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Today, July 23, 1997

Loma Linda University

County Medical Society elects new president

Peggy Fritzsche, MD, of Redlands, became the 105th president of the San Bernardino County Medical Society on June 10 at an installation ceremony at the San Bernardino Hilton hotel.

Dr. Fritzsche will enter the top leadership position of the 1,700-member physician association, replacing outgoing president John A. Sponsler, MD, a psychiatrist in Redlands.

Board certified in diagnostic radiology, Dr. Fritzsche has been the medical director of Riverside MRI Center in Riverside since 1991. Prior to 1991, she was a professor of radiology at Loma Linda University School of Medicine.

Dr. Fritzsche has been active in the San Bernardino County Medical Society since 1977. She is also a member of Riverside County Medical Association, California Medical Association, American Medical Association, Inland Radiological Society, California Radiological Society, and the American College of Radiology.

Dr. Fritzsche and four other local physicians took their new San Bernardino County Medical Society offices on July 1 for a one year term.

The other physicians installed are President-elect Victor Ching, MD, an urologist practicing in Upland; vice president Kenneth Lane, MD, a family medicine specialist with Kaiser in San Bernardino; secretary Dev Gnanadev, MD, chief of surgery at San Bernardino County Medical Center; and treasurer Phil Reiswig, MD, an orthopaedic surgeon from Loma Linda University Medical Center.

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LLU students return from Amazon trip

You sit back, kick your legs up, and wiggle a little to get comfortable. Ahh, this is the life.

The idea of lying in a hammock might sound like the best prescription for a hard day's work, but you aren't at home. You're in the Amazon.

In fact, it took you an hour to get 10 people a designated place on the little 20 by10 foot boat, and another thirty minutes to set up your hammock.

But that's just peanuts compared to the feeling of accomplishment all received from their SIMS summer trip to the Amazon.

Some 30 individuals left for the Amazon on June 16 (the day after LLU's graduation). These individuals were represented by two physicians, three dentists, three nurses, four dental students, two medical students, four nursing students, and various other students from Loma Linda University's schools.

Ralph Perrin, DrPH, dean of students, was director and organizer of the trip, but he gives much credit to J. B. Jablonski, DDS, assistant professor of oral surgery at the School of Dentistry, for his amazing organizational skills in getting all of the dental equipment and dental supplies together. "He makes sure nothing is missed," said Dr. Perrin.

The group's plane flew along the river and over the Amazonian villagers' farms into Manaus, where they divided into three boats and went down the Amazon river to visit the villages. One boat went to Autazes, another to Parintins, and the third to Nova Linda.

The goal of the trip was to travel from village to village providing care to the people. Most of the villagers had never seen a dentist or doctor or nurse, much less been cared for by one. The students, dentists, and physicians each spent time caring for the individuals doing routine check-ups and informing of preventative care. "The dental students and dentists did some restoration work, but mostly tooth extractions," said Dr. Perrin. "Mainly we just passed out tooth brushes. We would have given them toothpaste, but we find that they stop brushing when the toothpaste runs out."

The students enjoyed helping the villagers. "My first patient passed out on me," said Sam Williams, second year dental student. "She was no older than 40 and she needed 6 maxillary anterior teeth removed. I gave her an injection to ease the pain, then I proceeded to remove the first two teeth. After that the rest wouldn't budge so I called to our dentist to help. We got all of the rest but the last one. When the last one came out the lady just passed out. It could have been the heat or something else, but I think she was so relieved from her previous pain that she fainted."

The medical students, physicians and nurses dealt mostly with infections and worms. A lot of people from the Amazon are iron deficient. They hardly eat fruit or vegetables. They eat a lot of fish from the river and a crop root that resembles tapioca."They have plenty to choose from," Dr. Perrin said, "but their fruits and vegetables are a money-maker for them so they export it." They think of it as a way to make money, not as food.

