- Graduate, Allied Health, Nursing, and Public
Health to hold commencement ceremonies on Sunday, June 9
- Individuals receive awards during medicine and
dentistry commencement ceremonies
Graduate, Allied Health, Nursing, and Public Health to hold commencement ceremonies on Sunday, June 9
Loma Linda University will hold its final five commencement events on Sunday, June 9, 2002, at Drayson Center.
Students from four of the University’s six schools will receive diplomas on that day. Ceremonies for students in the Schools of Medicine and Dentistry took place on Sunday, May 26.
Speaking at the Graduate School ceremony will be Jon Robertson, DMA, chair, department of music, University of California at Los Angeles.
Dr. Robertson enjoys dual distinction as a concert pianist and as a conductor. His career as a concert pianist began when, at nine years of age, he made his debut in Town Hall, New York. The New York Times referred to him as a pint-sized Paderewski.
As a child prodigy and student of the renowned pianist and teacher Ethel Leginska, he continued to concertize throughout the United States, the Caribbean, and Europe. Already established as a brilliant concert pianist, he was awarded a full scholarship to the Juilliard School of Music where, as a student of Beveridge Webster, he earned three degrees including a doctorate degree in piano performance.
Although his degrees were in piano performance, he also studied choral conducting with Abraham Kaplan at Juilliard and orchestral conducting with Richard Pittman of the New England Conservatory of Music. He later traveled to Sweden and East Germany to become the first and only private student of Herbert Blomstedt, former conductor and music director of the Gewandhaus Orchestra in Leipzig, East Germany.
In 1972, Dr. Robertson accepted his first post as conductor and music director of the Thayer Conservatory of Music Orchestra in Massachusetts. While music director, he also conducted the New England Sinfonia on its successful national tour in 1975. After a guest-conducting appearance in 1979 with the Kristiansand Symphony Orchestra in Norway, he was immediately engaged as its conductor and music director—a position he held until 1987. Under his dynamic leadership, the orchestra enjoyed critical acclaim and consecutive sold-out seasons. While director of the symphony he was invited to conduct the National Norwegian Opera Company in six performances of La Boheme, as well as annual productions with the Kristiansand Opera Company
First appearing in Redlands as guest conductor in the spring of 1982,
Dr. Robertson became conductor and music director of the Redlands Symphony
Orchestra in the fall of that year and is currently in his 20th successful
season. In addition, the Redlands Symphony has enjoyed the distinction
of receiving the highest possible ranking from the California Arts Council
for seven consecutive years, as well as top ranking with the National
Endowment for the Arts.
Dr. Robertson has guest conducted the San Francisco Symphony at Stern Grove—to critical acclaim—and returned for their subscription series in Davies Hall. Other guest-conducting appearances include the Beijing Central Philharmonic in China, the Gavele Symphony in Sweden, and the Tronheim Symphony in Norway.
He is a regular guest conductor of the Cairo Symphony Orchestra and is the principal guest conductor of the Armenian Philharmonic Orchestra. Dr. Robertson is also conductor of the Bratislava Chamber Orchestra, which is in residence at the Pianofest Austria at Bad Aussee, Austria.
Dr. Robertson is currently in his 10th year as professor of music and as conductor of the Philharmonia Orchestra at the University of California at Los Angeles, where he also serves as chair of the department of music.
Dr. Robertson will deliver his address at the conferring-of-degrees ceremony for the Graduate School at 8:00 a.m.
Speaking to the graduates from the School of Nursing will be Karen A. Allen, PhD, chair, department of nursing, Andrews University, Berrien Springs, Michigan.
Dr. Allen earned degrees from Andrews University (BSN 1979, MS 1983) and the University of Illinois (PhD 1992). Her professional experience has included hospital nursing in the state of Illinois at Hinsdale Hospital, Frank Cuneo Memorial Hospital, and Hyde Park Community Hospital; and teaching and academic administration at the University of Maryland School of Nursing and Andrews University.
Through her membership on national advisory councils, review groups, and committees, Dr. Allen has found many opportunities to share her professional expertise in the areas of substance abuse and mental health.
