Commencement, 2001
Nearly 1,000 students receive diplomas, certificates
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School of Allied Health Professions
Conferring-of-degrees ceremony:
Sunday, June 8
Speaker: Allan R. Handysides, MBChB
Director of Health Ministries
General Conference
of Seventh-day Adventists
Address: "Festival of Life"
Graduates: 208
School of Medicine
Conferring-of-degrees ceremony:
Sunday, May 27
Speaker: Francis S. Collins, MD, PhD
Physician, geneticist
Director, National Human Genome Research Institute
Address: "Four Questions for the
Class of 2001"
Graduates: 165
Graduate School
Conferring-of-degrees ceremony:
Sunday, June 8
Speaker: Neal C. Wilson
Past president, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
Address: "Though the Heavens Fall"
Graduates: 191
School of Dentistry
Conferring-of-degrees ceremony:
Sunday, May 27
Speaker: Richard A. Simms, DDS
First vice president, American
Dental Association
Address: "Careers in the Health
Professions: The Realities, Responsibilities, and Rewards"
Graduates: 154
School of Nursing
Conferring-of-degrees ceremony:
Sunday, June 8
Speaker: T. Grace Emori, RN, MS
Nurse epidemiologist (retired), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
United States Public Health Service
Address: "Blessed are the Poor"
Graduates: 82
School of Public Health
Conferring-of-degrees ceremony:
Sunday, June 8
Speaker: Honorable Judith Valles, MA
Mayor, City of San Bernardino
Address: "Renewal and Leadership"
Graduates: 155
Special Recognition
University Alumnus of the Year
Lloyd A. Dayes, MD
• Named the Loma Linda University Alumnus of the Year during School of Medicine graduation services was Lloyd A. Dayes, MD.
Dr. Dayes was born in Jamaica in the West Indies on February 15, 1929. His abilities as a scholar and academician were evidenced early when he passed the University of Cambridge, England, school certificate and the general certificate of education (advanced level) for high school education.
After earning his bachelor of arts degree at Pacific Union College, Angwin, in 1955 with a major in biology and a minor in chemistry, he entered Loma Linda University School of Medicine.
He graduated in 1959, having completed his medical degree as a four-year recipient of the New York-based Jessie Noyes Foundation Scholarship.
Dr. Dayes completed a rotating internship at Montreal General Hospital, Canada, in 1960, and a residency in general surgery in 1961. Continuing his postgraduate training at the Montreal Neurological Institute, he completed a neuropathology fellowship in 1962 and a neurological surgery residency in 1965. He was certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgery in 1967.
He joined the faculty of Loma Linda University School of Medicine in 1965 as an instructor in neurosurgery. He rose through the academic ranks and, in 1988, was appointed to his current rank as professor of neurosurgery. He is on the medical staff of several Inland Empire hospitals, including Loma Linda University Medical Center, Riverside General Hospital, and Redlands Community Hospital. He served as acting chair of Loma Linda University Medical Center's division of neurosurgery from 1987 to 1989.
During more than 35 years of service to Loma Linda University, Dr. Dayes has maintained the highest standards of patient care. His gift for teaching has inspired hundreds of students and residents--for whom he has organized a thorough neurosurgery training program that balances didactics, research, and patient care.
Throughout the years, Dr. Dayes has been a member of many societies and organizations, including Alpha Omega Alpha honor society, San Bernardino County Medical Society, Pan American Medical Association, California Medical Association, Canadian Neurological Society, American College of Legal Medicine, New York Academy of Science, and the American Society of Forensic Medicine (neurosurgery division).
Dr. Dayes is a prolific lecturer and author. In addition to presenting scientific lectures to his peers, he has authored and co-authored dozens of scientific articles. In the broader community, he is probably best known as a lecturer par excellence. He continues to be one of the University's most sought-after Sabbath school teachers.
University Alumna of the Year
- Patricia K. Johnston, DrPH, RD
• Honored with the University Alumna of the Year award during the School of Public Health commencement ceremony was Patricia K. Johnston, DrPH, RD, associate dean and professor of nutrition in the School of Public Health.