The Amazonians have an short average life-span--childhood diseases and infant mortality make it hard to survive initially. Their little bodies can't handle the diseases, especially when they don't get the nutrients they need.

To help the villagers prevent their skin infections, diseases, and worms the students gave them some preventive advice. "If they would just take care of their water," said Dr. Perrin, "bath regularly, eat a variety of foods, and rotate their crops for preservation, they would be okay."

It was hard, though, to communicate sometimes, because the translators weren't always available. Things, however, didn't go too badly.

"We brought bottled water and filters, we only had to worry about getting sick," said Dr. Perrin, "but not much of that happened." The hardest thing for the group was sleeping in the boat.

They had to get everyone on the little boat and string their hammocks up. Other than that, they worried about giving the people proper care.

"There weren't going to be any follow-up visits so we had to do everything in a safe manner the first time," Dr. Perrin said.

The goal was to help, but don't think things stopped there. Many members of the groups got to see some rare sights. Take for instance the Amazon River dolphin. Most haven't seen too many dolphins in real life, except for an occasional trip to Sea World. But have you ever seen a pink dolphin? In the river? It's true--a pink dolphin. How about sea cows and one of the most diverse and beautiful collections of birds? God took on a whole new creative personality for most of the visitors just seeing it all.

"It was so amazing," said Peritza Zaninovic, dental student at LLU, "we stayed in one village, Parintins, and had our church service with the villagers. They only had one pastor who came, but I noticed how cooperative the villagers were with what little they had monetarily. They all got involved and really played their part, they lived what they believed. Their pastor was one of the happiest I'd ever seen--he was a good 'dentist' too. I really wish he had more to work with."

You could say the groups goal changed as their time with the villagers progressed.

"We want for our students to see the family of God in a wider, broader sense and have an appreciation for who our brothers and sisters are on this planet--when the Israelites were being attacked by the Amalekites Moses' arms had to be held up by Aaron and Hur," Dr. Perrin says. "In order for the Israelites to win.

"By this, God showed how much success service brings--it's not the money or how many toys you have--it's that realization come to life; to be of service to one another."

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Drayson Center offers variety activities for all

The sun's out, what's your excuse?

You've been working with studies or your career all year so why not pencil-in the Drayson Center for those few extra minutes you have after work or during the day.

The center is full of things to do and activities to join--"You have been wanting to catch up on your game of tennis, haven't you?"

For members, there are:

*Private tennis lessons;

*Aerobic classes (from beginning to advanced);

*Adult, child, and "parent and me" swim lessons;

*Private and semi private swim lessons;

*Masters swim team;

*Water safety instruction;

*Scuba certification;

*Lifeguard and junior lifeguard certification;

*Karate and Tai Chi for kids;

*Gymnastics for kids;

*Four Canoeing trips:

Lake Tahoe--July 10-12 and August 7-9;

Russian River--July 13-16 and Aug 10-13;

Rogue River July 18-21;

Flaming Gorge/Dinosaur National Monument July 27-30

"I took a martial arts class [at the Drayson Center] and I really liked it," said Lanelle Every, membership representative at the center. "I like that there is a lot of variety, especially for the kids."

"What about activities just for us students?" you ask.

Gracen Kim, director of student activities, works with the student association leaders to utilize the center's facilities so that the students of Loma Linda University can have a fun summer. Along with her staff, Ms. Kim plans such events as "Films on the Lawn," "Lunch on the Lawn," "Back to Basics Vespers" and more.

If you want to get into the activities, you can look forward to more "Lunch on the Lawn" every second Tuesday, or other outings to places like Zion, Utah, for camping.

"Take a break and have a great meal with us at the Drayson Center," says Ms. Kim, "It's for everyone, so students come meet each other and teachers, come meet the students."

You know you can only work and study for so long. Yes, this is your invitation--no matter who you are.

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Mothers, adolescent sons needed for psychological study

Volunteers are needed for a study which looks at the relationship between mothers and their adolescent sons. Specifically, the study will research how the quality of a mother/son relationship relates to the son's behavior.