She has also contributed to her profession as president of professional nursing organizations; as facilitator/trainer for the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and as peer reviewer for special grants funded by SAMHSA; as principal investigator for research funded by the Centers for Disease Control, the National Institute on Drug Abuse, SAMHSA, and the Battle Creek Veteran Affairs for Department of Nursing Faculty.
In addition, she has edited professional nursing journals and nursing texts, written book chapters, published articles in professional journals, and presented keynote addresses and her research findings at national conferences, seminars, and institutes.
As a consultant, Dr. Allen has designed training modules for graduate student nurses; collaborated on development of a training program and manual for prevention of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug-use problems in health-care delivery systems; and evaluated curricula and assessed the design and functionality of evaluation programs developed and utilized in federally funded women’s and children’s treatment programs.
Dr. Allen’s academic and professional achievements have been honored by the U.S. Department of Education, the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Nursing, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the National Nurses Society on Addictions, the Association for Medical Education and Research in Substance Abuse, the American Academy of Nursing, and the Oakland University School of Nursing and Board of Visitors.
Dr. Allen will deliver her address at the conferring of degrees 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 p.m. for students in the physical therapy program. The second ceremony, at 4:00 pm., will honor students from departments of health information 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 B. Lyn Behrens, MBBS, president and chief executive officer of Loma Linda University Health Sciences Center.
Dr. Behrens received her medical training at Sydney University, where she graduated with honors in 1964. Following graduation, she took a rotating internship at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney, Australia, and entered a pediatric residency program at Sydney’s Royal Alexander Hospital in 1965.
The next year, she continued her pediatric education at Loma Linda University Medical Center. She subsequently served as chief resident at the Henrietta Egleston Hospital for Children in Atlanta, Georgia, and at the T. C. Thompson Children’s Hospital in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
In 1970, Dr. Behrens joined the Loma Linda University School of Medicine faculty in the department of pediatrics. She was named director of the pediatric residency program in 1975, a position she held until 1981 when she entered a fellowship program in Colorado. She rejoined the faculty of the School of Medicine in 1984 as director of the pediatric residency program and vice chair of the department of pediatrics.
The Loma Linda University Board of Trustees appointed Dr. Behrens dean of the School of Medicine in 1986, a position she held until 1991. In 1990, Dr. Behrens became president of Loma Linda University, and in 1995 she also was appointed president of Adventist Health Systems/Loma Linda, now called Loma Linda University Adventist Health Sciences Center (LLUAHSC). In 1998, she was named president of Loma Linda University Medical Center.
Dr. Behren’s excellence, dedication, and diligence have earned her the high esteem of students, staff, and colleagues. She has been recognized and honored as the recipient of distinguished teaching, professional achievement, life achievement, and community service awards, including: Wolfe Solomon Brown Prize for Anatomy (1960); Gilbert Phillips Memorial Prize for Neuroanatomy (1960); Outstanding Clinical Teacher Award, Loma Linda University School of Medicine (1971, 1986); Outstanding Teacher Award, Florida Hospital Resident Staff (1973); American Academy of Pediatrics Section of Allergy and Immunology Award (1982); Loma Linda University School of Medicine Distinguished Service Award (1992); Adventist Woman of the Year, Profession Work Life (1992); University of Sydney Alumni Award for Achievement in Community Service (1993); and City of Loma Linda Citizen of the Year (2002).
Dr. Behrens is a much sought-after speaker and lecturer around the world. She will deliver her address at the conferring-of-degrees 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 program will begin at 6:30 p.m.
Speaking at the service will be Lowell C. Cooper, MDiv, MPH, chair, Board of Trustees for Loma Linda University Adventist Health Sciences Center, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda University Medical Center, and Loma Linda University Behavioral Medicine Center.
Pastor Cooper, who is also a vice president of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, received the BTh degree from Canadian Union College (1967), the MDiv degree from Andrews University (1969), and the MPH degree from Loma Linda University (1978). He began his pastoral responsibilities in 1969 as a district pastor for the Peace River District of the Alberta Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.