Born in 1936 in Seattle, Washington, and raised on Marrowstone Island in the Puget Sound, Dr. Johnston spent her early years roaming the beaches and playing in the tide pools of the Pacific Northwest with her older brother Bill. She graduated from Walla Walla College, College Place, Washington, in 1958 with a bachelor of arts degree in chemistry and a husband, Ed Johnston.
The Johnstons moved to Oregon, where they served at Milo Academy for two years, teaching and working in the men's dorm.
In 1964, the Johnstons relocated to Libby, Montana. Active in her church and community, Dr. Johnston helped conduct nutrition classes and cooking schools in Libby.
Her interest in nutrition led to her completion of the master of public health degree in 1978 from Loma Linda University's first off-campus program. She earned the MS degree in nutrition from the University of Washington in 1979 and the doctor of public health degree in nutrition from the University of California/Los Angeles in 1987. She became a registered dietitian in 1981.
Dr. Johnston joined the School of Public Health department of nutrition in 1979. In 1987 she became director of doctoral programs in the School, continuing in that capacity until February, 1990, when she was invited to become chair of the department of nutrition.
Two months later she was asked to serve as associate dean for the School.
She served in these positions concurrently until 1996, when she resigned the chair position in order to focus her energies on academic administration.
Dr. Johnston continues to teach in her areas of interest--maternal and child nutrition, as well as calcium and bone status. Currently she is investigating bone density, dietary intake, and the indicators of bone metabolism in lacto-ovo vegetarian and omnivorous women.
Dr. Johnston holds membership in a number of professional organizations, including the American Association for Bone Mineral Research, American Dietetic Association, Association of Graduate Programs in Public Health Nutrition (president 1998 to 2000), American Public Health Association, and California Dietetic Association (vice president for education 1993 to 1995).
She served as co-chair of the First International Congress on Vegetarian Nutrition (1987) and as co-editor of its proceedings. She was program chair and editor of the proceedings both for the Second International Congress (1992) and the Third International Congress (1997). She served as senior editor for nutrition for Vibrant Life, is editor-in-chief of Loma Linda University's Vegetarian Nutrition & Health Letter, and is the author of many articles and book chapters.
Dr. Johnston is a member of the Delta Omega, Omicron Nu, and Sigma Xi honor societies. She received the Gladys Emerson award from the University of California, Los Angeles, in 1985; the Excellence in Education Award from the California Dietetic Association in 1996; and the Faculty Research Award from Loma Linda University School of Public Health in 2000. She is listed in Who's Who Among Teachers, Who's Who in the West, and the World's Who's Who of Women.
University Distinguished Service Award
- Benjamin Kovitz, MD
• Presented with the University Distinguished Service Award was Benjamin Kovitz, MD.
Dr. Kovitz was born December 22, 1913, in Superior, Washington. He earned his bachelor's degree (1936) and his doctor of medicine degree (1938) from the University of Wisconsin.
After completing his internship, he began a pathology residency at Michael Reese Hospital in Chicago; however, illness interrupted his program. When he resumed his training, he entered a psychiatry residency at Columbus State Hospital in Ohio, where he was subsequently appointed director of residency training and clinical director.
In 1963, Dr. Kovitz accepted an invitation to join the faculty of Loma Linda University, where he served in the School of Medicine department of psychiatry as a clinical professor and as chief of professional education at Patton State Hospital. His administrative and educational skills helped to develop Patton State Hospital into an important affiliated clinical site, both for medical students and residents.
In his lectures to freshman and sophomore medical students, Dr. Kovitz gave voice to the deep religious faith and spiritual awareness that made him a strong advocate for the reconciling of religion and psychiatry. His stimulating clinical conferences were often enriched by references to biblical teaching and spiritual insights, and enhanced by references to prose and poetry. He was an inspiring teacher who was also skilled at demonstrating interview techniques. Medical students, in token of their high esteem for Dr. Kovitz, honored him as recipient of the Distinguished Teacher Award in 1973.
