FRIENDS WE LOST DECEASED ALUMNI FROM OCTOBER 2023-AUGUST 2024: ALUMNI & FRIENDS UPDATES College of Chiropractic where he earned his Doctor of Chiropractic degree. In the early 1970s, he practiced in Davenport, Iowa and accepted an appointment as an instructor at his alma mater. But in 1975, he was appointed as a charter faculty member of Life Chiropractic College. Over a six-year period, and while carrying a full teaching load, Dr. Clum held positions at Life Chiropractic College that included Registrar, Director of Admissions and Chair of the Chiropractic Sciences Division. In 1980, Dr. Clum was awarded an honorary Doctor of Chiropractic Humanities for his efforts in the development years of the College. Then, in January 1981, Dr. Clum was appointed the first President of Life Chiropractic College West in Hayward, California. During his tenure as president of Life West, Dr. Clum also served on the Board of Directors or as an officer for the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE), the International Chiropractors Association (ICA), the Association of Chiropractic Colleges (ACC), the World Federation of Chiropractic (WFC) and the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress (F4CP). Dr. Clum served as president of Life West through January 2011. At that time, he returned to the faculty of Life U and accepted a position as Director of The Octagon, a think tank focusing on eight key areas of interest articulated by Life University and President’s Liaison for External Affairs. Subsequently, he was appointed as the Director of Life U’s Center for Compassion, Integrity and Secular Ethics. Simultaneously, Dr. Clum was appointed as the representative of Life U to the Board of Directors of the Integrative Health Policy Consortium (IHPC). As a confederation of healthcare disciplines, practices, practitioners and patients, the IHPC seeks to remove barriers to healthcare services for all persons. Dr. Clum went on to serve as the treasurer and, subsequently, as the co-chair of the Consortium before retiring from these duties due to health constraints just prior to the outset of COVID-19. Just last year, Life U and the IHPC had the honor to establish a brand new lectureship series in Dr. Clum’s honor titled the Gerard W. Clum Lasting Purpose Leadership Legacy Lectureship. There is no doubt that Dr. Clum’s many years of service to the chiropractic profession and Life University will continue to have an impact for decades and centuries to come. Ultimately, however, it is his commitment to Life U’s foundational value of Lasting Purpose in which he gave, loved, did and served his family, the chiropractic profession, chiropractic education and chiropractic research for which he will be most remembered. Ms. Natalie E. Wilson — Former Faculty/ Staff of Life University — Mrs. Natalie Erin Garrett Wilson, age 42, passed away on Monday, November 6, 2023, at her residence. She was born on July 2, 1981, in Rome, Georgia. Natalie was a graduate of Coosa High School and received a bachelor’s degree from Kennesaw State University. Though Natalie faced many battles, she leaves a legacy of resilience, reminding us all that even in our darkest moments, there is the potential for light and love to shine through. Her memory will forever be a beacon of inspiration to many. Let us remember her for the vibrant, fun-loving spirit that she was and let her legacy serve as a reminder to cherish each precious moment and to reach out with kindness and compassion to those around us. Survivors include her husband, Heath Aaron Wilson; daughters, Elli Mae Blanton, Emmy Lou Blanton and Brynn Leigh Rowan Wilson; mother, Lynell McClure (Bruce); father, Weldon Garrett (Deborah); sister, Melissa Fowler (Daniel); several aunts, uncles, cousins, stepbrothers, stepsister, nephews and nieces. Rhonda R. Donn, D.C. (’99) — Hawthorne Rhonda Donn ’99, age 50, of White Plains, New York, passed away on Wednesday, November 8, 2023. Rhonda was a beloved mother, sister and friend who spent decades as a chiropractor, teaching anatomy, physiology and orthopedics at Pacific College of Health and Science. She is survived by her son. Steven J. Garber, D.C. (’81) — Life University regretfully informs the Life U community of the passing of Dr. Steven Garber, adjunct faculty member and 1981 Life U alumnus. Dr. Garber passed away on the morning of December 21, 2023. We wish to extend our deepest condolences to Dr. Garber’s family, loved ones and colleagues during this difficult time. We ask that you please keep Dr. Garber’s family and loved ones in your thoughts and prayers. Jonelle J. Zager, D.C. (’82) — Dr. JoNelle Joan (Hagan) Zager (’82) passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 20, 2024, at her home in The Villages, Florida, surrounded by her beloved family. An academic lady from the start, JoNelle attended the University of California, Berkeley for two years before transferring to Sherman College of Chiropractic in Spartanburg, South Carolina, and then to Life University in Marrietta, Georgia, where she graduated in 1981. Her career spanned three states and touched countless lives. She married her lifelong sweetheart, Marty, in 1986 and fulfilled her dream of being a mother in 2002. JoNelle dedicated her short life to caring for others. As a daughter, sister, wife, mother, doctor and woman of action. She selflessly strove to support everyone else. As a doctor, she practiced and helped her patients in San Ramon and Fremont, 58 Alumni.life.edu | 2024