In 1973, Pastor Cooper assumed directorship of the lay activities department of the Alberta Conference.
In 1978, he and his family relocated to Lahore, Pakistan, after he accepted the dual appointment as director of the lay activities and Sabbath school departments. He accepted a similar position in 1980 in the Southern Asia Division, Pune/Hosur, India. He continued in this assignment until 1985, when he transferred to the church ministries department of the same division.
Pastor Cooper was secretary of the Southern Asia Division from 1990 to 1994, when he returned to the United States to serve as an associate secretary of the General Conference.
In 1998, he was elected to the position he currently holds as a general vice president of the General Conference.
In addition to chairing the boards of the family of Loma Linda University institutions, he also chairs the boards of other denominational entities, including Pacific Press Publishing Association, Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA), General Conference Auditing Service, and the Geoscience Research Institute; serves as vice chair for the General Conference Leadership Council, Auditing Service Board, Legal Affairs Committee, and Financial Planning and Budgeting Committee; and holds membership on the Adventist Risk Management Board, the General Conference Corporation Board, and the Global Missions Operating Board.
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Individuals receive awards during medicine and dentistry
commencement ceremonies
A number of awards were presented during commencement services for the Schools of Medicine and Dentistry held on Sunday, May 26, on the Campus Mall.
Honored by the School of Medicine were Roy V. Jutzy, MD, professor of medicine; Bo Ying Wat, MD, professor of pathology and human anatomy; Bernard D. Briggs, MD, distinguished emeritus professor of anesthesiology; the Honorable Shirley N. Pettis-Roberson, past chair, Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital Foundation; Robert H. Johnson, president, Del E. Webb Foundation; and Burton A. Briggs, MD, professor of anesthesiology.
Honored during School of Dentistry ceremonies were Ronald J. Dailey, PhD, associate dean for academic affairs, assistant professor of dental educational services; Robert J. Clement, DDS, director of clinical services, and assistant professor of oral diagnosis, radiology, and pathology; James W. Redfield, special projects; and Trini Briano, housekeeping service, Loma Linda University.
Roy Jutzy earned degrees from Walla Walla College (BS 1949), and the College of Medical Evangelists, now Loma Linda University School of Medicine (MD 1952). He practiced family medicine for three years in the state of Washington; then served in missions for four years in Manila, Philippines. He completed a residency in internal medicine at Los Angeles County General Hospital in 1962 and a cardiology fellowship at White Memorial Heart Institute in 1963.
Dr. Jutzy became a staff cardiologist at Loma Linda University Medical Center in 1963, and in 1965 he joined the cardiology faculty of the School of Medicine. From 1963 to 1965 he was also chief of medicine at Riverside General Hospital. There, he established the student education program—an integral part of the successful endeavor to relocate clinical education from Los Angeles to Loma Linda when the two campuses of the School of Medicine consolidated in Loma Linda. Dr. Jutzy was named co-director of the cardiovascular laboratory and director of cardiovascular research at Loma Linda University Medical Center in 1975.
During nearly four decades of service to Loma Linda University and Medical Center, Dr. Jutzy has served in both faculty and administrative capacities. He has utilized his expertise in the teaching and practice of cardiology as a member of the Loma Linda University Overseas Heart Surgery team on missions to Greece, Vietnam, China, Inner Mongolia, and Saudi Arabia; as cardiac consultant to the Seventh-day Adventist health center in Moscow, Russia; as consultant to the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare; and as consultant to the minister of health in Afghanistan. Although he retired from administration in 1994, at which time he was chair of the department of medicine, he continues to work a generous half-time schedule in cardiology.
Dr. Jutzy’s published works also have enhanced his reputation as an authority in the field of cardiology. He holds membership in a number of professional societies and has served as president of alumni, heart association, and internal medicine organizations. He has been the recipient of many honors attesting to his noteworthy achievements: Alumnus of the Year, Walla Walla College (1976); Clinical Investigator of the Year, Walter E. Macpherson Society of Loma Linda University (1976); Honored Alumnus, Alumni Association of Loma Linda University School of Medicine (1993); American College of Physicians Laureate Award (1996); University Distinguished Service Award, Loma Linda University (1998); and Distinguished Alumnus Award, Auburn Adventist Academy (2001).