Admired and respected by his colleagues as well, he was a recipient of the National Association of Mental Health's Distinguished Service Award (1971) and Certificate of Commendation (1973), the Macpherson Society's Award for Clinical Teacher (1977), and the department of psychiatry's Faculty Member of the Year Award (1982).
Dr. Kovitz's research and publications cover the spectrum of psychiatry. His early study comparing chlorpromazine and resperpine in the treatment of chronic psychosis was published in the American Medical Association's Archives of Neurology and Psychiatry (1955).
An ingenious diagnostician and inspiring teacher, as well as a gifted psychotherapist and constant question-asker, Dr. Kovitz's brilliance, consistency, high ethical standards, and personal integrity have made him a sought-after consultant, esteemed mentor, and beloved colleague.
University Distinguished Service Award
- Derrill Yaeger, JD
• Presented with the Loma Linda University Distinguished Service Award during the School of Dentistry conferring-of-degrees ceremony was Derrill Yaeger, JD, partner of the law firm of Clayson, Mann, Yaeger, and Hansen.
Mr. Yeager was born in 1927 in Lincoln, Nebraska, and came to California at age 3. In 1945, he graduated from La Sierra Academy. Following discharge from the military, after serving 18 months during World War II in the U.S. Army Medical Corps, he continued his education at La Sierra College and graduated in 1950 with a bachelor of arts degree in business. For 10 years, he pursued a career in this discipline, including two years as business manager for the Alumni Association, School of Medicine.
In 1963, Mr. Yaeger earned his law degree from the University of Southern California School of Law. Immediately following graduation, he joined the law firm now known as Clayson, Mann, Yaeger, and Hansen, where he continues to practice law.
His area of specialization for more than 35 years has been the representation of landowners and developers in connection with land-use approvals and entitlements.
He currently limits his practice to the representation of Loma Linda and La Sierra Universities in land-use matters. In this regard, he has provided invaluable services that have enhanced major portions of Loma Linda University's endowment.
Mr. Yaeger has served as a director or trustee for many educational, medical, and charitable organizations. He is now in his 25th year as a trustee of Versacare--a private, charitable foundation committed to the support of medical, educational, and other priorities of the Seventh-day Adventist Church around the world, with special emphasis on needs in the North American and Inter-American divisions.
For 16 years, he was a member of the Board of Trustees of Loma Linda University, serving also on the University's executive committee and its Medical Center committees. In this capacity, he worked to heighten the awareness of fellow trustees regarding their role and duties.
He has worked tirelessly to nurture what he views to be the vital partnership between the University and the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.
During a period of transition, Mr. Yaeger was a leader in the Board's efforts to redirect the University from its dual liberal arts/health sciences focus to its current academic health-sciences focus.
LLUAHSC Distinguished Humanitarian Award
- Thomas and Violet Zapara
• Presented with the Loma Linda University Adventist Health Sciences Distinguished Humanitarian Award were Thomas and Violet Zapara.
Mr. and Mrs. Zapara, both alumni of La Sierra University, Riverside, have for many years advanced the mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church--particularly in the field of education--through their visionary leadership, generously contributed time, and liberal financial support.
Combining the fruits of their keen business acumen with a strong sense of mission, the Zaparas have played major philanthropic roles in a number of projects and initiatives, including the Business Executives' Challenge to Alumni (BECA) program. Adventist colleges and universities around the world have benefited from this program. Inspired by the success of the BECA program at the higher-education level, in 1986 the Zaparas spearheaded the Businessmen's Educational Challenge to Academies--designed to involve alumni of Adventist academies in charitable support of their schools.
The vision of the Zaparas seems boundless. They funded the Alma McKibben Awards, provided the initial challenge grants and subsequent support to establish and maintain La Sierra University's Stahl Center for World Service, and were the main contributors to the establishment of the Hart Research Center.
The mission of Loma Linda University has been forwarded over the years in large part through the magnanimous generosity of the Zaparas. Their most recent partnership with Loma Linda University Adventist Health Sciences Center involves a major expansion of what is known as the east campus--a 20-acre complex--including construction of the Rehabilitation Institute.
