TODAY news - June 10, 2004

Graduate, allied health, nursing, and public health to hold commencement ceremonies on Sunday, June 13

Loma Linda University will hold its final five commencement events on Sunday, June 13, at Drayson Center beginning at 8:00 a.m.

Seven hundred and twentyseven students from four of the University's eight schools are expected to receive diplomas on that day. Ceremonies for students in the Schools of Medicine and Dentistry took place on Sunday, May 30.

Speaking at the Graduate School ceremony will be Ernest J. Plata, PhD, associate professor, departments of biology and chemistry, Wiley College, Marshall, Texas; and adjunct professor, department of health and safety, Texas State Technical College, Marshall, Texas.

Dr. Plata was born in Cali, Colombia, South America. His father, Elder Carlos J. Plata--one of the first three Colombians to become Seventh-day Adventist-- dedicated his life to service in ministry, evangelism, and church building.

Through a combination of home schooling and short-term traditional education available when his father's assignment was in close proximity to a school, Dr. Plata completed high school at 15 years of age.

He continued his education at Madison College in Madison, Tennessee, and at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, where he earned bachelor's and master's degrees in chemistry, biology, medical technology, and education; and University of Michigan, where he earned master's and doctoral degrees in microbiology. He recieved medical technology certification from Madison Hospital and Medical Center. In 1958 he joined the faculty of the chemistry department at Andrews University, Berrien Springs, Michigan.

Dr. Plata entered industrial and engineering research in the space program at Industrial Testing Laboratories in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Three notable achievements marked this assignment: (1) He etched his initials on the rocket nozzles of the early manned spacecraft (a portion of one of those rockets with his initials is on display at the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C.). (2) He married Cecilia Kinder, also a pastor's kid from Fort Wayne, Indiana. (3) He welcomed the birth of his oldest daughter.

Dr. Plata's dual-track career has included teaching as well as biomedical research and development. He began the teaching track as a pre-teen helping adults learn to read. Literacy education was also part of a major inner-city tutoring program he led in Washington, D.C., for approximately 12 years.

Tutors from two colleges, three high schools, and four churches worked with more than 400 children each week. He coauthored a manual for reading tutors that programs across the country continue to utilize. His contributions to higher education as a teacher have included faculty appointments at the University of Michigan; The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.; Texas State Technical College; Wiley College; and Hood College in Maryland. He has also been a guest lecturer at numerous institutions in the United States, Canada, and Germany.

Dr. Plata entered biomedical research with a focus on human cancer virology and immunology, first as a doctoral student and later as a faculty member at the University of Michigan. He later served on the research and science administrative staff at the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, Maryland. For 11 years he was part of the team that investigated the oncogene theory of cancer after isolating cancerassociated viruses from nearly every known species of vertebrates and isolating cancer viruses from germ-free animals. He was instrumental in organizing the first human breast-cancer virology- research advisory council at the National Institutes of Health.

A team of five scientists from the National Cancer Institute founded Oncogen--one of the first private biotechnology companies in the world. This successful company evolved to become part of the Pharmaceutical Research Institute of the Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, where Dr. Plata served as associate scientific director. There, in collaboration with the University of Washington, the first human trial of a live, recombinant virus vaccine for HIV was conducted. After retirement, Dr. and Mrs. Plata founded their own biotechnologyconsulting firm, working on assignments for companies in the United States and Europe.

Dr. and Mrs. Plata are avid saltand fresh-water boaters and serve the country in the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary. They enjoy music, photography, and the art of keeping in touch with friends and former students.

Dr. Plata will present his address at the conferring-ofdegrees ceremony for the Graduate School.

Speaking to the graduates from the School of Nursing will be Richard Rice, PhD, professor, Faculty of Religion, Loma Linda University.

Dr. Rice was born in Loma Linda, California, and spent his younger years in Ohio, Arizona, and California, with his parents and younger sister. In 1966 he graduated from La Sierra College (now La Sierra University) and married Gail Taylor.

Dr. Rice taught religion in for 24 years at Loma Linda University, Riverside campus; and later at La Sierra University. He joined the Faculty of Religion at Loma Linda University in 1998.