In recognition of his long and distinguished service to this academic community, the title University Alumnus of the Year was conferred on Dr. Jutzy at the conferring of degrees for the School of Medicine.
Bo Ying Wat, a native of Hawaii, earned the bachelor of science degree in 1944 from La Sierra College. He graduated in 1949 with a medical degree from the College of Medical Evangelists, now Loma Linda University. Following graduation, Dr. Wat completed an internship program and a residency in pathology at Loma Linda Sanitarium and Hospital. He joined the faculty of the School of Medicine in 1952.
Dr. Wat’s career at Loma Linda University School of Medicine has spanned nearly half a century. He was appointed instructor in pathology in 1952 and was a member of the teaching faculty of Loma Linda University until 1954 when he was called to active duty in the United States Navy. Following his term of service with the military, he returned to the teaching faculty of the School of Medicine, rising quickly through the academic ranks until he reached full professorship in 1962. During the 1968–1969 academic year, Dr. Wat took a sabbatical to study hepatic, genitourinary, and pediatric pathology at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology.
Dr. Wat has been a popular professor with hundreds of students throughout the years. In 1968, he was selected as honored faculty by the School of Medicine senior class. He received the Walter E. Macpherson Society Basic Science Teacher of the Year Award for the 1978–1979 academic year. The School of Medicine Alumni Association named him Honored Alumnus in 1993.
Throughout the years, Dr. Wat has served the School of Medicine as acting chair of the department of pathology (1980–1981); and as member of many School committees—admissions, academic review, academic promotions (department of pathology), and transplantation (Loma Linda University Medical Center). In addition, he has been a member of the board of directors for the School of Medicine Alumni Association and is a regular contributor to the School of Medicine Alumni Journal. From 1995 to 1996 he was president of the Walter E. Macpherson Society.
Dr. Wat is a member of numerous professional organizations, including the San Bernardino County Medical Association, the Los Angeles Society of Pathologists, the California Medical Association, the American Medical Association, and the American Society of Clinical Pathologists. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Pathology.
Loma Linda University is honored to acknowledge the significant contributions and loyal and long-time service of Dr. Wat. The Distinguished University Service Award was presented to him at the conferring-of-degrees ceremony for the School of Medicine.
Bernard Briggs earned bachelor’s degrees from Atlantic Union College and Walla Walla College, and the MD degree from the College of Medical Evangelists (1940), now Loma Linda University School of Medicine. He completed his internship at Orange Memorial Hospital in New Jersey, then served in the U.S. Army Medical Corps from 1941 to 1946. Dr. Briggs received anesthesiology training while serving in the military and completed a fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, where he then served as associate anesthetist from 1947 to 1956.
During this time he also held an academic appointment at Harvard Medical School, earning the respect and admiration of his colleagues. He has been board certified in anesthesiology since 1949.
Dr. Briggs has served the Loma Linda University School of Medicine for nearly half a century—first as professor; then as chief, chair, and later co-chair of the department of anesthesia (1956–1982); and more recently as mentor to a generation of residents and fellows he has trained. In 1982, he attained the rank of distinguished professor of anesthesiology. Dr. Briggs has also been a visiting professor at Nangrahar University in Afghanistan and at the University of Ife in Nigeria.
In 1983, Dr. Briggs was named Alumnus of the Year by Atlantic Union College, and in 1984 he was chosen by Loma Linda University School of Medicine Alumni Association to be Honored Alumnus. He is a member of numerous medical societies and associations, and has published extensively in respected medical journals.
Dr. Briggs is a man of uncommon Christian courtesy and dedication to the welfare of others— through the years he and his late wife, Frances, provided room and board to more than 20 medical students. Quiet and unassuming, he has provided critical support to a large number of mission projects. His inventive genius has led to the design and construction of devices that have substantially improved the lives and increased the independence of several individuals in Loma Linda.
