Life hands out 14 chiropractic diplomas 03/22/03 By Phillip Giltman Marietta Daily Journal Staff Writer MARIETTA ã Life University awarded 14 chiropractic diplomas to 70 of the students who have graduated from the university since a federal injunction reinstated the schoolžs accreditation. Life held its 73rd commencement ceremony at the Renaissance Waverly Hotel inside the Cobb Galleria Centre on Friday night. Approximately 50 people, mostly friends and families of the graduates, attended Lifežs first commencement ceremony since the injunction. „Ižm thrilled itžs finally over,ū said Dr. Gaile Daley, one of the graduates. „It took some time, and there have been some bumps along the road, but Ižm glad the commencement happened when it was supposed to.ū Life President Dr. Ben DeSpain served as keynote speaker for the event and wished the students well in all their future endeavors. „Graduates, you are part of a special and very unique group,ū he said during the ceremony. „Many of your friends left to go to other institutions, but you should be very proud of this milestone, and the choices you made and will make in your career.ū When Lifežs chiropractic accrediting agency, the Arizona-based Council on Chiropractic Education, stripped the university of its chiropractic accreditation last June, the Marietta institution witnessed an exodus of students. Many of them sought to continue their chiropractic education at other institutions while others just put their studies on hold. „Ižm glad I stuck it out,ū Dr. Malek Mounir Boutros said after the ceremony. „It feels great to be done, and Ižm ready for the school to prosper the way it once it did, and I believe we have the right administration in place to see that happen.ū After the CCE stripped Life of its chiropractic accreditation, a three- member panel refused to lift the revocation despite Lifežs appeal. Life filed a lawsuit against the CCE claiming the accrediting agency acted unfairly in its decision and was not giving Life a fair timeline to restore its credentials. In the lawsuit, Life asked for an injunction to immediately reinstate the schoolžs accreditation. Senior U.S. District Judge Charles Moye granted Life an injunction while the lawsuit progresses. The CCE announced last month that they will appeal his decision. DeSpain said Friday night after the ceremony that he has not had any further correspondence with the CCE, and there have been no new developments in the case. „This is our time to honor the students who graduated tonight, and it shows that there are people who believe in Life and refuse to give up against adversity,ū he said. Dr. John Downes, dean of Lifežs chiropractic program, said Lifežs next commencement will be June 15. pgiltman@mdjonline.com