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 Fall CElebration Event on the University’s campus.

The Annual Recognition Awards include:

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.

Young Alumnus Award

Honors a young Life University alumnus, who has graduated within the last 10 years, for their outstanding professional and community achievements.

Honorary Alumnus Award

Honors a friend of Life University who has demonstrated exceptional commitment and support to the mission and spirit of Life University.

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.

Lasting Purpose: To Do Award

Honors an individual who has contributed time, talent and treasure to Life University and the chiropractic profession.

Lasting Purpose: To Love Award

Honors an individual who exemplified the highest level of pride and love for Life University.

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.

LIFEforce Will Not Stop Award

Honors the individual who exemplified the highest level of commitment to the mission of LIFEforce.

Philanthropy Award

Honors an individual who has made a significant impact to Life University through their financial contributions.

Donor Legacy Award

Honors an individual, couple or family who has made a significant impact to the University through their financial contributions.

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.

State Representative Award Award

Honors a state representative who has actively engaged, educated and reconnected their state alumni and friends to Life University.

2022 Recipients

2022

Lasting Purpose Award – To Do: 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 Award – To Do: 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 Award – To Love: 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 Award – To Serve: 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

Chiropractor of the Year: Karen Mathiak, D.C. (Life U 1984)

State Representative Mathiak is a chiropractor in Griffin, Georgia, where she has practiced for over 30 years.
In 2003, Mathiak was appointed to become a member of the Georgia Board of Chiropractic Examiners by Governor Sonny Perdue. In 2011, Mathiak was appointed to the Georgia Board
of Chiropractic Examiners again by Governor Nathan Deal.
In 2016, Mathiak became a member of the Georgia House of Representatives for District 73 and continues to serve for District 73.
President’s Circle Member

Distinguished Alumnus Award: 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: 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

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

Honorary Alumnus Award: 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: 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

Lifetime Achievement Award: Joe Dispenza, D.C.

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

Spirit of Philanthropy Award: 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

LIFEforce Will Not Stop Award: 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

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

Previous Recipients

2021

During the 2021 LIFE Vision–Fall CElebration Extravaganza, Life U held its annual Lasting Purpose Awards, at which it recognized individuals who have made outstanding contributions to their communities and the chiropractic profession.

LIFEtime Achievement Award: Chuck Ribley, D.C.
An individual who has exhibited a lifetime of Lasting Purpose and dedication to the Chiropractic profession and Life University.

The Sunshine LIFE Award: Ruth “Sunshine” Ribley
Awarded to an individual who brings “sunshine” wherever they go.

LIFEtime Giving Award: Dr. Joe & Sandy Lupo
Presented to individuals for their ongoing and continuous support of Life University.

Young Alumnus: Nico Staples, D.C.
Honors a young Life University alumnus who has graduated within the last 10 years for their outstanding professional and community achievements.

Honorary University Advancement Team Award: Coach Omi Acosta
Honors a faculty or staff member who exemplifies his/her pride for Life University through assisting the advancement team and securing donations.

Lasting Purpose – To GIVE: Peter Holt
Honors the individual who has demonstrated a notable increase in giving or an expansion of their giving to Life University.

Chiropractor of the Year: Drs. Selina Sigafoose-Jackson and Kevin Jackson
Individuals who have made significant contributions to the chiropractic profession and lead the way for other doctors and patients.

Distinguished Alumnus: “Coach Max” Anthony Maxwell
Honors a Life University alumnus who has reached the pinnacle of success in his career and has brought credit to themselves and to Life University.

Lasting Purpose – To LOVE: David Koch, D.C.
Honors individuals who exemplified the highest level of pride and love for Life University.

2020

Drs. Joseph Clarino (Life U. 1999) and Debra Cirone (Life U. 1998) – Distinguished Alumnus- Award
LIFE alumni who have reached the pinnacle of success in their career and have brought credit to themselves and to LIFE.
This couple who practice in Sugarhill, GA, continue to serve their community while serving as Life University PEAK doctors, and mentoring Life University students, and doctors from across the country.

Jason Cherry, DC (Life U. 2012) – Young Alumnus Award
honors a LIFE alumnus, who has graduated within the last ten years, for his outstanding professional and community achievements.This doctor serves on the Life U Alumni Association Board and was instrumental in launching the Student Alumni Engagement Dinner program.