Dr. Bernard Briggs and his son, Burton Briggs, MD, established the Briggs Chair in Pharmacology in 1988.
Loma Linda University is pleased to express its appreciation to Dr. Briggs for his many contributions to this institution, including generous financial support of institutional priorities. The Distinguished Humanitarian Award was presented to Dr. Briggs at the conferring-of-degrees ceremony for the School of Medicine.
Born in Mountain View, California, Shirley Pettis-Roberson’s early years were spent in the environs of institutions of higher learning. As the daughter of Dr. Harold McCumber, many of those years were spent at Andrews University in southern Michigan. Leaving Michigan, she returned to California, married Dr. John McNulty, and attended the University of California at Berkeley.
After the death of Dr. McNulty in World War II, Shirley married Jerry Pettis in 1947. Together they pioneered innovative technologies in high-speed duplication of magnetic tape. This new technology led to the first use of tape in the automobile, and the worldwide tape service to physicians, Audio-Digest.
The Pettis family moved to Washington, D.C., in 1967 following Jerry’s election to Congress. At his death in 1975, Ms. Pettis ran for the vacant seat and was elected to the 94th Congress. She served through the 95th Congress until her retirement in 1979. In Congress, she was a member of the Interior, the Education and Labor, and the Foreign Affairs Committees.
During the Reagan years, she was a member of the President’s Arms Control and Disarmament Commission and vice president of the Women’s Research and Education Institute, as well as a trustee of Redlands University in California.
Ms. Pettis returned to the world of business and served on Kemper Group’s various corporate boards from 1979 to 1997. In 1990, President George Bush appointed her to be a member of the Commission on Presidential Scholars. Also in 1990, Loma Linda University asked her to serve as a member of the Board of Trustees, as well as on the Medical Center Board, where she continued until her retirement in 1995.
She served as the first chair of Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital Foundation. The foundation honored her with the establishment of the Shirley N. Pettis Award, given to recognize distinguished and exceptional service in improving the health and care of children. She has been named Distinguished Woman of the Inland Empire; was honored as Woman of the Year of the Coachella Valley; has received awards for public service; and for many years has been listed in Who’s Who in America, Who’s Who in American Women, and Who’s Who in the West.
Ms. Pettis married Ben Roberson, MD, an anesthesiologist, in 1988.
At the conferring-of-degrees ceremony for the School of Medicine, the University was honored to confer Ms. Roberson the Doctor of Humanitarian Service degree.
Robert H. Johnson was born in Phoenix, Arizona. He joined the Del E. Webb Construction Company in 1935 as a 19-year-old timekeeper. After a promotion to construction supervisor, his first job was on a site at Northern Arizona University. His responsibilities with the company increased, and in 1946 he was sent to Los Angeles to open a company office. He remained in Los Angeles until 1967, rising during this 20-year period to the position of senior vice president for the company.
In 1967, Mr. Johnson was elected president and CEO of the company, which by then had become the Del E. Webb Corporation. He served in these positions until 1974. Following Mr. Webb’s death in 1974, Mr. Johnson became chair of the board of the Del E. Webb Corporation and president of the Del E. Webb Foundation. He retired from the corporation in 1981 but currently retains his position as president of the foundation.
Mr. Johnson’s self-discipline, leadership, others-centeredness, and knowledge are among the characteristics that have served him well as leader of one of this nation’s most successful construction enterprises—guiding his direction of such prominent and diverse projects as: Madison Square Garden, the master-planned Sun City communities, Chris-Town Mall in Phoenix, Anaheim Stadium, five Veterans Administration hospitals, the Pasadena Museum of Art, and numerous hotels across three states (Nevada, Arizona, California).
In his philanthropy, Mr. Johnson has an unswerving desire to build institutions, to enhance programs’ capacities, and to nurture the potential for leadership and the talents of youth. He has realized these ideals by funding, as well as by leading out in fund-generation efforts, at the level of many millions of dollars—initiating and fostering major capital development, scholarship, and other projects at various educational and health-care institutions, including Arizona State University, Loma Linda University and Medical Center, Del E. Webb Memorial Hospital, and Del E. Webb Health Center.
