Guy Riekeman Named Life University President 3-4-04 Guy Riekeman, DC, an exceptional educator, author and a world- renowned scholar and leader in the Chiropractic profession, was elected president of Life University during a special meeting Tuesday of the Board of Trustees. Dr. Riekeman will take office immediately, succeeding Ben DeSpain. "Dr. Riekeman epitomizes Life's fundamental commitments to chiropractic scholarship, teaching and service to others," commented Charles Ribley, DC, Chairman of the Board. "His character and outstanding human qualities have made Dr. Riekeman a valued colleague among chiropractic educators and an inspiration to students. "Dr. Riekeman is the ideal person to lead this University and to inspire all of us in the Life University family to join in with him in enhancing Life's many contributions to higher education, research and to humanity at large," added Ribley. President Riekeman's educational credentials include service as an x-ray instructor, dean of philosophy and vice president of Sherman College of Straight Chiropractic. While at Sherman, Dr. Riekeman worked in development and student recruitment, and assisted in the planning and building of the school's current campus in Spartanburg, South Carolina. "Dr. Riekeman is an accomplished chiropractor who has made contributions to the profession on an international level, and is certain to lead Life University into a new era of achievement and distinction. We are very fortunate to attract a person who is committed to all parts of the Life University community and to healthcare and wellness through chiropractic," stated Board member Dr. Tom Klapp. Prior to his appointment to Life, Dr. Riekeman served as Chancellor of the Palmer Chiropractic University System that includes Palmer Davenport, Palmer West and Palmer Florida, the Foundation for Chiropractic History and a center for chiropractic research. Dr. Riekeman was introduced to the Palmer system as the executive director of the Palmer Institute for Professional Advancement where he was instrumental in establishing a variety of professional, managerial and personal development programs. He was named President of Palmer Davenport in 1998 where he grew a declining enrollment to maximum capacity 1,800. At the time Dr. Riekeman resigned as chancellor and president of the Palmer University System, one in five chiropractic students attended college at a Palmer campus. President Riekeman thanked the trustees for "this opportunity to lead a university that I have developed such affection for. As a result of your leadership, the University is now ready to face new challenges and opportunities that lie ahead of us. I know that I have much to learn over the coming months, but I also know that I can depend on the advice and counsel of all members of the Life community, from our faculty, staff and students here on campus to the trustees, alumni and the chiropractic family around the world." Dr. Riekeman is renowned not only for being a powerful motivational speaker, but for his creation of several professional development seminar programs. He created great interest about chiropractic among the media and public as the producer and director of several nationally aired television documentaries about the wellness benefits of chiropractic care, including "From Simple Beginnings." Dr Riekeman graduated from Palmer College of Chiropractic in 1972 and was honored with a doctor of chiropractic humanities degree in 1977. In addition, Dr. Riekeman studied cinema and television arts at the University of California, Los Angeles from 1984-1987.