TODAY news - June 6, 2002

Thursday, June 6, 2002 TODAY

School of Allied Health Professions news

SAHP alumni and friends take part in 6th annual alumni homecoming events

Friday evening vespers speaker Terry Moreland shares the results of his vegetarian diet for a group of California inmates.

The School of Allied Health Professions hosted its sixth annual alumni homecoming, May 2 to 5, 2002, on the campus of Loma Linda University.

Under the theme of “Helping heal a fragile world,” the homecoming events included the annual banquet, continuing education (CE) courses, a golf game, reunions, and other activities.

“Each year, the SAHP alumni homecoming has grown in size,” remarks Joyce W. Hopp, PhD, MPH, dean, School of Allied Health Professions. “That includes the number of individuals attending, the number and variety of CE courses offered, and the number of those who participate in the class reunions.”

The homecoming weekend was developed to promote life-long learning, social connection, and spiritual encouragement. Alumni of the school and their families were invited to participate in the homecoming events.

“We are very pleased that alumni from the various programs are responding favorably to keeping their connections with the School and with the program from which they graduated,” Dr. Hopp continues.

The CE courses kicked off the weekend activities began Thursday, May 2, and continued on Friday. A significant showing of local health-care professionals and SAHP students attended the courses along with alumni. All participants received a certificate of completion that may be applied toward meeting the continuing education requirements for licensure updates.

James Syms, MPT (left), assistant professor of physical therapy, and Wes Swen, MPT, physical therapy class of 1995, participate in a golf tournament held on May 3 at Palm Meadows Golf Course in San Bernardino.

Classes ranged from interdisciplinary courses such as “Bioterrorism and the Workplace,” to department-specific classes such as the speech-language pathology and audiology course “Teasing and Bullying.” School of Allied Health Professions faculty and guest speakers held more than 30 CE courses, covering all the allied health fields.

Thursday evening, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of the School of Allied Health Professions attended the sixth annual homecoming banquet held in Wong Kerlee International Conference Center. Special recognition was given to the honor-year classes 1997, 1992, 1982, 1977, 1972, 1967, 1962, 1957, 1952, and earlier (see “SAHP holds annual homecoming banquet” on page 7 of this issue of TODAY).

The weekend was special for nurse anesthetist alumni who were welcomed back to Loma Linda University with continuing education courses, a reunion dinner on Wednesday, and other gatherings throughout the weekend.

“The nurse anesthetist alumni may have felt left out on previous occasions since their program no longer exists within the present School,” comments Dr. Hopp. The program ran for 10 years, closing in 1984.

Richard H. Hart, MD, DrPH, chancellor of Loma Linda University, presents the keynote address on Friday, May 3, speaking on global service.

Early Friday morning, an energetic group of SAHP alumni and friends gathered for a golf game at Palm Meadows Golf Course in San Bernardino. Organized by Robert Wilkins, PhD, chair of the department of cardiopulmonary sciences, the friendly tournament ended with trophy presentations.

Also on Friday, Richard H. Hart, MD, DrPH, LLU chancellor, presented the keynote address titled, “Obligation or Opportunity.” Dr. Hart spent the hour discussing the role of the School of Allied Health Professions and Loma Linda University in global healing.

The fellowship continued with a soup-and-salad supper Friday evening hosted by physical therapy alumni. Organized by Ron Hershey, professor of physical therapy, PT class of 1948, and Melvin Orser, PT class of 1950, the supper gave SAHP alumni a relaxed atmosphere in which to share memories.

The supper preceded a vespers program held in the University Church of Seventh-day Adventists. Speaking on “The Altered Mind of Christ,” Terry Moreland shared his unique story. Mr. Moreland, CEO of Moreland Construction and Maranatha Correction, is on the governing board of Our Children International, an orphanage for 150 children in El Salvador. He also works with California prisoners through Maranatha Correction, the focus of his presentation Friday evening.

Mr. Moreland shared the preliminary results of his experiment in the diets of inmates, reporting that those on a vegetarian diet were involved with fewer altercations and exhibited a more positive attitude than those on the prison diet.

“There’s a waiting list of incarcerated individuals who want to be on the vegetarian program,” Mr. Moreland remarked during his talk.

Hazel Rippey (right), nutrition and dietetics class of 1928, is recognized during Sabbath School. B. Lyn Behrens, MBBS (left), president of Loma Linda University, joins the congregation in applauding the alumna.

Friday evening also showcased musicians Wayne Shepperd and Tara Moreland.