The Rehabilitation Institute will focus not only on clinical services in rehabilitation medicine, but will also offer resources for education and research. The goal of LLUAHSC is for the Institute to rank among the top five facilities of its kind nationwide--a model of excellent service, positive clinical outcomes, and cost-
effective operation. An added dimension to the new facility and the renovated surrounding areas will be design emphases that integrate and utilize the environment as a significant factor contributing to the whole-person restoration of patients.
University Distinguished Humanitarian Award
- Mark R. Keltner, MD
• Retired physician Mark R. Keltner, MD, was presented with the Loma Linda University Distinguished Humanitarian Award during the School of Medicine commencement ceremonies.
Dr. Keltner was born in Seattle, Washington, on August 9, 1913. When he was only 3 years old, his father returned from the Yukon Territory with advanced tuberculosis and died soon after. What young Mark had known as home ceased to exist when his sister relocated to California to live with their grandmother while he remained in Bellevue in the foster care of Charles and Margaret Rudolph.
For more than 10 years, the Rudolphs--committed Seventh-day Adventist Christians--raised Mark in a nurturing and loving environment, treating him as one of their own.
Life at the Rudolph farm required hard work, consistency, and discipline. There were farm animals to tend to and chores to complete; and the "modern" conveniences of electricity and indoor plumbing were not yet a given. But as Dr. Keltner remembers today, the Rudolph home was a great place for kids to grow up--with plenty of food, other children to play with, and abundant wildlife from which to learn.
Inspired by the Rudolphs' encouragement to consider medicine as a professional career, Dr. Keltner enrolled at Auburn Academy, Auburn, Oregon, where he studied and worked hard. He was able to cover the costs of tuition and other expenses by working at "The Shop," where he learned to use all of the saws, planers, and shapers required for woodworking. He completed his tenure there with all fingers intact.
After graduating from Auburn Academy, Dr. Keltner enrolled in the pre-medicine curriculum at Walla Walla College, College Place, Washington. However, he was able to complete only one year before the burden of meeting expenses became too great. Leaving Washington, he hitchhiked to Los Angeles where he quickly secured employment as an orderly at Los Angeles County General Hospital. Marshalling his resources--intelligence, self-discipline, unselfish ambition, and initiative--he attended night school and completed training as both a laboratory technician and an x-ray technician.
Two years in the military during World War II were followed by enrollment in the pre-medicine program at La Sierra College. He was later admitted by Chester Fink, long-time College of Medical Evangelists' registrar, into the freshman medical class.
After graduation in 1950 and an internship at the White Memorial Hospital (now White Memorial Medical Center), Dr. Keltner met "the best doctor in town," William D. Engeberg, MD, a 1949 School of Medicine graduate. They eventually formed a general practice partnership that would last their entire medical careers.
During the past four years, Dr. Keltner has established and funded the Mark R. Keltner, MD, endowed chair in family medicine in the School of Medicine. When asked his reasons for creating this significant endowment, Dr. Keltner states, "Loma Linda's School of Medicine has turned my dreams into reality." He adds, "Several years ago, I read an article written by James A. Jetton, MD, a 1934 School of Medicine graduate, about philanthropy and the importance of giving something back. I want to be an advocate for--and give something back to--the University, for I couldn't have made it without Loma Linda."
Doctor of Humanitarian Service
- Neal C. Wilson
• Receiving the Doctor of Humanitarian Service degree during commencement ceremonies for both the School of Medicine and the Graduate School was Neal C. Wilson, past president of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.
Neal C. Wilson was born July 5, 1920, in Lodi. He received his elementary and secondary education, plus two years of college, in Zambia, Malawi, South Africa, and India--countries where his father served the Seventh-day Adventist Church in pastoral and administrative posts.
In Zambia, his mother was treasurer for a number of years. Pastor Wilson is an alumnus of Pacific Union College, Angwin, where he earned the bachelor of arts degree in 1942. Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan, conferred on him the honorary doctor of divinity degree in 1976.
For more than six decades, Pastor Wilson has served the world Church in many places and capacities. From 1939 to 1940, he was an accountant in the Southern Asia Division (Poona, India); and was acting treasurer of the division's Oriental Watchman Press for a year (1940).
