July 2004

Grassroots efforts at Life raises money, boosts enrollment

A grassroots fundraising effort at Life University has brought in more than $1 million. And another grassroots student recruitment effort has helped boost summer enrollment to 100, with 140 expected to enroll in the fall.

The fundraising effort, started before Dr. Guy Riekeman was named president, is called the Generals and Captains program, according to Heidi Wheatley, director of communications and post graduate education.

“Members of Life’s Generals and Captains fundraising program have made an enormous commitment to ensuring that Life University not only achieves a balanced budget, but has the financial resources to further the chiropractic profession,” commented Wheatley,

She explained that the group is comprised of alumni and friends who have made a significant financial commitment to the university. “Generals” are those have donated $25,000 or more and commit to recruit at least five “captains,” each of who donate at least $10,000. Captains are also asked to assist generals by teaming up to recruit five more friends or alumni at the $5,000 (lieutenant) level.

Since January, the grassroots fundraising drive has produced eight generals, 36 captains and 11 lieutenants. Total pledges amount to more than $1 million.

Life University alumnus and board member, Dr. Shawn Ferguson, organized the group to meet the immediate need of raising the $3 million required to balance the university’s budget by the fiscal year end. As he began reaching out to fellow classmates and other long-time friends of Life, Ferguson realized a potential to not only balance the books this year, but to also provide the resources Life needs to expand.

The group of generals and captains meet each week by conference call.

GRASSROOTS EXPANDS TO STUDENT RECRUITMENT
Grassroots recruiting has reconnected a number of alumni in an effort to boost enrollment at the Marietta campus. Alumni from across the country have organized 50 recruiting events, and set a goal of 200 for next year.

“Last November, I talked with Dr. Tom Klapp and found out the best way to help Life is to send students,” commented Dr. Joe Lupo, Life alumnus and chief organizer of the university’s grassroots student recruitment. “I began talking with other doctors and we decided to host a career night. The first event drew 23 prospects. We were enthusiastic about the response and began calling other doctors.”

As a result of their initial success, these doctors of chiropractic have become ambassadors for both Life University and the profession. They educate recent or soon-to-be high school graduates, college students, working parents and professionals looking for excitement and purpose in a career about the unlimited opportunities in chiropractic.

“Thirty years ago someone told me to be a chiropractor and I didn’t even know what the word meant,” Lupo commented. “Now, I educate others about why they should become a chiropractor. We discuss the growing wellness revolution and how the profession allows you to become a doctor and teacher.”

Source: Life University, www.life.edu

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