The study involves completing a written survey which will take approximately 30 minutes to fill out, during which both mother and son need to be present.

If you are interested in volunteering for this study and you are a mother with an adolescent son in grades 9 through 12, please call (909) 558-0800, extension 82385.

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National tuition costs keep climbing higher

Are you wondering why it seems that college tuition keeps climbing? The May 19, 1997, issue of Higher Education & National Affairs includes some information on "why" (these are some excerpts).

"The Cost of Higher Education Review Act of 1997, H.R. 1511, sponsored by Rep. Howard P. 'Buck' McKeon (R-CA), chair of the Postsecondary Education, Training and Life-Long Learning Subcommittee, passed the house as an attachment to H.R. 914, a bill to make technical corrections to the Higher Education Act of 1965.

"That measure could be taken up by the full Senate in the next few weeks. However, to ensure immediate action on the bill, McKeon also attached his proposal to the 1997 supplemental appropriations bill, which Congress took up last week and is scheduled to pass by the end of the month.

"McKeon's proposal would... gather data and information on college costs and prices and offer recommendations to Congress and the executive branch.

"[American Council on Education President (ACE)], Stanley O. Ikenberry identified three broad areas of public misunderstanding of college prices: the revenue and expenditure factors that influence tuition, the range of choices available, and steps that colleges and universities are taking to deal with cost pressures. The commission's efforts 'could contribute to improved understanding on these issues,' he stated."

For more information about this issue, visit ACE's home page: http://www.acenet.edu.

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LLU Amateur Radio Club class begins July 23

The Loma Linda University Amateur Radio Club, in cooperation with the City of Loma Linda Department of Public Safety, will conduct an eight-week Amateur Radio, intermediate course on Wednesday evenings, 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., starting July 23.

This course will prepare students for upgrading their novice or technician license to general.

For information and registration, call 558-3362, or visit the Department of Public Safety counter, Loma Linda City Hall, 25541 Barton Road, in Loma Linda.

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LLU announces winner of second quarter rideshare program drawing

Loma Linda University congratulates Rene Weiss, a LLU biochemistry employee, for being selected as winner of the second quarterly rideshare weekend get-away drawing for 1997.

Mr. Weiss was presented with a gift certificate from University Travel that is worth up to $500. His claim card was drawn from cards turned in by 227 LLU rideshare program participants.

The claim cards are used to document how rideshare members travel to work.

Ms. Weiss participates in a two-person carpool approximately five days a week, and has been a member of the rideshare program since October 1992.

"I would like to express my appreciation for this marvelous get-away gift of the rideshare program," comments Mr. Weiss. "I would like to encourage all those who are able to rideshare, and especially those who have the chance to walk or ride a bicycle, to do so."

To find out how to join one of the many rideshare programs, call Teri Palacios or Peggy Bazemore at 558-4319

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'Celebration of Life' attended by 600 patients, families, and friends

The eighth annual Celebration of Life party was held Sunday, June 8, at the Loma Linda University Church and campus.

The program featured Tami McGrew, an associate pastor at the Azure Hills Seventh-day Adventist Church. The program was followed by refreshments, music, and cancer education exhibits on the campus mall.

A special children's program was held with activities including crafts, computers, and a magic show.

Approximately 600 patients, families, and friends were able to visit with physicians, nurses, and care givers while enjoying music provided by the Big Gospel band.

A French country theme was accented with French food by Joan Mayhew Catering. An educational tent housed cancer information, microscopes, and motivational items such as books and tapes.

Celebration of Life is an annual party sponsored by Loma Linda University Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society.

The event brings together cancer survivors, old and young, their families, and care givers in a spirit of community and celebration.

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Psychological services center opens July 1

The Graduate School's department of psychology has been working on developing and establishing an outpatient clinic for the past two years.

