Dr. Behrens honored with Medallion of Distinction during convocation chapel
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The inaugural convocation chapel for the academic year was held October 11, 1999, in the University Church of Seventh-day Adventists. Attended by nearly 2,000 students, faculty, and staff, the convocation featured the mission of the University. During the ceremony, Loma Linda University president B. Lyn Behrens, MBBS, was honored with the Medallion of Distinction, which is given to selected outstanding educators by the department of education of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. The citation accompanying the award reads: "In person, cordial, and cheerful. In vision, focused and brilliant. In leadership, committed and creative. That is Dr. B. Lyn Behrens. Under her leadership since 1990, Loma Linda University has grown to a position of prestige as a premier Christian health-sciences university in what the Western Association of Schools and Colleges has called 'a remarkable turnaround and a renaissance of the University" "Dr. Behrens' significant contributions include the integration of wholeness and learning, substantial diversity and international educational initiatives, emphasis on student-centered learning, distance education, and overall academic excellence. "Under her stewardship, more than 20 new degree programs have been initiated at the master's and doctoral levels--in fields such as ethics, marital and family therapy, public health, physical therapy, psychology, and social welfare. "Dr. Behrens has also led in the establishment of several new research centers on campus such as the Cancer Institute, the Center for Molecular Biology and Gene Therapy, the Center for Health Research, and the Center for Leadership, Management, and Philanthropy. Her initiative has led to the building of several new facilities. |
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| Loma Linda University faculty and administrators prepare for the convocation. | ||
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| Chair of the department of education of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, Humberto Rasi, PhD, presents B. Lyn Behrens, MBBS, president, Loma Linda University, with the Medallion of Distinction. Joining in the ceremony are (left) Jan Paulsen, DTh, BD, president, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists; and Calvin B. Rock, PhD, DMin, chair, Boards of Trustees for LLU and LLUMC, and vice president, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. |
"Dr. Behrens received her medical education at Sydney University. She has done internships in Australia and the United States. She holds certification in pediatrics and in allergy and clinical immunology.
"Her academic appointments include serving as director of the pediatric residency program and dean of the School of Medicine at Loma Linda University. This year she also became president of Loma Linda University Medical Center.
"Articulate and hard-working, Dr. Behrens is also a deeply spiritual person who follows the model of our Lord Jesus Christ.
"In support of Adventist mission, she has engaged the broad resources of the University in bringing hope and healing to people in many countries around the world, including China, North Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Iran, and Saudi Arabia.
"She has also received many awards and distinctions in recognition of her talents as an exceptional educator and leader.
"So today, as a tribute to her outstanding contributions to Adventist education and mission around the world, the General Conference education department is honored to present to Dr. Lyn Behrens Adventist education's highest award--the Medallion of Distinction."
Following the award presentation, Dr. Behrens presented a short homily on the mission of the University.
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