After completing his undergraduate education, he served as an evangelist in the Wyoming Mission and for the General Conference prior to ordination to the gospel ministry in 1944.
Pastor Wilson worked for a year in Cairo, Egypt, as pastor-evangelist before being appointed president of the Egypt field. From 1950 to 1958, he served as president of the Nile Union.
Departmental positions in the Central California (1959 to 1960) and Columbia Union (1960 to 1962) Conferences preceded his presidency of the Columbia Union Conference in 1962.
In 1966, he was called to lead the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists, a position he held until 1978 when he was elected president of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.
Under his leadership, the world headquarters consolidated its operations in a spacious new facility in Silver Spring, Maryland. During 12 years as leader of the world Church, Pastor Wilson worked to bridge gaps and create opportunities for Church expansion.
The establishment of new churches, missions, schools, radio stations, publishing houses--and other endeavors--throughout 190 countries of the world bears tangible witness to the vision of global mission that characterized his tenure as president.
After stepping down from the presidency of the General Conference in 1990, Pastor Wilson served for two years as general administrative consultant for the Soviet Union (currently Euro-Asia) Division of the General Conference. He retains a lifetime membership on the General Conference executive committee and on the White Estate board.
Loma Linda University is especially appreciative of Pastor Wilson's attentive, concerned, knowledgeable, creative, inspiring, and supportive stewardship and leadership during nearly four decades as member and/or chair of the Board of Trustees.
High academic standards, innovative medical modalities, and strong dedication to local, national, and international service in partnership with the Seventh-day Adventist Church are part of Pastor Wilson's legacy--which continues to grow in major and significant ways.
In 1991, Pastor Wilson's contributions to Loma Linda University were acknowledged when he was presented the University Distinguished Service Award.
Doctor of Humanitarian Service
- Wong Kerlee
• Also receiving the Doctor of Humanitarian Service degree during the School of Medicine conferring-of-degrees program was Mr. Wong Kerlee.
Throughout his life, Mr. Wong Kerlee has turned challenges into opportunities not only for himself, but also for others. As a small child, he was kidnapped and taken from his birthplace in northern China to the far south. His adopting grandmother died while he was still a child.
Through education and industry, Mr. Wong Kerlee completed a college degree and entered the business world. When the political climate changed in China, he moved his family to Hong Kong. His business knowledge and expertise made possible the success he enjoys today. Through philanthropic endeavors that include establishing community resources--such as schools and colleges--and benefiting individuals, he has, over the years, generously assisted others to achieve their personal and professional goals.
Mr. Wong Kerlee continues to learn and to share his wisdom and resources. He has enhanced this academic community by his global vision and his partnership in endeavors that forward the University's mission. Through his generosity, the Wong Kerlee International Conference Center, housed in the Coleman Pavilion, provides a facility in
which to host conferences and major events, as well as participants and guests from around the world.
In 1997, Mr. Wong Kerlee received the University's Distinguished Humanitarian Award.
The School of Medicine Boucek Award
- Francis S. Collins, MD, PhD
Receiving the Boucek Award was Francis S. Collins, MD, PhD, director of the National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland.
The Boucek Award, established in 1987 by Robert J. Boucek, MD, in honor of his father, Frank C. Boucek, MD, seeks to foster the expansion of collegiality between theology and medicine. The aim of the award is to honor individual initiative and intellectual exploration into the nature of life and the universe.
Dr. Collins was raised on a small farm in Virginia, where he was home-schooled until the sixth grade. He earned degrees from the University of Virginia, Charlottesville (BS in chemistry, 1970), and Yale University (MPhil, PhD in physical chemistry, 1974).
Recognizing that a revolution was beginning in molecular biology and genetics, he changed academic emphases and enrolled in the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, where he completed the doctor of medicine degree in 1977. After a residency and chief residency in internal medicine at North Carolina Memorial Hospital, Chapel Hill, he continued his training as a fellow in human genetics and pediatrics at Yale University School of Medicine.
While at Yale he worked on methods of identifying disease genes in large stretches of DNA--a method for which he later coined the term "positional cloning." He continued to develop this research after joining the faculty of the University of Michigan in 1984.