On July 1, the Psychological Services Center officially opened. The Center combines a faculty practice clinic with a training clinic for doctoral-level graduate students enrolled in the clinical psychology program.

Under the direction of John Flora-Tostado, PhD, the Center is now fully operational. All pre-interns in the Center are fully supervised by licensed clinical psychologists who are members of the faculty for the doctor of psychology degree program.

The Psychological Services Center offers a wide range of clinical services for adults and children, ranging from individual and group therapy sessions to assessment/testing services and feedback.

The child and adolescent assessment and testing services provided by the Center include evaluations of learning and other disabilities, emotional/behavioral assessments, attention deficit disorder, giftedness, and neuropsychological assessments.

The adult assessment and testing services offered include evaluations of learning and other disabilities, personality assessments, attention deficit disorder, and neuropsychological assessments.

Plans are being made to host an open house for the Center in September. For more information about the Center, please call (909) 478-8576.

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County medical society presents $10,000 to LLU

Loma Linda University School of Medicine received more than $10,000 last month from the San Bernardino County Medical Society and auxiliary towards its financial assistant program and general pursuit of excellence.

Two checks totaling $10,400 were presented to Brian S. Bull, MD, dean, School of Medicine. The School of Medicine received $8,177.50 for financial aid and $2,222.50 in unrestricted funds.

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Faculty members participate in Nairobi conference

Recent participants in a 10-day health convention for ministers, health workers, educational workers, youth leaders, and stewardship directors for the East African Division of Seventh-day Adventists were Loma Linda University representatives D. Robert Johnson, MD, associate clinical professor of orthopaedic surgery; Harvey A. Elder, MD, professor of medicine; and James M. Crawford, DDS, executive associate dean for the School of Dentistry.

Coordinated by Paul Wangai, Jr., MD, MPH, a graduate of the School of Public Health, the conference was attended by approximately 500 individuals.

"The goal of this health convention was to bring together a closer working relationship with all segments of leadership in using health as an evangelistic tool," says Dr. Johnson. "The meetings were at a convention center 16 kilometers out of Nairobi, Kenya, adjacent to a national game park."

"There were plenary sessions and special interest group sessions such as nursing, education, library, health and temperance leaders, dental, medical, stewardship, and ministerial," Dr. Elder states. "Nutrition and AIDS were two of the major topics discussed."

Individuals from 18 different countries were in attendance at the meetings. In addition to the three representatives from Loma Linda University, several representatives from the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists health department were in attendance.

Walter Pearson, Jr., associate ministerial department director and speaker for the Breath of Life telecast program, was the major devotional speaker for the convention and also the evangelist for a series of meetings held in Nairobi that were running concurrently with the health sessions.

The group was presented with several challenges--including sporadic power outage.

"We would be talking to a group of 400 or 500 individuals and all of sudden the power would go out," Dr. Crawford says. "But we would go on and just speak louder."

The attendees had a very full schedule.

"The morning would start out at 8 a.m. with a 90-minute devotional presented by Elder Pearson," Dr. Elder says. "He spoke on various heroes of the Bible."

Following the worship service, a plenary presentation would be presented followed by group discussion. After lunch, the leaders would meet with the various groups and discuss the morning's activities.

In the evening, two meeting were held--one, the evangelistic meetings held in Nairobi by Elder Pearson, and the other meeting for the conference attendees.

"Not only does Dr. Wangai operate a private practice in Nairobi, but he also is very active in church planting," Dr. Johnson says.

In 1988, Dr. Wangai started a new church in the center of Nairobi. Pastor Calvin B. Rock, PhD, MDiv, vice president of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, and chair of the Boards of Trustees for Loma Linda University and Medical Center, held an evangelistic effort with the result of 1,000 individuals being baptized.

One hundred individuals remained in this church which was the beginning of a university level church while the others joined other churches in the Nairobi area.

Today, there are 3,500 members of the university church, 80 percent of whom are university graduates. Seventy percent of the members are between 17 and 32 years of age. Dr. Wangai is the first elder.

