Life U recently launched a 20% undergraduate tuition discount for eligible Cobb County residents.
- Having trouble getting your continuing education hours done? We offer Online Postgraduate Courses that could be beneficial to you. Please be sure to check state requirements (listed) to remain in compliance with all regulations.
- Every year near the holidays, Life U gets transformed into a spectacular Winter Wonderland. Lights of Life is one of the most affordable holiday lights shows in the metro Atlanta area, costing $10 per car or $20 per bus while showcasing more than one million LED bulbs in total over its 110-acre campus. This event is a labor of love for Life U and a lasting legacy offered to the community during the holiday season. Entry fees charged are used to pay the electricity bills and other expenses incurred from this event, with no profit to the University.
- Your Extraordinary LIFE (YEL) is the can’t miss publication of the year for Life University. YEL features an in-depth look at all things Life University, from alumni and student human interest stories to recaps and previews of the University’s biggest events. If you are a proud Life U alumni, friend or supporter, be sure to pick one up or check it out online.
- Renovated in 2020 and located on the ground floor of the Center for Athletics and Sport Health Science (SHS), the Life Univeristy Fitness Center provides state-of-the-art fitness equipment for all ability levels and fitness experiences. Enjoy looking out over the Life U pond from our cardio area as you walk, jog, run or stair step your way to achieving your fitness goals. We also offer Olympic lifting options and platforms, free weight areas, and a cross fit rig to facilitate a variety of weightlifting options to challenge and inspire you toward your personal fitness outcomes.
- Life U Rugby and sports lovers know our beloved Lupo Family Field fairly intimately. A new, state-of-the-art Running Eagles Performance (REP) Center was recently added in the same vicinity, and our Upper Athletic Field was also recently renovated with a brand-new track and scoreboard.
First-year undergraduates are required to live on campus, so they get to live it up in one of two amazing dormitories. The Commons is our newest residence hall designed with Life U’s newest, and youngest, students in mind. Encouraging community integration and social collaboration, The Commons at Life U is a physical example of a living, learning community. Equipped with residence life staff and fun programs, The Commons is a great place to begin your college career at Life U!
The Commons Dining Hall is located at The Commons residential building on Barclay Circle. Its primary function is to serve as an “all-you-can-eat,” buffet style eatery and gathering place for students, faculty and staff. It also features the Grab & Go Grill where menu items can be made to order. Premade salads, sandwiches, parfaits and other snacks are also available.
- Students can enjoy a quick walk or shuttle ride to class, or perhaps enjoy studying in a harmonious atmosphere located in our courtyard complete with meditation wall.
- Life’s Village Retreat (LVR) has been around the longest and offers its own parking deck, included for LVR residents. The LVR is located on the northeast section of campus overlooking the tranquil Lyceum Park.
- Socrates Café- Located in the CGUS building, Socrates is truly the epicenter of student life on campus – a place to grab a quick bite, chill or convene for special events. Conveniently located to the far back left of the Socrates Café is the Life U Shop, your one-stop-shop for all Life U swag needs. Show your school spirit with genuine pride!
- We are doing our part to bridge the gap of food insecurity for college students and our local communities. Conveniently located inside the Drs. Sid E. & Nell K. Williams Library in the Learning Resources Center (LRC), the Food4LIFE pantry is available for all Life U community members. Visitors to the pantry are asked to limit the food they take per visit to what can reasonably be carried. All food will be weighed before it leaves the pantry.
Life U hosts the MUST Neighborhood Mobile Pantry monthly on campus, so students and community members can access necessary resources. Keep an eye out for email announcements about the next visit.
- Student LIFEforce is a magnanimous force that students get to know in their time at Life U and hopefully beyond as they have the opportunity to join the overarching LIFEforce organization. Their solemn creed is “We will not stop until everyone on the planet has access to chiropractic care and a chiropractic education if they so choose.” Students involved with this group are often seen volunteering at a wide variety of events both on and off campus to connect with the chiropractic community, LIFEforce doctors and to develop necessary leadership skills to fuel their future success.
- Student Ambassadors have those cool jackets on all over campus. They are an honorary group of students who participate in public relations activities for Life University. They seek to represent the vision of Life University under the President’s office by serving as the liaison to prospective students, leaders in healthcare professions and the greater community.
- Life Leadership Weekend is a turning point for many people that decide to attend Life U and its D.C. program. Our Leadership Weekends offer an in-depth look at the chiropractic profession and the kind of chiropractic education that you will receive at Life U. Students attend from all over the U.S. and outside of the U.S. to participate in this event, held four times annually.
- Generations Wall- Whole families of chiropractors have come through our doors. The Generations Wall is our chance to honor them and for them to give back through generous donations as the case may be. It has a peaceful water feature at its center.
- Lyceum Standard Process Amphitheater- The amphitheater affords our campus a gravitas and a cozy feel that it might have lacked without it. This is a great communal area for studying and outdoor events.
- The Drs. Sid E. & Nell K. Williams Library, renamed in July 2011 in honor of Life University’s first president and his wife, is located in the Learning Resource Center (LRC) in the heart of the campus. Our expert librarians have carefully selected resources that support Life U’s mission to empower each student with the education, skills and values to maximize the perfection within, based upon a vitalistic philosophy.
The facility is state-of-the-art, complete with hard-bound volumes, e-books, hands-on equipment and models, WiFi and access to the Interlibrary Loan system, allowing you to obtain research and information from libraries around the world.
- And last, but not least by a long shot, each and every one of our amazing students. You are the reason that Life University exists. Go live out your infinite potential!
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