Mr. Johnson’s history with Loma Linda University and Medical Center began in the 1960s when the Del E. Webb Corporation was the contractor chosen to build the signature clover-leaf structure that houses the Medical Center.
This relationship continued as Mr. Johnson, in his role as president of the corporation, approved a $3.8 million grant in 1978 to fund the building of the Del E. Webb Library, and a total of $1.5 million in grants in the 1990s to support construction of the Proton Treatment Center and to fund a special endowment to further the center’s work.
In addition to the generous financial support he has been instrumental in providing, he also serves as a leading member of the International Advisory Council for the Proton Treatment Center.
Loma Linda University is pleased to honor this long-time friend and benefactor. The Doctor of Humanitarian Service degree was conferred on Mr. Johnson at the conferring-of-degrees ceremony for the School of Medicine.
Burton Briggs graduated from Walla Walla College (Washington) in 1961; from Loma Linda University School of Medicine in 1966; and from the Claremont Graduate School in 1990, where he earned a master of arts degree in management and completed the Peter F. Drucker Management Center’s certificate program in executive management.
After completing an anesthesiology residency at Massachusetts General Hospital in 1970, Dr. Briggs served two years in the U.S. Army. He returned to Massachusetts General Hospital in 1972, where he remained for three years as director of the surgical intensive care unit.
In 1975 he joined the Department of Anesthesiology of Loma Linda University’s School of Medicine; he was also appointed medical director of the Medical Center’s surgical ICU, a position he retained until 1992.
As medical director, Dr. Briggs enjoyed a reputation as an exceptional teacher both of students and of residents. His contributions to the classroom extended beyond the borders of this University; and students in Brazil and China also benefited from his caring and inspiring teaching while he served their medical schools as a visiting professor.
In addition to filling faculty and administrative appointments at Loma Linda University (LLU), Dr. Briggs has also filled positions at Jerry L. Pettis Memorial Veterans Administration Hospital (Loma Linda, California) and Riverside General Hospital (Riverside, California). He has also served as secretary and secretary-treasurer of the LLU Anesthesiology Medical Group, Inc.
Dr. Briggs has authored a book, book chapters, and peer-reviewed papers. He has chaired or been a member of numerous LLU School of Medicine and Medical Center committees, and has shared his expertise by serving in various capacities the professional organizations in the discipline of anesthesiology.
Dr. Briggs is a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha medical honor society. He is also a fellow in the American College of Critical Care and in the American College of Anesthesiology; and is licensed/certified by the National Board of Medical Examiners, the California and the Massachusetts Board of Medical Examiners, and the American Board of Anesthesiology.
From 1997 to 1998, Dr. Briggs led LLU School of Medicine’s Alumni
Association as president.
Dr. Burton Briggs and his father, Dr. Bernard Briggs, established the
Briggs Chair in Pharmacology in 1988.
In recognition of his contributions to the School of Medicine and to this University, the School of Medicine presented Dr. Briggs the School Distinguished Service Award.
Ronald Dailey earned the bachelor of arts degree in management from Loma Linda University (1973), the master of arts degree in education and counseling from Walla Walla College (1975), and the doctor of philosophy degree in higher and professional education from the University of Southern California (1994). Dr. Dailey’s education uniquely prepared him to serve the School of Dentistry in the many positions he has held during more than 25 years of service.
Dr. Dailey taught with distinction such courses as practice management, dental practice simulation, team building, human behavior in dentistry, and personal finance. His noteworthy facility in the classroom was acknowledged when he was selected to receive the school’s Teaching Excellence Award.
In 1978, in recognition of his leadership abilities, administration was added to his workload, and he has served as an outstanding associate dean for student services, associate dean for admissions, and associate dean for academic affairs. His strong academic team leadership has been a major force in guiding the school through its most recent and very successful accreditation.