On Sabbath, May 4, alumni of the School of Allied Health Professions participated in both church services and the Sabbath School program. Paul Damazo, nutrition and dietetics class of 1952, was also introduced to the congregation during both church services as the alumnus of the year for the School of Allied Health Professions (see accompanying story).

The Sabbath School lesson was presented by Nancy Vyhmeister, daughter of Hazel Rippey, nutrition and dietetics class of 1928. Following the study, Edd J. Ashley, EdD, associate dean for student affairs in the School of Allied Health Professions, and chair, department of physical therapy, honored Ron Hershey.

Retiring in September, 2001, Mr. Hershey was recognized for his “52 years, two months, two weeks, and two days of service,” Dr. Ashley announced during Sabbath School. “There is no one better respected than Ron Hershey.”

Other SAHP participants in the Sabbath School program included J. Stuart-Mendes, physical therapy class of 1977, 1996; Dr. Hopp; Adrian Dumitrescu, radiation technology class of 1987; Laura Alipoon, MA, assistant professor, radiation technology, class of 1981; Jeremy Redden, radiation technology class of 2003; Anthony Yvanovich, emergency medical care class of 2003; Katrina Maxwell, speech-language pathology and audiology class of 2003; Olga Montalvo, occupational therapy class of 2001; and David Montalvo, occupational therapy class of 2001.

Jennifer Scott (left), associate pastor, University Church of Seventh-day Adventists, invites Joyce W. Hopp, PhD, MPH, dean of the School of Allied Health Professions, to introduce the school’s alumnus of the year to the congregation. During Sabbath School, Edd J. Ashley, EdD, associate dean for student affairs in the School of Allied Health Professions, and chair, department of physical therapy, honored Ron Hershey, professor of physical therapy, for his 52 years of service to the school.

Randy Roberts, MDiv, senior pastor of the University Church of Seventh-day Adventists, presented “A Run for the Roses” for both church services.

SAHP participants in the church services included Dr. Hopp; Melvin Orser, physical therapy class of 1950; Sonya Blehm DeLange, speech-language pathology and audiology class of 1979; Audrey Shaffer, assistant professor, health information management class of 1973; Richard Roath, clinical laboratory science class of 1971; and Aaron Hwang, physical therapy class of 2000.

For Sabbath lunch, several departments organized meals for their alumni. The department of physical therapy held a luncheon in Nichol Hall, lining the hallway with past class photos. The departments of radiation technology and nutrition and dietetics also held meals for alumni of their departments in Nichol Hall. Saturday evening, departments and classes gathered at various area restaurants, alumni homes, and other locations to continue the homecoming reunion.

Sunday morning, a group of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and other friends of the School of Allied Health Professions took part in the SAHP Stampede for Student Support. Participants collected pledges beforehand, raising funds for specific departments, scholarships, teaching materials, textbooks, equipment, or whatever the participant designated his/her funds were to benefit.

After donning their free stampede T-shirts, the group warmed up with stretches outside of Drayson Center, then headed out, each at their own pace. On their return, stampede participants were treated to a free poolside brunch, organized by the department of nutrition and dietetics.

“With such a large school and 34 different degree programs, it appears the School of Allied Health Professions can find special events each year to celebrate,” Dr. Hopp concludes.

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School of Allied Health Professions names Alumnus of the Year for 2002

Joyce W. Hopp, PhD, MPH, dean of the School of Allied Health Professions, announces Paul Damazo, nutrition and dietetics class of 1952, as this year’s alumnus of the year at the homecoming banquet, Thursday, May 2.

During the annual homecoming banquet on Thursday, May 2, the Alumnus of the Year Award was presented to Paul Damazo, nutrition and dietetics class of 1952.

“Mr. Damazo’s fundraising abilities are legendary,” says Georgia Hodgkin, EdD, RD, professor of nutrition and dietetics. “As a former chair of the University Councilors, he encouraged the Councilors to raise challenge funds for a School of Dentistry project that resulted in a major gift.

“More recently, his financial seminars have resulted in numerous trusts for KSGN radio and La Sierra University,” Dr. Hodgkin continues. “We are most grateful that he has shared his talents to fund a master plan for marketing careers in nutrition.”

Since graduating from the nutrition and dietetics program 50 years ago, Mr. Damazo has served in a variety of capacities. As the chief administrative dietitian at the Glendale Adventist Hospital, he developed a reputation for outstanding quantity-food production kitchen design. He developed innovative concepts in work flow, inventory maintenance, and food production.

From Glendale, he branched into influencing food production facilities along the west coast. His company, Versitron, provided ready-to-serve food to a number of health-care facilities, as well as recommendations for hiring professionals in those facilities. Versitron grew to encompass a number of industries, including those that provide employment to academy students through the sales of candles and packaging of small hardware items.

