TODAY news - June 10, 2004

Approximately 450 people attended an open house, Sunday, May 2, 2004, held by the School of Allied Health Professions.

Held from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m., the event gave individuals a chance to visit a variety of the School's eight departments. Six half-hour information sessions provided prospective students and their families a chance to visit with the departments and talk with faculty.

Helen Greenwood, director of admissions, was available to answer questions regarding prerequisite classes and general admission questions. Daniells Residence Complex and Lindsay Hall were also open for touring.

"We are very happy with the turn out," says Karen Rieley of marketing and recruitment, School of Allied Health Professions.

"Having an open house is a great way for people to come and visit our School." Ms. Rieley related how one individual heard about Loma Linda University two days prior to the open house. "She went to our website and saw that we were having an open house on Sunday."

The student drove from Los Angeles hoping she would be able to attend and be able to talk with someone.

"She was very impressed with our students in our physician assistant's program," relates Ms. Rieley. "She said they were very polite and gave her great information about the program."

The School of Allied Health Professions hosted its eighth annual alumni homecoming, April 29 to May 2, 2004, on the campus of Loma Linda University. During the weekend, SAHP alumni, faculty, students, and local allied health professionals participated in the events.

With a theme of service overriding the weekend, the School used as its mantra a quote from Mother Teresa: "The fruit of love is service; the fruit of service is peace." The homecoming events aimed to spotlight ways in which the School, its faculty, staff, students, and alumni participate in service activities throughout the year.

The homecoming weekend was developed and planned by faculty and staff to promote lifelong learning, social connection, and spiritual encouragement. All interested health-care professionals-- whether alumni of the School or not--were invited to participate in the homecoming events, including the annual banquet, continuing education courses, a golf game, reunions, and other activities.

"The weekend was a great success, thanks to all the assistance of the steering committee and all their hard work," observes Barbara Parton, department secretary, department of cardiopulmonary sciences, and homecoming organizer.

The continuing education (CE) courses kicked off the weekend activities on Thursday, April 29, and continued on Friday. A significant showing of local health-care professionals and SAHP students attended the courses along with alumni. Some participants received a certificate of completion to be applied toward meeting the continuing education requirements for licensure updates.

Classes ranged from interdisciplinary courses such as "Maintaining your Personal Health Record" to departmentspecific classes such as the nutrition and dietetics course "Focus on Education Opportunities for Dietitians." School of Allied Health Professions faculty and guest speakers conducted approximately 20 CE courses, covering a variety of fields.

Thursday evening, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of the School of Allied Health Professions attended the eighth annual homecoming banquet held in Wong Kerlee International Conference Center. Master of ceremonies for the evening was Everett B. Lohman III, DPTSc, OSC, associate professor, department of physical therapy, assisted by Eric G. Johnson, DPTSc, associate professor, department of physical therapy, and Howard Sulzle, EdD, associate chair, department of physical therapy (see "SAHP holds annual homecoming banquet" in this issue of TODAY).

On Friday, CE courses continued throughout the day. A golf game held at San Bernardino Golf Course gave faculty, alumni, and friends an opportunity to fellowship in the afternoon. The event was organized by James Syms, MPT, assistant professor, department of physical therapy, and Bob Wilkins, PhD, chair, department of cardiopulmonary sciences.

The fellowship continued with a soup-and-salad supper Friday evening. The supper gave SAHP alumni a relaxed atmosphere in which to share memories.

Following supper, a vespers program was held in the University Church chapel. The program was organized by Desmyrna Taylor, MPT, director of the physical therapy assistant (PTA) program.

Ms. Taylor also interviewed Eleanor Cooper, a retired PTA who is legally blind. Ms. Cooper shared how she was able to attend PT school thanks to classmates and friends who helped read assignments to her. After eight cornea transplants in her left eye, she lost the use of it. She has also had five cornea transplants in her right eye.

Despite her weak eyes, Ms. Cooper keeps busy by crocheting blankets and clothing, which Ms. Taylor then sends on SIMS trips for distribution. "It's the challenge that I like," Ms. Cooper says of the crocheting, "that's why I don't stop."

Special guest speaker for the evening was John Brunt, PhD, senior pastor, Azure Hills Church, Redlands. Dr. Brunt spoke on "Jesus and the Spirit of Service." He used Mark 10:35 to emphasize how the kingdom is not about what we are going to get, but about letting the world know now what the kingdom is all about.

"Jesus has asked us to build the kingdom," Dr. Brunt shared. "With deeds of love and mercy, the heavenly kingdom comes."

Friday evening also showcased More Love, an acappela musical group, which provided two special selections.

On Sabbath, May 1, alumni of the School of Allied Health Professions participated in both church services and the Sabbath School program. Sabbath School participants included Tony Valenzuela, EdD, department of physical therapy class of 1998; Keith Bodi, department of radiation technology class of 1974; Nicceta Davis, PhD, department of physical therapy class of 1976; Jacqueline Berry, department of nutrition and dietetics class of 2004; and Bert Connell, PhD, chair of the department of nutrition and dietetics.

Randy Roberts, DMin, MDiv, senior pastor, University Church of Seventh-day Adventists, presented "The Tiny and Invisible Kingdom" for both church services.