Dr. Dailey is a member of many professional organizations; has been a section officer in the American Association of Dental Schools; was inducted into the National Dental Honor Society, Omicron Kappa Upsilon; and is a friend to colleagues, students, and staff. He has served as chair or member on many University and school committees and is a firm believer in team achievement.
He is a leader who understands servant-leadership—a leader whose trademarks are humility, industry, and dependability.
With great appreciation, Loma Linda University acknowledges Dr. Dailey for his dedicated, loyal service which has brought honor to the School of Dentistry, this University, and the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The Distinguished University Service Award was presented to Dr. Dailey at the conferring-of-degrees ceremony for the School of Dentistry.
Robert Clement received the DDS degree from the University of Tennessee Medical Units College of Dentistry at Memphis, Tennessee, in 1956. He married the love of his life, Mary Lou, a nurse, in 1953. After graduating from dental school, Dr. Clement worked in private practice in Memphis for three years. He then began military service in the U.S. Air Force.
During his military career, he served as dental officer at Kessler Air Force Base in Missouri; assistant director of dental services at Yokota Air Force Base in Japan; chief of dental professional services at Homestead Air Force Base in Florida; and director of dental services in Iraklion, Crete. He attained the rank of colonel, and his service was recognized through numerous military honors, including United States Air Force Chief Dental Award, Air Force Commendation Medal, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (Second Oak Leaf Cluster), and Outstanding Unit Citation.
After serving 30 years in the air force, Dr. Clement faced retirement. Although many look forward to retirement, he was eager to continue using the talents and skills he had developed while working in dental facilities throughout his career. In his application letter to the School of Dentistry he indicated that he had a strong desire “to make a difference . . . helping train efficient and productive dentists while maintaining a high quality of patient care.”
Dr. Clement was invited to serve as a part-time faculty member, volunteering two days a week. In 1988, he was appointed assistant professor in the department of oral diagnosis, radiology, and pathology. Dr. Clement has been described as one who demonstrated “an excellent example of Christian commitment to dental education” and as one who was “a worthy role model for our students and younger faculty members.”
In a letter dated May 21, 1992, Judson Klooster, DDS, dean emeritus, described Dr. Clement as being a “valuable strength to the department.” Dr. Klooster continued: “I know your colleagues are counting on you for years to come.”
Dr. Clement was named chief, oral diagnosis section, in the department of oral diagnosis, radiology, and pathology in 1996. In 1999—11 years after he began teaching at the School of Dentistry—Dr. Clement was asked to serve as director of clinical services, a position he held until his death on January 24, 2002.
Two projects vital to Dr. Clement were the new chart system and the informed-consent form. Developing an informed-consent procedure was especially important to Dr. Clement, whose commitment to providing thorough information to patients came about, in part, as a result of his experience while undergoing cancer treatment at a well-known Los Angeles school of medicine. The documents he developed were sent to Loma Linda University’s legal counsel and were returned with full endorsement.
“The School has a mission and exists to make a difference in people’s lives,” Dr. Clement would say. “When I work here, I have the opportunity to make a difference in the students’ lives.” He genuinely enjoyed working at Loma Linda University because he believed that he could make a significant impact and be a part of the solution.
Dr. Clement was a member of the Loma Linda University School of Dentistry’s Century Club and the Dean’s Circle, as well as the National Association of Seventh-day Adventist Dentists. In 1990, he was named School of Dentistry Teacher of the Year.
In recognition of and in appreciation for his tireless efforts to help fulfill the mission of the School of Dentistry, and for his dedication to making a difference in hundreds of students’ lives, the School of Dentistry was honored to name Dr. Robert Clement, posthumously, as the recipient of the School Distinguished Service Award. This award was accepted by Mary Lou Clement, his wife of nearly 50 years, at the conferring-of-degrees ceremony for the School of Dentistry.
In 1960, James Redfield—a young x-ray technician from Lansing, Michigan—moved to Loma Linda with his bride, Gloria, a nurse. He was hired by Webster Prince, DDS, the first dean of the School of Dentistry, to work in dental radiology. After learning the unique aspects of dental radiology from Dr. Glenn Curtis, a member of the school’s founding faculty, Mr. Redfield taught this art and science to dental and dental hygiene students for 32 years.