Dr. Wangai has been instrumental in bringing 600 people into the church in the past few years. The city blocks off the street when the church is dismissed because of the tremendous traffic jam.

"Dr. Wangai is acquainted with almost everyone who is of any importance in Nairobi," Dr. Elder says. "He has introduced Christ to many of the leaders in Nairobi and in Kenya."

John A. Scharffenberg, MD, a former faculty member in the School of Public Health, spoke to approximately 14 community groups in the week prior to the health convention. During his stay in Nairobi, Dr. Scharffenberg spoke to the Young Presidents' Organization.

This is a world club with a chapter in Kenya. Members of this club are individuals who made their first million by 30 years of age and each one is president or owner of a large company.

Over 20 individuals were in attendance at a luncheon meeting. Each of these paid $750 to the club to attend the meeting where Dr. Scharffenberg talked about the vegetarian diet.

As a result of the convention and the evangelistic meetings held in conjunction with the seminar, approximately 1,500 individuals indicated an interest in the Adventist church and healthy lifestyle.

"The convention goals of getting the ministry and health workers to work together in community outreach work, and to use the health as the right arm of the message were achieved," Dr. Johnson says.

One individual in particular stands out as a result of the meetings, Dr. Wangai says.

"Omar [not his real name] is a Moslem trained in Islamic studies at the University of Khartoum in the Sudan and at the University of Cairo in Egypt.

"He received further training in Saudi Arabia and is fluent in English, Swahili, and Arabic. In addition, he is well versed in the Quran and the Bible.

"As a result of these meetings, he was baptized. He has since forfeited his job and is working as a lay evangelist for the Adventist church in a Moslem enclave in Nairobi. Omar is the only known Arabic Christian in his entire clan of 55,187 individuals. He in now interested in taking theology."

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County medical society presents $10,000 to LLU

Loma Linda University School of Medicine received more than $10,000 last month from the San Bernardino County Medical Society and auxiliary towards its financial assistant program and general pursuit of excellence.

Two checks totaling $10,400 were presented to Brian S. Bull, MD, dean, School of Medicine. The School of Medicine received $8,177.50 for financial aid and $2,222.50 in unrestricted funds.

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On the World Wide Web

LLU&MC web site offers virtual tours

Virtual tours are the latest attraction on the Loma Linda University and Medical Center web site.

Using QuickTime VR (virtual reality) software, web surfers can tour various areas on campus.

The LLU&MC web site currently has eight panoramic QuickTime VR movies among which you can tour the Children's Hospital and Medical Center entryways, look around the main clinic floor of the School of Dentistry, and even view the School of Medicine graduation setup and graduation day.

QuickTime VR movies can be viewed through a web browser (such as Netscape or Internet Explorer) that has been configured with the QuickTime VR plugin. Once you have downloaded the movie, you can "look around" by holding down your mouse button and moving left, right, up, or down. You may also zoom in and out using keyboard commands.

A help page for downloading, configuring, and using QuickTime is available at /qthelp/.

You can view these movies on the LLU&MC web site at one of the following web addresses:

/vrtour.htm
/lluch/chtour.htm
/llumc/mctour.htm

Plans to create QuickTime VR movies of other key areas on campus are in place. The next movie will feature the Del E. Webb Memorial Library. To stay updated on the latest additions to the site, visit the "What's new?" page at /info/whatsnew.htm.

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Drayson Center has variety of activities for University, Medical Center employees

The Drayson Center isn't a circus, but it does have a balancing act--wellness of the whole being.

While delivering the most qualified instructors, lifeguards and employees for safe and effective play and exercise, the Drayson Center also puts a great amount of care into the programs it produces within its facilities.

From Health Fair Expo '97 to the upcoming African-American campmeeting, the Drayson Center is being used for events and programs concerning issues associated with Loma Linda University and Loma Linda University Medical Center.