Dr. Rice has contributed articles and book reviews to Seventhday Adventist and other scholarly journals, including the Journal of Religion, Religious Studies Review, Andrews University Seminary Studies, Ministry, Insight, and Spectrum. Among the books he has authored are God's Foreknowledge and Man's Free Will (Bethany House, 1985); When Bad Things Happen to God's People (Pacific Press, 1985); Reason and the Contours of Faith (La Sierra University Press, 1991); T h e Openness of God (with Clark Pinnock and others, Intervarsity Press, 1994); and Reign of God (Andrews University Press, 1st edition, 1985; 2nd edition, 1997).

Dr. Richard Rice and his wife, Gail, EdD, (who also teaches at Loma Linda University), are the parents of two adult children, Alison and Jonathan. Dr. Rice will deliver his address at the conferring-ofdegrees ceremonies for the School of Nursing at 10:30 a.m.

Two conferring-of-degrees ceremonies will be held for the School of Allied Health Professions. The first ceremony will begin at 1:00 p.m. for students in the physical therapy program. The second ceremony, at 4:00 p.m., will honor students from departments of clinical laboratory science, health information company evolved to become part of the Pharmaceutical Research Institute of the Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, where Dr. Plata served as associate scientific director. There, in collaboration with the University of Washington, the first human trial of a live, recombinant virus vaccine for HIV was conducted. After retirement, Dr. and Mrs. Plata founded their own biotechnologyconsulting firm, working on assignments for companies in the United States and Europe. Dr. and Mrs. Plata are avid saltand fresh-water boaters and serve the country in the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary. They enjoy music, photography, and the art of keeping in touch with friends and former students. Dr. Plata will present his address at the conferring-ofdegrees ceremony for the Graduate School.

Speaking to the graduates from the School of Nursing will be Richard Rice, PhD, professor, Faculty of Religion, Loma Linda University.

Before attending graduate school, Dr. Rice served as associate pastor of the Azure Hills and La Sierra Seventh-day Adventist churches. He earned a master of divinity degree from Andrews University (1969); and master of arts (1972) and doctor of philosophy (1974) degrees from the University of Chicago Divinity School. He was ordained to the ministry in 1977. Dr. Rice taught religion in for 24 years at Loma Linda University, Riverside campus; and later at La Sierra University. He joined the Faculty of Religion administration, occupational therapy, cardiopulmonary sciences, nutrition and dietetics, radiation technology, and speech-language pathology and audiology.

Speaking to the graduates at both services will be Charles Christiansen, EdD, dean, and George T. Bryan distinguished professor, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. Dr. Christiansen earned a bachelor of science degree (1970) in occupational therapy from the University of North Dakota, a master of arts degree (1974) in counseling psychology from Ball State University, and a doctor of education degree (1979) in educational administration from the University of Houston. He also earned a postdoctoral certificate in administration of allied health education in 1980 from Baylor College of Medicine. Certified as an occupational therapist both in the United States and in Canada, he has served as a consultant throughout North America and abroad.

From 1970 to 1975, Dr. Christiansen served as a commissioned officer in the United States Air Force. His professional experience includes staff occupational therapist; research associate at the National Institutes of Health; and faculty member and administrator at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Texas Woman's University, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, and University of Texas at San Antonio, and the University of British Columbia. He is currently dean and George T. Bryan distinguished professor in the School of Allied Health Sciences at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston.

Dr. Christiansen is a fellow of the American Occupational Therapy Association and an elected member of several professional societies, including Sigma Xi, the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine, and the Human Factors Society. He has served in many appointed and elected positions for organizations such as the American Occupational Therapy Foundation, American Occupational Therapy Association, the Society for the Study of Occupation USA, and the Texas Society of Allied Health Professions, in which he currently holds the office of president. In 2003 he was elected vice president of the American Occupational Therapy Association.