Tabor Smith, DC – The 2020 Honorary Alumnus
honors a friend of LIFE University who has reached the pinnacle of his career and life success, including making a measurable difference in their profession, community and at Life University.
This year’s recipient is the founder of The Spinal Hygiene Certificate Program offered at Life University, and the producer of the acclaimed documentary A Better Way which premiered in July 2020.

Drs. Stephen (Life U. 1996) and Claire Welsh (Life U. 1988) – To Give –
Honors individuals who have demonstrated a notable expansion of their giving to Life University, supporting Lasting Purpose.

Patrick Greco, DC (Life U. 1998) – To Do –
this chiropractor contributes time, talent and treasure to Life University and the chiropractic profession and has been instrumental in opening more than 40 clinics in the states of Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi.

Winston Carhee, DC (Life U. 2003) – To Love –
The individual who exemplifies the highest level of pride and love for Life University and out students.

Judith Hatch, DC (Life U. 1989) – To Serve –
This individual has been a beacon for LIFE in her service to her community and the chiropractic profession. She has served Life University since her graduation, a member of a family that provides scholarships to Life U students, and became a Life University Fundraising Ambassador in 2019.

Jayme Pendergast, Life U. Athletic Director – Honorary University Advancement Team Award –
This award honors a faculty or staff member who exemplifies her pride for LIFE through assisting the advancement team and securing donations.

Michael Karlin, PhD, Associate Director Center for Compassion, Integrity and Secular Ethics at Life U. – Spirit of Philanthropy Award
Presented to an individual with a proven record of providing major, ongoing financial support and leadership to Life University.

Peter Morgan, DC – 2020 Chiropractor of the Year
This individual has made significant contributions to the chiropractic profession and leads the way for students, doctors and patients to make a huge difference in the world. He is the founder and executive director of Mission Life International Foundation which provides free care to underprivileged children and people in third world countries.

Timothy Novelli, DC – Lifetime Achievement Award goes to a gentleman who lives his life with a lifetime of lasting purpose and dedication to the Chiropractic profession and LIFE University. He is the founder of The Patriot Project, a grass roots movement that provides chiropractic care to Active Military, their Families, Wounded Warriors & Gold Star Dependents.

Drs. Anthony (Life U. 2011) and Casen DeMaria (Life U. 2011) – The LIFEforce – Will Not Stop Award is for that LIFEforce Tribe Member(s) who has stayed committed, shown strength, and resilience and never stops educating and promoting Chiropractic – They are changing the world!

2019

Christina B. Gray, D.C. – Chiropractor of the Year Award
An individual who has made significant contributions to the chiropractic profession and leads the way for other doctors and patients.
Dr. Gray has served the chiropractic profession and her community without reproach for the last 25 years. During the hurricanes that devastated many communities on the eastern seaboard a couple years ago, she dedicated hundreds, if not thousands, of hours serving those affected. She is recognized by many, and certainly by us, as a true hero.

Roy W. Sweat, D.C. – Lifetime Achievement Award
A lifetime of lasting purpose and dedication to the Chiropractic profession and Life University.
Dr. Sweat has been in practice for 69 years. As a spry and “sharp-as-a-tac” 92-year-old, he said: “I was born to be a chiropractor and will serve until my last breath. Why would I not come to the office every day and serve people? That’s what I was put on earth to do.” He is the founder of Atlas Orthogonal, in addition to being a true friend to Chancellor Dr. Guy Riekeman and Life University.

Andrew H. Krantz, D.C. – Distinguished Alumnus Award
Honors a Life University alumnus who has reached the pinnacle of success in his career and has brought credit to themselves and to Life University.
Dr. Krantz, a 1978 Life University alumnus, remains in active practice after 41 years of service. In addition, he is a Senior Professor of Clinical Sciences at Life University.

Zachary Voyce, D.C. – Young Alumnus Award -Honors a young Life University alumnus, who has graduated within the last 10 years for their outstanding professional and community achievements.
Dr. Voyce is a Life University Class of 2013 alumnus and a member of our LIFEForce tribe. He practices at The Aims Clinic in East Brunswick, New Jersey.

Roger Grim, D.C. – Honorary Alumnus Award
Honors a friend of Life University 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.
Dr. Grim is known by many as the last known chiropractor to be jailed for sharing the truth of Chiropractic. He has traveled the world sharing the message of hope through Chiropractic, as well as people’s right to get and stay well. He has honored the principles of ChiropracTIC for 46 years.

