Life University honors chiropractic graduates in socially-distanced ceremony

Life University (LIFE) conferred 208 degrees upon graduates from its College of Graduate and Undergraduate Studies (CGUS) and College of Chiropractic (COC) in a combined commencement ceremony on Friday, June 18, 2021. Seventy-one students earned undergraduate degrees, 25 earned master’s degrees and 112 earned LIFE’s flagship Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree.

The physically-distanced ceremony was held at the Cobb Galleria Centre and was also livestreamed to viewers on the University’s YouTube page, which allowed family members, loved ones and fellow members of the LIFE community around the world to celebrate with the graduates during this momentous occasion in their lives.

Silja Rós Petursdottir was honored as the CGUS valedictorian and NeAziah Caba was the salutatorian, both of whom graduated summa cum laude.

“Life goes by fast so don’t waste a minute of it,” Petursdottir urged her fellow graduates. “This is your life; do what you want and love to do. It doesn’t matter if it doesn’t work out, because it’s better to regret the things we have done than regret the things we haven’t done.”

For the COC, Rebecca Rose Oliveira was the valedictorian, Sarah Dawn Bate was salutatorian and Heidi Marie Webb was recognized for Chiropractic Philosophy Distinction, all three of whom graduated summa cum laude.

“During the past year, we have all been through a tremendous amount of change,” Oliveira said. “But with times of change come the beauty of transformation and opportunity. This unique time in our lives has allowed us all to be reminded about what truly matters in life. Now more than ever, people recognize the true value of their health and recognize the value we bring through chiropractic care. The rollercoaster of going through school during a pandemic has brought us here today, to the right place at the right time.”

Six students were recognized at the ceremony for exemplifying Life University’s Values. The Lasting Purpose Award was given to Andrea Y. Brooks (CGUS) and Holly Ann Simon (COC). Cheryl Blaxton (CGUS) and Jayda Catrice Williams (COC) received the Integrity Award. The Vitalism Award was given to Dina Fahmy (CGUS) and Fatih Velijoski (COC).

About LIFE
Founded in 1974, Life University is a health sciences institution most known for its Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) program, the largest single-campus chiropractic program in the world. LIFE also offers 14 undergraduate degrees as well as a pre-chiropractic, degree-seeking pathway. Three graduate degrees are available, encompassing areas of sport health science, clinical nutrition and positive psychology. Some degree programs are offered to distance learners through the College of Online Education. LIFE’s 110-acre campus 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 45 countries.

For more information about Life University, visit LIFE.edu.