Positional cloning has developed into a powerful component of modern molecular genetics, allowing the identification of disease genes for almost any condition without knowing ahead of time what might be the functional abnormality. Using this strategy, Dr. Collins--along with Lap-Chee Tsui, MD, and Jack Riordan, MD, of the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada--identified the gene for cystic fibrosis in 1989, the gene for neurofibromatosis in 1990, and the gene for Huntington's disease in 1993.
Also in 1993, Dr. Collins accepted an invitation to become director of the National Center for Human Genome Research, renamed in 1997 the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI). The NHGRI is one of 27 institutes and centers that make up the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the federal government's primary agency for the support of medical research.
As director, Dr. Collins provides overall leadership by setting policies and developing scientific, fiscal, and management strategies. His office oversees intramural, collaborative, and field research to study human genetic diseases; and formulates research goals and long-range plans to accomplish the goals of the Human Genome Project, including study of the ethical, legal, and social implications of genome research. This 15-year project, aimed at mapping and sequencing all human DNA by the year 2005, has virtually been completed. Many consider this to be the most important scientific undertaking of our time.
Dr. Collins founded the NIH intramural research program in genome research, one of the premier research units in human genetics in the country. His own research laboratory continues to vigorously explore the molecular genetics of breast cancer, prostate cancer, adult-onset diabetes, and other disorders.
The broad professional contributions made by Dr. Collins can be gauged, in part, by his extensive publications bibliography: nearly 300 peer-reviewed articles in scientific journals or at press, one book, 33 book chapters, and additional non-peer-reviewed articles.
He is an active member of numerous professional organizations and holds membership or serves administratively on a wide range of medical, scientific, and education committees, councils, boards, foundations, and institutes. His accomplishments are sweeping and have been recognized and honored nationally and internationally.
School Alumnus of the Year Awards
- George Maeda, PhD
- Thomas P. Malinowski
- Patricia K. Johnston, DrPH, RD
• Presented with the Graduate School Alumnus of the Year award at the Graduate School ceremony was George Maeda, PhD, associate professor of physiology in the Graduate School.
Dr. Maeda earned the bachelor of science degree from Tri State University, Angola, Indiana, in radio engineering; and the master of science and doctor of philosophy degrees in physiology from Loma Linda University.
In 1979, he joined the faculty of Loma Linda University, with appointments in the Graduate School and School of Medicine. He currently serves as associate professor of physiology, with research and teaching commitments in neuroscience.
A productive contributor to the teaching and research efforts of the physiology program, Dr. Maeda has developed a reputation for being a willing contributor to many student projects.
His experience with electronics is greatly valued by his colleagues, and he has provided expertise in basic neurophysiology to a number of students whose dissertation designs have had a significant clinical component.
Dr. Maeda holds membership in Sigma XI, the Society for Neuroscience, and Omicron Kappa Upsilon.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Dr. Maeda has been an invaluable member of the Loma Linda University Church audio team, where he has again applied his extensive knowledge of electronics to the maintenance of aging equipment.
• Presented with the School of Allied Health Professions School Alumnus of the Year Award during the allied health ceremonies was Thomas P. Malinowski, director of respiratory care at Loma Linda University Medical Center.
Mr. Malinowski received the associate in science degree in respiratory therapy in 1978 from the University of Southern California and the bachelor of science degree in respiratory therapy with an emphasis in management from Loma Linda University in 1980.
He has served on the faculty of the School of Allied Health Professions since 1984. In his capacity as chair of the advisory committee for the respiratory care program, he has been instrumental in developing the bachelor of science degree program curriculum.
From 1984 to 1998, Mr. Malinowski served as assistant director and clinical director of the respiratory care department at Loma Linda University Medical Center.
He was named administrative director of the respiratory care department, the sleep disorder center, and neurological services at LLUMC in 1998.
During his tenure as director of the respiratory care department, Mr. Malinowski has implemented many innovative strategies to enhance the department's service to patients with cardiopulmonary disease.