Numerous professional and academic awards attest to Dr. Christiansen's distinguished career, including the Eleanor Clark Slagle Lectureship, the highest academic award and distinction given by the American Occupational Therapy Association; his lecture was presented in 1999. In 1997 he was twice honored--as the recipient of the Nicholas and Katherine Leone Award for Administrative Excellence; and as the inaugural holder of the George T. Bryan distinguished professorship in the Allied Health Sciences, the first endowed chair awarded by the School of Allied Health Sciences at the University of Texas at Galveston. The first Arthur Dilly Lectureship was awarded to him in 1991 by the Texas Advisory Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners; and the Texas Occupational Therapy Association named him Occupational Therapist of the Year in 1984. In addition, he has presented endowed lectures and has been honored for outstanding teaching, research, and service. Dr. Christiansen served as the founding editor of O J T R : Occupation, Participation, and H e a l t h , a respected, leading research publication in occupational therapy. He is also senior editor and author of five major textbooks in rehabilitation and occupational science, and has been a consulting editor for the past five editions of Taber's Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary. He has published numerous articles, abstracts, and chapters in scholarly books and journals.

In 1995, Dr. Christiansen was invited by the American Occupational Therapy Association to head development of the first consensus paper on occupation in the field's 85-year history, and he has now been asked to lead in the revision of this paper. His scholarly interests particularly include functional assessment in rehabilitation, especially following brain injury; social models of interaction and adaptation as they pertain to health care and well-being; and lifestyle intervention as a key component of health promotion.

Administratively, he has special interest in organizational development, team work, and health policy--particularly as they affect patient care.

Dr. Christiansen enjoys sailing, running, weight training, fly-fishing, kayaking, and collecting contemporary art. He and his wife, Pamela, also an occupational therapist, have three children-- Carrie, Erik, and Kalle.

Dr. Christiansen will present his address at the conferring-ofdegrees ceremony for the School of Allied Health Professions. Concluding the commencement events will be the conferring- of-degrees ceremony for the School of Public Health. The address will be presented by Charles C. Sandefur, MDiv, president, ADRA International. Pastor Sandefur earned a bachelor of arts degree (1968) from Loma Linda University and a master of divinity degree (1971) from Andrews University. His doctoral studies at Princeton University (1974–1977) focused on theological and social ethics. Pastor Sandefur was ordained in 1974 by the Potomac Conference.

His service to the Seventh-day Adventist Church includes 16 years of pastoral ministry. In addition, he has served as ministerial secretary in the Southeastern California Conference; and as president of the Hawaii and the Rocky Mountain conferences, and of the Mid- America Union. During the past 20 years he has served on the boards of major denominational institutions, including LLU and LLUMC.

In 2002, Pastor Sandefur became president of the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) International, headquartered in Silver Spring, Maryland. This global outreach program is one of the world's largest church-based humanitarian aid agencies. With more than 4,000 dedicated staff worldwide, ADRA currently operates in more than 120 countries. In 2002, ADRA provided development and relief assistance valued at more than $109 million, which benefited more than 15 million people worldwide.

Pastor Sandefur is married to the former Dona Scuka, a speech pathologist. They have two adult sons--Joel, an attorney practicing in Los Angeles; and Justin, a graduate student at Oxford University. Pastor Sandefur will present his address at the conferring-of-degrees ceremony for the School of Public Health. The ceremony will begin at 6:30 p.m. in Drayson Center.

Three staff members from the office of University relations were recipients of the Communicator Awards and Videographer Awards held in April.

Dustin R. Jones, special projects editor, office of University relations, received the Crystal Award of Excellence for his work on the LLU 2002 Annual Report to Contributors. Albin Grohar, PhD, executive director, office of advancement, Loma Linda University, served as managing editor.

Loma Linda University's Annual Report to Contributors highlights some of the recent happenings at Loma Linda University, along with a list of donors to the University.

Mr. Jones received the Award of Distinction for the Adventist Health International (AHI) 2002 Annual Report. Richard H. Hart, MD, DrPH, chancellor of Loma Linda University, and president of AHI, was managing editor.

The AHI Annual Report provides a yearly update of the countries that AHI is currently involved in. Pictures, stories, and letters from the field, help to highlight the many needs that AHI helps to fulfill across the globe.

Mr. Jones also received the Award of Distinction for his work on Loma Linda Nurse, spring, 2003, issue. Diana Fisher, MA, director of development for School of Nursing, is editor for Nurse. Kim Steiner, former development associate, office of advancement, was assistant editor.