During more than three decades, Mr. Redfield also maintained and repaired dental equipment, ordered and purchased equipment, was responsible for fire and safety, planned design and remodeling projects throughout the school and its associated campus buildings, and worked as the school’s superintendent of construction. In 1974, when the south addition to Prince Hall was built—including dental supply, the amphitheater, laboratories, and the five-story tower—he played a key supervisory role. He also supervised construction and remodeling projects in the Implant Dentistry Center and the Center for Dental Research, and directed projects connected with the new pediatric dental clinic and the Dental Surgery Center.
When recalling highlights of his career, Mr. Redfield first mentions that he enjoys working directly with the students. Cherished moments also include a trip to Bangkok, Thailand, to refugee-camp dental clinics where he took inventory and repaired dental equipment; and more recently in November, 2001, to Davis Memorial Hospital in Georgetown, Guyana, as a member of the Project Fix-It team sent by Adventist Health International (AHI), where he designed and oversaw construction of the hospital’s new dental clinic. In addition to his service with the school, for 25 years—from 1968 to 1993—he was assistant chief of the Loma Linda Fire Department.
Mr. Redfield always endeavored to model a Christian attitude in teaching and in interactions with students, faculty, and patients. In 1970, the School of Dentistry Alumni Association honored him with a commendation for his positive influence on the school. Though he retired in 2000 after celebrating 40 years of service to the School of Dentistry, he was asked to continue serving the school in a part-time role, supervising special projects and teaching dental radiology.
For his many years of selfless service and in recognition of the affectionate esteem in which he is held by graduates, staff, and faculty; for his resourceful assistance and his unfailing courtesy and consideration extended to all with whom he associates—for this and more, the School of Dentistry was pleased to present Mr. Redfield with the School Distinguished Service Award, which was presented to him at the conferring-of-degrees ceremony for the School of Dentistry.
Trini Briano was born in Tulare, California—one of 12 children. He became a Seventh-day Adventist when he was 10 years old and has remained throughout his life a devout Christian who values his walk with God.
Mr. Briano met Mary, his wife-to-be, when he was 14 years old. They planned to marry when he turned 18. The bombing of Pearl Harbor, however, changed the couple’s plans. Matrimony was set aside as Mr. Briano enrolled to become a medic in the military medical corps. He believed his calling was to help others rather than to participate in combat.
When Mr. Briano was 21, he and Mary were able to marry. But Mr. and Mrs. Briano had just two weeks together before he was sent to war. In the uniform of the U.S. Army, his unit traveled around the world assisting the wounded. In spite of the memories, sights, and sounds that continue to influence his life, his faith in the Lord never wavered. He always carried a small Bible in his front shirt pocket. At times during his three years of military service he had only the light of the moon to illuminate the pages.
After Mr. Briano was discharged from the army, the Brianos moved to Fresno, California. There he began his next career—driving a truck for Loma Linda Trucking. For the next 34 years, his work took him all over the state of California. During this time, the Briano household expanded to include two daughters, Elizabeth and Kathleen.
The hard work took a toll on Mr. Briano’s health. He became ill and was admitted to Loma Linda University Medical Center. Not accustomed to resting, he was determined to get up and moving again. Before long he was looking for something to do. He was hired by the School of Dentistry and began a new career, in which he has worked for the past 17 years. As a member of Loma Linda University’s housekeeping staff, he conscientiously works daily to maintain the Prince Hall physical plant—always ready to share a smile and his cheerful spirit.
After 57 years of marriage, Mr. Briano’s beloved Mary passed away. Though he still misses her deeply, time spent with his five grandchildren comforts him. Convinced of the value of Christian education, he has helped support his grandchildren’s education.
For his many years of exemplary service to the School of Dentistry, for his positive example of Christian commitment, and for his joyous spirit—the School of Dentistry is pleased to honor Mr. Briano’s contributions by presenting him with the School Distinguished Service Award.
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