In 1994, Mr. Malinowski was elected president of the California Society for Respiratory Care. The society designated him an honorary lifetime member in 1997.
His published scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals present innovative strategies in such areas as mechanical ventilation, use of nitric oxide in infants, and the application of helium/oxygen gas mixtures for the treatment of asthma.
• Receiving the School of Public Health Alumna of the Year Award was Patricia K. Johnston, DrPH, RD, associate dean and professor of nutrition in the School of Public Health. Dr. Johnston was also honored with the University Alumna of the Year Award (see page 6).
School Distinguished Service Awards
- Leif K. Bakland, DDS
- John Leonora, PhD
- Edd J. Ashley, EdD
- James M. Crawford, DDS, MPH
• Honored with the School of Dentistry Distinguished Service Award during the School of Dentistry conferring-of-degrees ceremony was Leif K. Bakland, DDS, associate dean and professor of endodontics, School of Dentistry.
Dr. Bakland graduated from Loma Linda University in 1963. He completed a certificate in endodontics in 1973 at Harvard School of Dental Medicine, where his career in academic dentistry began in 1967. In 1976, he was recruited by Loma Linda University School of Dentistry to chair the department of endodontics.
Dr. Bakland's career in academic dentistry has included many official roles, such as president of the American Board of Endodontics, the California State Association of Endodontists, and the Tri-County Dental Society; and secretary-treasurer of the International Association of Dental Traumatology. He has also served as a consultant in endodontics for the United States Army Dental Corps, the United States Navy Dental Corps, and the Veterans Administration.
Adding further distinction to his career, Dr. Bakland has authored more than 50 publications--including journal articles, textbook chapters, and scientific abstracts in the areas of endodontics, traumatology, and immunology. He is currently coeditor of the text Endodontics.
In addition, he is editor of the journal Dentistry, a Loma Linda University publication; and a reviewer for the Journal of the California Dental Association, the Journal of General Dentistry, and the American Association of Dental Schools' National Peer Review Panel.
Dr. Bakland has also presented numerous continuing-education courses since 1973 in the United States, Mexico, Chile, Germany, Norway, Italy, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Egypt, Kuwait, Iran, Korea, Greece, Israel, and Japan.
Dr. Bakland's contributions have been distinguished by notable scholarship, effective administration, and outstanding teaching. From 1987 to 1991, he served the School of Dentistry as associate dean for clinic administration.
• Honored with the Graduate School Distinguished Service Award during the Graduate School ceremony was John Leonora, PhD, professor of physiology.
Dr. Leonora earned the bachelor of science degree in zoology and chemistry, the master of science degree in zoology, and the doctor of philosophy degree in endocrinology from the University of Wisconsin.
Since joining the faculty of Loma Linda University in 1959, following completion of a two-year post-doctoral position funded by the National Institutes of Health, he has continued to contribute to the body of endocrine-function knowledge.
His research--funded through grants from the National Institutes of Health, the Macpherson Society, the Don Baxter Foundation, the Pediatric Research Endowment Fund, and the Basic Science Research Fund--has been published extensively in peer-reviewed journals.
He currently serves as CO-chair and professor in the department of physiology and pharmacology and as program coordinator for the physiology graduate programs.
Dr. Leonora has been an active contributor to the research efforts of the physiology program--not only mentoring numerous master of science and doctor of philosophy degree students but also providing leadership for the research conducted in his own laboratory.
Research by Dr. Leonora and his group has demonstrated that the parotid glands, in addition to their salivary function, have an endocrine function that is regulated by the hypothalmus. Parotid hormone appears to stimulate dentinal fluid flow and to facilitate dentinogenesis (the formation of new dentin).
Further, his research has shown that ingesting excess sugars inhibits dentinal fluid flow and to facilitate dentinogenesis (the formation of new dentin).
Further, his research has shown that ingesting excess sugars inhibits dentinal fluid flow--which permits an increase in dental caries--and also inhibits dentinogenesis.
Dr. Leonora is a member of the Endocrine Society of America and has twice been the recipient of the Sigma XI Research Merit Award.