The food-related portion of Versitron was sold to Adventist Health Systems West and renamed NutriGroup. The basic concept of the original company remained intact (group purchasing and the placing of registered dietitians at the acute-care hospitals of Adventist Health Systems West).

Mr. Damazo served the California Dietetic Association as its first male president when he was 27 years old. He influenced the American Dietetic Association and spoke before the Board of Directors to institute mandatory continuing education for registered dietitians long before it was popular with other health-care professional organizations.

He also propelled the Seventh-day Adventist Dietetic Association (SDADA) forward through a number of projects, including a series of educational brochures on sound nutrition and smoking cessation, which were reprinted for several years. He was instrumental in producing the career-guidance film “A Service of Love” for SDADA.

The film was acclaimed by the American Dietetic Association and prompted the association to produce a similar film.

As a member of the Loma Linda University Board of Councilors for many years, Mr. Damazo has provided the University with fundraising for various projects. When Dr. Hodgkin expressed in February a desire to start an 80th anniversary fundraising committee, the department turned to Mr. Damazo to chair the committee. In just three months, he helped raise more than $160,000 for the department.

In the letter written to nominate Mr. Damazo as the Alumnus of the Year, faculty of the department of nutrition and dietetics shared, “Mr. Damazo has directed his unbounded energy toward the advancement of the profession for years. It seems most fitting to honor a man who has made such a significant contribution to the profession of nutrition and dietetics nationally, within California, within our Church, and within Loma Linda University.”

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SAHP holds annual homecoming banquet

After-dinner speaker Michael Osur, MBA, of the Emergency Medical Services in Riverside County, shares his firsthand account of the September 11, 2001, disaster in New York City.

The School of Allied Health Professions held its annual homecoming banquet on Thursday, May 2, in Wong Kerlee International Conference Center.

“We are pleased you came for ‘a time to remember,’” Joyce W. Hopp, PhD, MPH, dean of the School, said as she welcomed alumni to the event. With the theme “A time to remember,” the evening brought attention to special anniversary celebrations among the various departments.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the department of nutrition and dietetics, and the 65th anniversary of medical technology (now clinical laboratory science). The first physical therapy class finished its first year of study 60 years ago, and 30 years ago respiratory therapy had its start. The radiation technology department celebrated its 25th anniversary, cytotechnology its 20th anniversary, and the speech department its 15th.

With so many special celebrations, the festive balloons, confetti, wrapped presents, and other party decorations fit the atmosphere for the banquet, emceed by Nicceta Davis, PhD, assistant professor of physical therapy, School of Allied Health Professions.

Not only were the honor-year classes recognized during the evening, but specific individuals received recognition as well.

Dr. Hopp and Ron Hershey, professor of physical therapy, School of Allied Health Professions, received special recognition upon their retirement. Dr. Hopp retires later this year and Mr. Hershey retired in 2001.

Dr. Davis shared a PowerPoint presentation of historical milestones for the School of Allied Health Professions. Scattered amongst the photos of various SAHP department and world events, were memorable photos of Dr. Hopp and Mr. Hershey.

After the meal, Dr. Hopp announced the Alumnus of the Year, Paul Damazo (see story on the Alumnus of the Year Award on page 6 of this issue of TODAY).

Members of the nutrition and dietetics class of 1952 (from left) Elizabeth Mohr Fowler, Paul Damazo, and Shirley Olson present a check for $50,000 to the department of nutrition and dietetics. The fundraising committee for the department raised a total of $160,000. Receiving these checks are Georgia Hodgkin, PhD, RD (second from right), associate professor of nutrition and dietetics, and Bert Connell, PhD, chair of the department of nutrition and dietetics.

A highlight for the evening was a number of check presentations made to the department of nutrition and dietetics. Mr. Damazo, chair of a recently formed fundraising committee for the department, surprised Bert Connell, PhD, chair of the department, with a grand total of $160,000 to be used for recruitment purposes.

Mr. Damazo and his two remaining classmates from the class of 1952, Elizabeth Mohr Fowler and Shirley Olson, raised a class gift of $50,000—$1,000 for each anniversary year. Other donations came from the Adventist Health System ($5,000) and the Adventist Health System West ($7,500 for three consecutive years).

Feature speaker Michael Osur, MBA, of the Emergency Medical Services in Riverside County, concluded the evening with a special presentation. Mr Osur shared his initial reaction to the catastrophe of September 11, 2001, as he was in New York City attending a conference. He also presented photos he took personally of the disaster and related how the experience affected his perception of emergency medical care.

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