Jean B. Lowry, PhD, graduate of the speech-language pathology program, was also introduced to the congregation during both church services as the alumnus of the year for the School of Allied Health Professions.

SAHP participants in the church services included Craig R. Jackson, JD, MSW, dean of the School of Allied Health Professions; Donna Thorpe, department of physical therapy class of 1969; Sonja Bradburn, department of occupational therapy class of 1984; Rodney Roath, department of clinical laboratory science class of 1980; and Leota Janzen, department of physical therapy class of 1954.

For Sabbath lunch, a potluck was held on the lawn outside of the Nichol Hall cottages, providing homecoming participants with another chance to interact. While a tent and temporary tables provided a relaxing environment, a goodwill offering bucket was available for donations toward new permanent outdoor seating (for more information on donating toward the tables, contact Barbara Parton at extension 44932).

Saturday evening, groups of alumni could gather by department and classes to continue the celebrations. The weekend concluded with a brunch on Sunday, held on the Nichol Hall lawn by the cottages.

The School of Allied Health Professions held its annual homecoming banquet on Thursday, April 29, in Wong Kerlee International Conference Center.

Following the weekend's theme of service, the evening focused on several individuals from the School who have provided service to others in a variety of ways.

"As always, we are glad you have come home," remarked Craig R. Jackson, JD, MSW, dean of the School of Allied Health Professions, as the banquet began. The banquet was hosted by Everett B. Lohman III, DPTSc, OSC, associate professor, department of physical therapy, who was assisted by Eric G. Johnson, DPTSc, associate professor, department of physical therapy, and Howard Sulzle, EdD, associate chair, department of physical therapy.

The banquet recognized the honor-year classes of 1999, 1994, 1989, 1984, 1979, 1974, 1969, 1964, 1959, 1954, and all previous years. Specific individuals were honored as well.

The evening began with a social hour, from 5 to 6 p.m., during which alumni, faculty, friends, and family could have pictures taken. The banquet officially began at 6 p.m., with a Mediterranean-style dinner.

After the meal, Drs. Lohman and Johnson began the evening's program, done in a news-show fashion. As the "anchors" of the news program, Drs. Lohman and Johnson used a Powerpoint presentation to highlight special moments throughout the year at the School of Allied Health Professions. Through humor, alumni were informed of service activities, such as the volunteerism of cardiopulmonary science faculty and students during the San Bernardino fires, and the donation of wheelchairs that physical ther- Masters of ceremonies Everett B. Lohman III, DPTSc, OSC (left), associate professor, department of physical therapy, and Eric G. Johnson, DPTSc, associate professor, department of physical therapy, use a news-show format to entertain guests at the School of Allied Health Professions alumni banquet on Thursday, April 29.

Sprinkled amongst these news segments, "roving reporter" Dr. Sulzle introduced the Distinguished Alumni of the Year for each department. A special feature was also presented by Craig R. Jackson, JD, MSW, dean of the School of Allied Health Professions, who announced the Alumnus of the Year, Jean B. Lowry, PhD, professor in the department of speechlanguage pathology and audiology.

To conclude the evening, Dr. Jackson again expressed his joy to see the alumni return to LLU. "This has been a wonderful way to begin the weekend," he commented. "You, the alumni, are special to us, as you have come before us and blazed a trail."

A group of faculty, students, and friends of the School of Allied Health Professions gathered at TGI Friday's on April 20, 2004, to celebrate the 50th birthday of Robert Wilkins, PhD, chair, department of cardiopulmonary sciences.

Dr. Wilkins has worked at Loma Linda since 1976, starting as a staff therapist at Loma Linda University Medical Center's intensive care unit. He joined the School of Allied Health Professions in 1979 as a respiratory instructor. Since then, he has held a variety of positions including director of clinical education, associate chair of the department of cardiopulmonary sciences, associate professor, program director of the respiratory therapy associate in science degree program, and his current position as chair of the department of cardiopulmonary sciences. Dr. Wilkins received an AS degree in respiratory care in 1974 and a BS degree in respiratory care from Loma Linda University in 1978. He completed a master's in post-secondary teaching at La Sierra University in 1986, and a PhD degree in education psychology at the University of California in 1996.

Friends attending the celebration at TGI Friday's include (from left around table) Edd Ashley, EdD; sons Tyler and Nick Wilkins; wife Kris Wilkins; Craig Jackson, JD, MSW; Renate Krause, PhD; Allan Bedashi; Yasmine Bracho; Benny Hau; David Lopez, EdD; David Stanton, MS; Bud Spearman, MS; Lennard Specht, MD; Arthur Marshak, MS; Barbara Parton; Denise Marnella; Douglas Deming, MD; Randy Rhynus; Howard Sulzle, EdD; and Billy Hughes, PhD.

Additionally, Dr. Wilkins has authored many journal articles and book reviews, textbooks, and continuing education publications. He has also received several awards including LLU's Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1988, Faculty Research Award from the School of Allied Health Professions, and the School of Allied Health Professions Alumnus of the Year Award. Dr. Wilkins is a fellow of the American Association for Respiratory Care in Cincinnati, Ohio.

In his spare time, Dr. Wilkins enjoys golf, baseball, basketball, and spending time with his staff. An invitation

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