Known as a compassionate, approachable advocate for students, Dr. Leonora--in his capacity as mentor and friend--has demonstrated Christ's compassion for those whose paths intersect his and has effectively encouraged many who have become disheartened as they strive to complete their educational goals. He has twice received the Walter E. Macpherson Society Basic Science Teacher of the Year Award.
• Receiving the School of Allied Health Professions School Distinguished Service Award during the same ceremony was Edd J. Ashley, EdD, chair and professor, department of physical therapy in the School of Allied Health Professions.
Dr. Ashley has served the School of Allied Health Professions since 1979--first as a part-time instructor in physical therapy and later as associate chair, and since 1969, as chair of the department of physical therapy. His vision has created a diversity of programs designed to meet the needs of the profession, the students, and the patients served.
During his tenure as chair, Dr. Ashley has fostered the development of the physical therapist assistant program, the entry-level master's and doctoral degrees in physical therapy, the progression master of physical therapy degree, and the post-professional master's and doctoral degrees.
His astute selection of faculty who shared his vision for the future of physical therapy enabled the School to be among the first to offer these degree programs. In the area of service to the community, he facilitated establishment of the neurorehabilitation clinic at SAC-Norton. This clinic also provides excellent clinical placement for students in the physical therapy programs.
Exemplifying the mission of the School of Allied Health Professions and of the University, Dr. Ashley planned and initiated an advanced-degree program in physical therapy for Antillean Adventist University in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico--the first program of its kind on the island. By means of an innovative approach to distance education, he helped to meet the needs of a school in Japan that was seeking to expand the country's supply of physical therapists.
He also served as a consultant to West China University of Medical Sciences in its endeavor to develop the first school of allied health in China.
In addition to his duties as department chair, Dr. Ashley serves the School of Allied Health Professions as associate dean for student affairs. In this capacity, he has counseled a vast cadre of students and solved a wide range of student problems.
His forte as a school leader, however, is best illustrated by his keen sense of fiscal management. Before implementing any new program, he poses his favorite question: "Is the cash register ringing yet?"
With health-professions schools reputedly among the most expensive schools
to operate, his conservative sense of fiscal responsibility has greatly benefited the School.
• Honored with the School of Public Health School Distinguished Service Award during its commencement ceremony was James M. Crawford, DDS, MPH, professor of public health dentistry in the School of Public Health.
Dr. Crawford was born and raised in Northern California. His varied work background began with food services as waiter and cook, and later expanded to include carpentry, accounting, sales, teaching, practicing dentistry, and university administration.
He served as a missionary dentist in Thailand from 1961 to 1968, where he also chaired the department of dental surgery and the department of public health at Bangkok Sanitarium and Hospital.
He held staff positions at Loma Linda Foods, Oneida Mountain Hospital of the Kentucky Appalachians, and New England Memorial Hospital in Massachusetts.
He also served as health director for the Southern New England Conference of Seventh-day Adventists before joining the faculty of Loma Linda University in 1972.
Dr. Crawford accepted an appointment to the School of Public Health in 1972, where he served in many capacities. He taught in the department of health promotion and education, and served as department chair from 1972 to 1973. During 1973 to 1976, his appointments included assistant dean for student affairs, chair of the department of health promotion and education, and associate dean for academic affairs.
In 1976, he was appointed dean of the School of Public Health, filling this office until 1980.
He returned for a second term as dean from 1983 to 1986.
Since 1980, Dr. Crawford's service in Loma Linda University's School of Dentistry has included teacher, director of continuing education, and associate dean for educational programs and admissions. He is currently executive associate dean and coordinator for international dental affairs.
He also serves as associate secretary for dental affairs in the department of health ministries of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.
Dr. Crawford earned the doctor of dental surgery degree from Loma Linda University in 1960 and the master of public health degree from Harvard University in 1969.
Internationally known for his communications and healthful living seminars, Dr. Crawford has been the recipient of numerous awards from the American College of Dentists, the Pierre Fauchard Academy, and the International College of Dentists. His humanitarian endeavors have been recognized by the cities of Colton (California) and Bangkok (Thailand). He is a member of Delta Omega honor society.
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