LLU&MC Scope, Autumn 1997, 1990s alumni notes

David Pendleton (GS'90) graduated from what was then the La Sierra campus of LLU in 1989 with a BA in history and political science. He earned an MA in religion from the Graduate School in 1990. While at Loma Linda, Mr. Pendleton served as student body president during his senior year, and was the recipient of LLU's President's Award.

Since graduation, Mr. Pendleton notes that he married Noemi (Protesta) Pendleton, and they now have two children. Mr. Pendleton later graduated from University of Southern California (USC) law school, and returned to Hawaii, where he associated with a commercial litigation firm, Winer & Meheula.

In addition to law practices, he was elected in November, 1996, to the House of Representatives, State of Hawaii, and then, this past summer, was chosen by his colleagues to be Minority Whip, the third-highest leadership post in the House Republican Caucus. He writes that he "serves on the powerful judiciary committee, and is the youngest Republican elected official in the State of Hawaii."

Michelle Loh (SM'92) was profiled in a recent issue of a regional California magazine, Inland Empire. The magazine asked its readers to name their favorite physicians, and they named Dr. Loh, a pediatrician at LLU Health Care, Moreno Valley.

The magazine highlights a story about a parent who missed her child's appointment due to heavy traffic. Dr. Loh rushed out into the parking lot to find her, and opened her office after hours to see the child.

While attending medical school, the article reports that Dr. Loh was undecided on which direction to take. "I enjoyed all the specialties. But I had to ask myself, 'what do I not mind being on call for,' because when you get that call in the middle of the night, you'd better love your job....I chose pediatrics because I didn't mind going to see kids in the middle of the night. I liked it. I really enjoy working in pediatrics."

Todd Sumner (SD'92) is married to Kari Goltz Sumner (SD'92), who received a degree in dental hygiene. The Sumners have one child, Brooke Noel, born on June 17, 1996. Dr. Sumner has been stationed with the Marines for two years at Camp Pendleton, California. He received the Navy Achievement Medal for outstanding service, as well as a meritorious unit commendation. Before Camp Pendleton, he served aboard a destroyer tender in the Persian Gulf, and Japan. After five years in the military, Dr. Sumner will enter a six-year oral and maxillofacial residency program at the University of Texas, San Antonio. This is a DDS/MD program offered through the Navy. The program starts in late 1997.

Dennis J. Tison (SM'92) recently graduated from law school at the University of California, San Francisco, Hastings College of Law. He now holds dual MD and JD degrees. "I will practice legal medicine," he states, "and currently have offices in Sacramento and Walnut Creek, California."

Tricia A. Hernandez (SAHP'93) writes that she is a staff therapist with The Sport Clinic, which is operated by Community Medical Group of Riverside. She has worked there since June, 1993. Ms. Hernandez, who received a master of physical therapy degree from LLU, is also a clinical instructor for LLU, Western University, and Texas Women's University, and is a part-time instructor for Riverside Community College. She became a certified athletic trainer in 1993, and was certified as a strength and conditioning specialist in the same year. She has a son, Nicholas, who is two years old.

Marynie Patnugot (SN'93) is now enrolled in LLU's pediatric nurse practitioner and master's program, and hopes to complete the program this December. She writes to say that she is now working in LLU Children's Hospital's pediatric intermediate intensive care unit.

Diane Wong (SAHP'93) graduated with a bachelor's degree in medical technology. She reports that she is now entering her senior year of medicine at LLU. "I am looking forward to graduation," she writes, "with a strong interest in primary care. Medical school is very challenging, but has given me numerous opportunities to grow and help others." Ms. Wong has volunteered in many areas during her schooling at the University, including in the clinical laboratory, Loma Linda University Children's Hospital, mission trips, Kids' Care Fair, and Habitat for Humanity. She also served as freshman class senator in medical school, and this past year, was chaplain of the School of Medicine Student Association. "I remain single," she says, "and am enjoying my freedom by doing some traveling during vacations in Argentina (on a mission trip), Canada, and throughout the United States."

Victor Joe Aaen (SM'94; SPH'74; SPH'72) practices family medicine as a major in the United States Air Force at Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota. He also serves as assistant clinical professor of family practice at University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences. He is married to LouAnne (Ruminson) Aaen (SN'69), who works as an obstetrics nurse at Minot Air Force Base Hospital.

Nicholas Caputo (SAHP'95) is married to Heather Sorrels Caputo (SD'93), a dental hygienist. They live in Camarillo, California, and write that they have a son, Nicholas Ronald Caputo (who was born on July 17, 1996). Mr. Caputo is director of physical therapy in a nursing home setting, and she works part-time for her father, Ronald L. Sorrels (SD'73), in his dental practice in Ventura.

