Life University names Lasting Legacy Awards winners, receives academic and athletic honors

In October, Life University (Life U) bestowed its annual Lasting Legacy Awards upon several recipients; the university itself was also recently honored for its degree programs and for leadership in sports.

Lasting Legacy Awards given

On Oct. 3-4, Life University (Life U) held its annual Life Vision Extravaganza, during which it presented the Lasting Legacy Awards, noted a LifeU press release. These awards were designed to honor individuals who exemplify the university’s four core Lasting Purposes: to give, do, love and serve.

The recipients are:

Lasting Purpose: To Give

100% Chiropractic- Jason Helfrich, DC, and Vanessa Helfrich, DC

Awarded to individuals who have demonstrated a notable increase in giving or an expansion of their giving to Life U, supporting Lasting Purpose.

Lasting Purpose: To Do

Michael Longyear, DC

Awarded to an individual who contributes time, talent and treasure to Life U and the chiropractic profession.

Lasting Purpose: To Love

Edwin Cordero, DC

Awarded to the individual who exemplifies the highest level of pride and love for Life U.

Lasting Purpose: To Serve

Marc Ellis, DC

Awarded to the individual who has been a beacon for Life U in their service to their community and the chiropractic profession.

2024 Chiropractor of the Year

B.J. Hardick, DC

Awarded to an individual who has made significant contributions to the chiropractic profession and leads the way for other doctors and patients. They exemplify Life U’s tradition of excellence and have brought credit to the University and their profession through professional achievements or humanitarian service.

Distinguished Alumnus/a Award

Stan Pierce, DC

Awarded to an Life U alumnus/a who who has reached the pinnacle of success in his or her career and has brought credit to themselves and to Life U. The contribution(s) do not need to be publicly renowned but should represent important creative effort or accomplishment with societal or educational value.

Young Alumnus/a Award

JaGarren Knight-Bryant, DC

Awarded to a young Life U alumnus/a who has graduated within the last 10 years for his or her outstanding professional and community achievements.

Honorary Alumnus/a Award

John Williams, DC

Honors a friend of Life U who has reached the pinnacle of their individual career and life success, including making a measurable difference in their profession, community and at Life U.

Honorary University Advancement Team Award

John Downes, DC

Honors a faculty or staff member who exemplifies his/her pride for Life U through assisting the advancement team and securing donations.

Lifetime Achievement Award

Andy Krantz, DC

Honors an individual who represents a lifetime of Lasting Purpose and dedication to the chiropractic profession and Life U.

Spirit of Philanthropy Award

Christina Gray, DC & Jodie Gray

Honors an individual, family, association, corporation or foundation with a proven record of providing major, ongoing financial support and leadership to Life U. Their generosity encourages others to take leadership roles in philanthropy toward Life U.

Lifetime Giving Award, Life Rugby Alumni Association

Jay Zimmerman

Honors a donor who has given consistently and selflessly to Life U over the course of many years.

P.E.A.K. Doctor of the Year

Rebecca Yaun, DC

Honors an individual who creates exceptional experiences for Life U PEAK students.

Legacy Society Award

Jeff Aita, DC and Carol Aita

Honors an individual or family who has given to Life U through planned giving.

The Sunshine Life Award

Neia Diaz

Honors an individual (non-DC) who exhibits the true mission of Life U shown by their Serving, Unwavering, Nurturing Spirit, and who strives for Harmony, Impact, Nobility and Empathy in everything they do.

LIFEforce Will Not Stop Award

Stu Katzen, DC and Eve Katzen

For LIFEforce Tribe members who have stayed committed, shown strength and resilience, and never stop educating and promoting chiropractic – they are changing the world!

LIFEforce Impact Award

Leslie McClellan, DC and Mike McClellan, DC

For new LIFEforce Tribe members committed to the LIFEforce program and mission. Through this award, LifeU recognizes those who exemplify the power of education and dedication to making a lasting impact through sharing chiropractic with the world.

Congratulations to all Lasting Legacy Awards winners!

LifeU’s Healthcare degree programs recognized for excellence

In October LifeU announced it has been named to the 2024 Best Healthcare Degree Programs in America Ranking by research.com. This recognition highlights Life U’s excellence in vitalistic healthcare education.

“This accolade is a testament to our unwavering commitment to academic excellence, innovative curriculum and our mission to empower future healthcare leaders. We will continue to raise the bar in healthcare education, ensuring that our students are equipped to make a positive impact on the world,” said Rob Scott, DC, PhD, President of LifeU.

Athletic director at LifeU recognized for leadership

Also in October, Life University announced Athletic Director Jayme Pendergast was awarded the prestigious Nike NAIA Executive of the Year Award by Women Leaders in Sports.

According to a LifeU press release, Pendergast received this recognition for her outstanding leadership and contributions to collegiate athletics at the Women Leaders National Convention, held Oct.13-15 in Baltimore, Maryland.

Pendergast has been instrumental in elevating Life U’s athletic programs through her visionary leadership and dedication to student-athlete success, the release noted. Under her guidance, Life U’s athletic teams have achieved remarkable success, both on and off the field, embodying the highest standards of excellence and integrity.

“We are immensely proud of Jayme and this well-deserved recognition,” said Scott. “Her leadership has not only transformed our Athletic Department but also positively impacted the lives of our student-athletes. Jayme’s commitment to excellence, innovation and student-athlete welfare is truly extraordinary.”

Women Leaders in Sports, the nation’s premier organization dedicated to the advancement and recognition of women in the sports industry, selected Pendergast for her exemplary service during the 2023-24 academic year. The Nike NAIA Executive of the Year Award honors leaders who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and made significant contributions to their institutions and the broader sports community.

“I am deeply honored to receive this award from Women Leaders in Sports,” said Pendergast. “This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire Athletic Department at Life University. I am grateful for the support of our administration, coaches, staff and, most importantly, our student-athletes, who inspire me every day.”

For more information about Life University, its Lasting Legacy Awards, its academics or its athletics, visit life.edu.

About Life University

Life University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, associate, master’s and Doctor of Chiropractic degrees, and also has programmatic accreditation through the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE) and the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). The mission of Life University is to empower students with the education, skills and values necessary for career success and life fulfillment, based on a vitalistic philosophy.