Stephanie Sullivan, D.C., PhD – Honorary University Advancement Team Award
Honors a faculty or staff member who exemplifies his/her pride for LIFE through assisting the advancement team and securing donations.
Dr. Sullivan is a class of 2008 alumna and the Director of the Dr. Sid E. Williams Center for Chiropractic Research at Life University. In addition to being a chiropractor, she recently completed her Ph.D. in neuroscience. She leads an exceptional team and is always ready to support fundraising initiatives and introduce our team to potential donors.

Jay Zimmerman, D.C. – 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.
Dr. Zimmerman is from the Life University Class of 1987 and practices in Galloway, New Jersey. He is a humble giver. In addition to being a LIFEforce member, he is a diehard rugger who consistently contributes time, talent and treasure to our rugby program.

Dean DePice, D.C. – Lasting Purpose: To Do Award
Honors an individual who contributes time, talent and treasure to Life University and the chiropractic profession.
Dr. DePice is a Class of 1987 alumnus, a member of our LIFEforce tribe and a recent President’s Circle member. He and his wife, also a LIFE graduate, have bequested a major gift to the University and have their names on our Legacy Wall. In addition, just recently, they contributed to the Generations Wall.

Sandra S. Elbaum, D.C. – Lasting Purpose: To Love Award
Honors individuals who exemplified the highest level of pride and love for Life University.
Dr. Elbaum is a Class of 1990 alumna who has been in practice with her husband Dr. Adam Elbaum for 28 years. Two of their children are also chiropractors and LIFE graduates. She a member of LIFEForce, a member of the President’s Circle and a Trustee on the Life University Board.

Brian A Stenzler, M.S., D.C. – Lasting Purpose: To Serve Award
Honors the individual who has been a beacon for Life University in their service to their community and our profession.
Dr. Stenzler is a Life University Class of 1998 alumnus, as well as a member of LIFEForce and the President’s Circle. He has practiced on both coasts and is currently practicing in San Diego, California. He has served the profession on numerous boards, including the Chiropractic Congress (formerly known as The Congress of Chiropractic Sate Associations), and is the past president of the California Chiropractic Association.

Ricardo D. Alvarez López, D.C. & Yadimar Cabrera Marte – LIFEforce Will Not Stop Award
Honors the individual(s) who exemplified the highest level of commitment to the mission of LIFEforce.
This year’s honoree (Dr. Lopez and Mrs. Marte) is a husband and wife team. Dr. Lopez is a 2011 LIFE alumnus. Together with his wife, they founded Caribbean Wellness Center in Hatillo, Puerto Rico. They have been collaborating with Life University hosting recruiting events around the island since 2012.

Stuart Bernsen – Philanthropy Award
Honors an individual who has made a significant impact to Life University through their financial contributions.
Recently Dr. Bernsen named Life University as a beneficiary of his charitable remainder trust. When realized, this will be a seven-figure gift. He is not a LIFE graduate, but he chose to support LIFE because of our steadfast vision and commitment to Chiropractic and humanity. He is the co-founder of Chiro One Wellness Centers whose home office is in the Chicago area, with dozens of additional offices in multiple states.

James Gregg, D.C. – Legacy Award
An Individual who has given to LIFE through planned giving.
A graduate of Logan College of Chiropractic, Dr. Gregg continues to practice after almost 50 years of service to his community. He was a Life University Board of Trustee member for more than 10 years, and this July he was the first Board Member to be appointed Board Member Emeritus in the history of Life University. He is a member of the Life University Legacy Society, the President’s Circle as well as The Elite 150, contributing to the building of Lupo Family Field. He practices with his son James at Gregg Chiropractic Life Center in Garden City, Michigan.

Paul D. Weeks, D.C. – LIFEforce – Impact Award
A new LIFEforce Tribe Member who has hit the ground running since they joined. They jumped right in!
This year’s honoree has had a 21-year love affair with Chiropractic and says he still wakes up every morning on purpose and on fire. Dr. Weeks is a 1998 Life University alumnus and has been the owner of Dothan Spine and Specialty since 2004. He is a member of the Life University President’s Circle at the Advocate level and a very active member of our LIFEforce tribe. He recently said: “My association to LIFEforce and Life University are very special. Whatever time, money and effort that I have given to the school has come back many times over.”