Loma Linda Nurse is the alumni publication for the School of Nursing. The publication serves to inform alumni of the School about upcoming events, alumni updates, and features relevant to the field of nursing.

Kristin D. Smith, MS, special projects editor, office of University relations, received the Award of Distinction for her work on Expressions, autumn/winter, 2003 issue. Melissa Clark, former development associate, office of advancement, Loma Linda University Medical Center, was managing editor.

As the primary publication sent to Loma Linda University Medical Center donors, Expressions includes features on patients, physicians, nurses, employees, and others who have either made an impact on the institution or experienced life-altering care. The publication also includes news updates on activities at all of the entities of Loma Linda University Adventist Health Sciences Center, including the Medical Center, Children's Hospital, Behavioral Medicine Center, and East Campus Hospital.

Ms. Smith also received the Award of Distinction for her work on Allied Health Connection, winter/spring, 2004 issue. Additionally, she was awarded Honorable Mention for A l l i e d Health Connection, s u m m e r / f a l l , 2003 issue. Renate I.E. Krause, PhD, former director of development, School of Allied Health Professions, was editor for both issues. Kate Bullock, development associate, office of advancement, was assistant editor.

Allied Health Connection provides information on what is happening in each department, alumni updates, and features on programs and/or individuals within the School. Additionally, each issue includes a major cover story featuring one of the eight departments. The publication primarily aims at making alumni feel connected to their School, encouraging both financial and personal support.

Patricia K. Thio, special projects editor, office of University relations, received the Award of Distinction for her video "Mission Mexico." This promotional video for Students for International Mission Service (SIMS) is used to help raise money for the construction of a health clinic in Mexico.

The Communicator Awards is an international awards competition that recognizes outstanding work in the communications field. Entries are judged by industry professionals who look for companies and individuals whose talent exceeds a high standard of excellence and whose work serves as a benchmark for the industry.

Winners of the Communicator Awards come from advertising and public relations agencies, corporate communications departments, educational institutions, government entities, designers, writers, video production professionals, broadcast and cable operations, and other businesses and individuals throughout the country.

The Communicator's prestigious Award of Excellence is presented to those entrants whose ability to communicate places them among the best in their field. Crystal Award of Excellence winners are listed on the Communicator Awards website at <www.communicator awards.com>.

Ms. Thio also received the Videographer Award of Distinction for her video "Operation Jessica." The documentary gives a first-hand look at how the School of Nursing mission program, Operation Jessica, is a transformational, spiritual experience within the setting of nature for at-risk youth. The program is named in memory of Jessica Salazar, a gifted, yet troubled, teen who had hoped to work with wounded teens; she was killed in a gang war at age 14.

The Videographer Awards is an international awards organization that helps set the standards for the video production industry.

Winners come from video production companies, independent producers, directors, writers, videographers, editors, and other production professionals; corporate communications departments; educational institutions, government entities; broadcast and cable television operations; advertising and public relations agencies; and other businesses and individuals.

The Award of Distinction is awarded for projects that exceed industry standards in communicating a message or idea.

During this coming July, Loma Linda University Drayson Center will collaborate with Loma Linda Elementary Kids University to initiate a sports, fitness, and recreation program for young people ages 6 to 14.

The summer recreation program for kids will take place July 12 to 16 and July 19 to 23, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in conjunction with Kids University.

"We've been looking at ideas for a summer youth program for some time," says Ron Cronk, intramurals manager at Drayson Center. "The program we've developed will work seamlessly with Kids University's summer program."

Classes will include racquet games (badminton, pickleball, and racquetball); kids aerobics (fun with fitness and rhythms); tennis lessons (for any skill level, with DC tennis pro); theater arts (kids learn about the arts of choreography, characterizations, and stage presence by learning numbers from musicals like "Oliver" and "Annie"); Jazz Movement (kids learn basic jazz movements and rhythms in combination across the floor); and aquatic games (organized activities and free time in the pool).

"Class sizes are limited to 20 children per session," adds Mr. Cronk, "so we encourage parents to sign up as soon as possible."

For more information regarding the classes that will be offered, as well as the fees, call Tim Cruz at (909) 796-0161, extension 1124.

Drayson Center facilities manager throws first pitch for Inland Empire 66ers baseball game

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