Did we Make It?
By Dr. Guy Riekeman, D.C.
President, Life University
Since the end of the business day Thursday, September 30, the University has
been flooded with inquiries relative to the success of the fundraising campaign.
There are so many generous people that, for me, responding to their inquiries
is almost as exciting as the months of fundraising activities. Because I know
that whatever their reason for giving; passion, trust or the belief that without
Life University the identity and future of the chiropractic profession would
be altered, the questions are symbols of concern and commitment. So when Dr.
DiBenedetto and others pose the question, “Did we make it to $3.5 million?”
it is an expression of genuine interest and concern. It is because they, like
so many, have gone beyond, giving more than the excess of ‘personal funds
that would not be missed.’ Some borrowed money or used credit cards to
fulfill their commitment. And others, like 12-year old Brianna Zook who sold
cookies and matched the proceeds from her personal savings account, took it
upon themselves to become ambassadors for the future of Life.
There were many more that rose to the cause, from some of the most highly respected
icons of chiropractic like Dr. Bill Harris, to future members of the profession
like first quarter student Jessica O’Dell. Individuals and organizations
stepped forward with gifts of $1,250,000 to $3,000. I will tell you that personally
I consider it a great honor to have witnessed such an outpouring of compassion
and love. I will be forever thankful to those who contributed to this moment
in the history of Life.
Unless you have been disconnected from all means of communication, you know
that Life University has been in a race for its very existence. When I assumed
the presidency in March, the facts were simple: The University needed to raise
$3.5 million to balance its operating budget, increase enrollment and regain
accreditation with both CCE and SACS. In my first month, a new team of senior
administrators was structured, and together with the support of the Board of
Trustees, the processes of institutional self-study, internal reorganization,
personnel development and fundraising were set in motion.
“Did we make it?” The answer is more than a response to “did
we collect $3.5 million?” After all, what good would raising $3.5 million
accomplish if we didn’t also act successfully to regain accreditation;
increase enrollment; create a new vision for the future of Life University;
and become an organization of people and systems working to excellence.
Therefore, to all that asked, “Did we make it?” I can say, “Yes,
we have reached a significant milestone in building the future of Life. We have
raised $3.5 million—in fact, we raised $4.85 million.” Enrollment
is on the rise, with our total enrollment now at 1,250 (750 DC students, and
500 Undergraduate and Master’s students). We will meet with the CCE in
early November for a final decision on accreditation, and the SACS site team
visit is scheduled for November, with their decision to be rendered in December.
To all that asked, “Did we make it?” I can say, “Our work
continues.” And in our ongoing work we want to make it clear that Life
is committed to the accreditation processes of continuous improvement. We support
the CCE as the accrediting body of the profession, and will uphold the standards
of the CCE mission statement in our educational programs, and want to confirm
that Life is dedicated to providing for the future of the chiropractic profession.
To all that asked, “Did we make it?” I can say, “The issues
of accreditation, enrollment and sound financial policy are not only about Life
surviving today; they are about securing Life for the future.” To that
end, we are creating a new Vision for Tomorrow. A vision of excellence in education
based on contemporary and innovative methods of curriculum delivery. One that
calls on students to aspire to something greater, and will require a bachelors
degree for admission into the Chiropractic College. A vision of excellence that
expands the master’s program to include degrees in nutrition, pediatrics
and healthcare philosophy/policy. A vision of excellence in research that incorporates
programs to further study the spinal cord and spine function, and pediatric
care and performance. A vision of excellence that recognizes the importance
of serving the community with programs for promoting and supporting health education
and safety for kids, as well as programs for the disabled.
To all that asked, “Did we make it?” I can say, “We need your
help to get there.” Realization of the vision requires private as well
as public funding—a process that must continue over time. To secure the
future we will continue asking for your ongoing support, student referrals and
financial contributions. We will continue to earn your trust and confirm your
belief in the future of chiropractic that is the foundation of Life University.
In the coming months we will launch an exciting, new President’s Circle
that will provide you the opportunity to move from supporting Life for survival,
to supporting Life’s Vision for Tomorrow. We invite you to join us in
celebrating our future realizing that vision and excellence are ongoing commitments.
To all that asked, “Did we make it?” I can say, “Yes, we made
it, for we have begun.”
About the author: Dr. Guy Riekeman, serves as president of Life University,
and is the former president and chancellor of Palmer Chiropractic University
System. He is also a former vice president of Sherman College of Straight Chiropractic,
a noted lecturer in the chiropractic profession, and a 1972 graduate of Palmer
College of Chiropractic.
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