Jennifer Dorothy (GS'95) ...living in California...has taught psychology in a community college.

Jennifer Dorothy (GS'95) received a degree in marriage and family therapy from LLU. "After graduation," she writes, "I began working for the Foster Family Agency, Guadalupe Homes, in Rancho Cucamonga, California, where I performed various clinical and social work skills. In September, 1996, I was promoted to supervising social worker, and moved to the Colton office. In February, 1997, I was hired by the San Bernardino Department of Behavioral Health.

"Currently, I am applying for licensure in California and Washington, due to my boyfriend's living out-of-state. I plan to take, and pass, my exams in 1997 and 1998.... I have also taught psychology courses at Crafton Hills Junior College in Yucaipa. I enjoy teaching, and hope to make it a permanent fixture in my future.... I am uncertain of where I will be living in the next year or two, but I plan to be practicing the skills I was trained in at Loma Linda University."

Ms. Dorothy is celebrating the birth of her first nephew, who was born on August 8, 1997, to her older sister, Cristine, and her husband, David Smith.

Kevin Neidhardt (SN'95) was featured in a recent article in the Sidney, New York, Tri-Town News. The article announces that, "Air Force Reserve 2nd Lt. Kevin D. Neidhardt has graduated from the flight nurse course at the School of Aerospace Medicine, Brooks Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas." According to the article, flight nurse graduates have received training to prepare them for duty with a medical crew in aeromedical evacuation units, including basic principles of aerospace medicine, basic sciences, and special techniques necessary for safe and efficient transportation of patients by air.

Judith Bendersky (SPH'96) writes that she "passed the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) exam in 1996. That was a challenge, and I encourage everyone in health promotion to study and pass the CHES exam.

"In the fall of 1996, I left the Indian Health Service, and joined a nonprofit agency called Rural Alaska Community Action Program, an agency that assists and empowers rural and native Alaskans to grow and develop their communities.

"We have programs in weatherization, rural energy, subsistence, and child development. It was a fulfillment of my dreams and prayers to be able to serve rural families in helping them raise healthy children. I coordinate health services and preventive screenings for 23 rural Head Start centers.

"As my husband is employed in Alaska, and my two children happily ensconced in their elementary school life, Alaska is home.

"Although I miss the excitement of life overseas, I am using my experience and interest in international health right here at home. I work primarily with Yupik and Chupik Eskimos, and can thank Loma Linda faculty for preparing me for this. It was especially gratifying to work on the successful Tobacco Tax campaign, and to put to work many skills gained through LLU's MPH program."

Andrea (Trevino) Cheneweth (GS'96, SN'94) writes, "After finishing in December, 1996, my husband, Mark D. Cheneweth (SAHP'94) and I moved to Texas. We purchased our first home in Fort Worth, and are having a lot of fun with it. Mark works for Vencor as a rehabilitation director for one of their small, sub-acute hospitals, and loves it! I am working as a family nurse practitioner in a busy internal medicine clinic, and also really enjoy my work. I am pleased to report receiving national certification as a family nurse practitioner from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. We would like to say 'thank you' to all those at Loma Linda University who helped us become what we are today."

Christine Petrikas (SN'96) works on Loma Linda University Children's Hospital's pediatric hematology/oncology unit. "After working for a year," she says, "I finally really feel like a nurse. School and training finally came together. The first night I worked on my own...I felt like a baby bird pushed out of the nest. At 7:00 p.m., I was scared and crying, but by 7:00 a.m., I was walking on air. God's love had pulled me through. I had taken complete care of my patients for 12 hours.

Michael Quion (SM'97) and wife, Melanie Quion (SN'88)...he's in family practice residency; she teaches nursing.

"The hardest part has been to keep my [original] goal in mind--if I couldn't be a Christian nurse, I didn't want to be one at all....It is most important for me to care for my kids and their families--emotionally and spiritually. Two Bible verses which keep me going are Hebrews 13:2 and John 11:35."

Ms. Petrikas is planning to begin a pediatric nurse specialist master's program at LLU this year.

Rhonda Tetz (SM'96) reports that she is now a second-year resident in internal medicine at Legacy Hospitals in Portland, Oregon.

Michael Quion (SM'97) and Melanie Quion (SN'88) currently reside in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Michael is in his first year of residency at St. Mary's family practice residency program. Melanie is an associate professor for the department of nursing at Andrews University, Berrien Springs, Michigan.