THE LUPO FAMILY: Dr. Joe Lupo and Sandy Lupo The epic journey of Dr. Joe Lupo and his family is a testament to the awesome transformative power of Chiropractic as a lifestyle and a profession. To understand the full picture, let’s travel back in time to April 1975. At that time, the Lupo family owned a well established construction business in Michigan, had just welcomed their first child into the world and were settling into a new home. From the outside looking in, their destiny seemed secured in place, yet Dr. Lupo experienced a profound calling to change course. He had become acquainted with an inspiring and energetic chiropractor named Dr. John Hoffman whose vision of health care aligned well with his own, supporting the body to heal itself and to limit dependence on medications or surgery. Dr. Lupo attended a new patient orientation of Dr. Hoffman’s, where he described a personal healing journey through Chiropractic to alleviate nephritis. The idea that people could actually experience radical healing through a chiropractic adjustment, achieving wellness in a drug-free environment, resonated with Dr. Lupo. He and a similarly intrigued friend sat down with Dr. Hoffman that night for several hours, and it became quickly apparent to Dr. Lupo that he was meant to become a chiropractor. The notion astounded family and friends, given at the time that Dr. Lupo was 32 years old and already four years out of school, seemingly situated with his young family and a business that was doing well. Undeterred, he and his wife Sandy Lupo made the decision to move down south to Marietta, Georgia and make Chiropractic a true family affair. Though she did not complete a chiropractic education herself, Sandy epitomizes the example of committing to holistic health care inside and outside of the home, attending Dynamic Essentials (DE) meetings with her husband and working alongside him to realize their shared dream. “We joined him within a month, and everything was straightforward, full speed ahead. We helped with arranging the library with Nancy Hill in the very beginning. I brought my son to classes so that I could learn Chiropractic also,” Sandy Lupo said. “Chiropractic was resonating with me too. When we go to Life University, we’re so proud. It’s like it’s our baby.” Dr. Lupo began classes in July 1975 and graduated with the third year of D.C. students to graduate from Life Chiropractic College (now Life University) in June 1978. Never given to slowing down, the Lupos moved back to Michigan to open a practice in Roseville, dubbed Lupo Chiropractic Center. Now after 46 years of pactice, Dr. Lupo remains forever grateful and humbled for the knowledge and new lease on life that Life U gave him and his family. From the beginning, he and his family would do what they could to give back to the school, starting with small donations of funds coupled with mentoring efforts of the next generation. “If you believe in something and don’t support it, I think that’s kind of weak. It shows your real commitment or your real level of belief,” Dr. Lupo said. The Lupo’s “total commitment” to Lasting Purpose, furthering the chiropractic cause and supporting the growth of Life U has been apparent from those first early days, but most dramatically demonstrated in a $300,000 contribution toward improvements for the lower rugby field, named Lupo Family Field in appreciation of their generosity and investment in our student-athletes. “I’m here to change the world. This is about service. You serve the world, God will take care of you, period. If you’re going to serve, you can’t lose. You serve for the sake of serving, not to serve yourself. I love that philosophy, and that’s the attitude,” Dr. Lupo said, paraphrasing some of his favorite musings from Dr. Sid Williams, Life U’s Founding President. Dr. Lupo continues to stay connected to the Life U community by serving on the Board of Trustees, having done so for over 20 years, and by serving as a LIFEforce Tribe member. He never misses a LIFEforce weekend and has referred hundreds, if not thousands, of students to the University over the years. It’s been a privilege to see his family grow alongside and with the Life U community, especially as both Lupo kids grew up to become Life U educated chiropractors. And as the University celebrates its 50th anniversary, it’s gratifying to see a legacy of sacrifice and giving bear fruit while also keeping an eye on the future. “We joined him within a month, and everything was straightforward, full speed ahead. We helped with arranging the library with Nancy Hill in the very beginning. I brought my son to classes so that I could learn Chiropractic also,” Sandy Lupo said. DONOR SPOTLIGHTS | DEVELOPMENT 17 Alumni.life.edu | 2024