Richard Hamilton, Drayson Center director, says, "We are trying to keep people as whole as they can be through maintaining or developing a healthy lifestyle."

Ways the Drayson Center works on wholeness is through activities such as their annual Health Fair Expo. A joint effort by LLU and LLUMC brought an official count of 3,052 people to the fair. The Drayson Center is even looking forward to their Kids Care Fair in August.

One of the more exciting activities for Mr. Hamilton, at least, is the aquatics program. Such classes include: "Mommy and Me," lifeguard training, water safety instruction and CPR courses.

Not only does the Drayson Center work to make man whole, but the center also works to give that opportunity to the whole community. This has been furthered in the center's effort to give every beginning student at the university a fitness test. "This way we can give them the opportunity to maintain or develop a better lifestyle," said Mr. Hamilton.

Looking forward, the Drayson Center will house the African-American Campmeeting for the Southeastern Conference of Seventh-day Adventists from July 25 through August 2. The campmeeting should welcome from 2,000 to 3,000 people.

The Drayson Center invites all students, faculty and community members to check out their facilities. From intramurals, aquatics, weights and more to Health Fair Expo, banquets and LLU Student Association activities there is sure to be something for all individuals.

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Faith and Learning Seminar held at Loma Linda in June

The 20th Faith and Learning Seminar of the Institute for Christian Teaching was held June 15-27 in Loma Linda, California, this year.

Almost 400 Adventist educators have participated in the 19 seminars held in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Colombia, England, France, India, Jamaica, Kenya, Peru, the Philippines, Singapore, South Africa, and the United States over the past years.

Representatives this time came from colleges and universities in the Philippines, the United States, Spain, Zimbabwe, Romania, Australia, Brazil, Argentina, and Trinidad.

The institute sought to achieve the following objectives (through this seminar):

* To provide participants an opportunity and a context for focused study, reflection, and discussion of the essentials of SDA educational philosophy as it relates to teaching learning, administration, research, and ministry in the health sciences.

* To familiarize participants with the basic concepts of the integration of faith, learning, and profession, the bibliography, and their application in Adventist educational settings.

* To assist participants in the development of an essay that will bring to bear, on his or her area of activity, the essentials of

Adventist educational philosophy and the concepts of faith-learning-ministry integration in health-related fields. These essays were read at the end of the seminar and later will be printed in a volume of the Christ in the Classroom collection, which will be distributed around the world.

* To empower participants to become initiators or supporters of the process of integrating faith, teaching, learning, and profession in their respective educational context.

The Institute for Christian Teaching was established in 1987, as a service of the General Conference Education Department. The institute offers interdisciplinary seminars for educational administrators, teachers, researchers and leaders. It develops resources to foster the integration of faith and teaching/learning in Adventist schools at all levels.

The essays developed in each seminar are published in the Christ in the Classroom collection. This collection is then distributed to the libraries of the Adventist colleges and universities worldwide.

Seminars for 1998 are scheduled for Bolivia, Austria and Kenya.

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University faculty members listed in Who's Who Among America's Teachers 1996

Loma Linda University would like to congratulate the teachers recognized in the fourth edition of Who's Who Among America's Teachers, 1996.

All the teachers listed were selected by one or more former students who themselves were listed in either Who's Who Among American High School Students or The National Dean's List. Of the 120,000 teachers selected 12 are from LLU.

Appearing in the 1996 edition of Who's Who Among America's Teachers are: Antonius D. Brandon, PhD, professor of counseling and family sciences, Graduate School; Evert A. Bruckner, MD, associate professor of Medicine, School of Medicine.

Ian P. Chand, PhD, professor of counseling and family sciences, Graduate School; David L. Cowles, PhD, associate professor of natural sciences, Graduate School; Shirani C. de Alwis-Chand, EdD, professor of educational psychology, Graduate School; Carla G. Gober, MPH, assistant professor of Relational Studies, Faculty of Religion;.

Marilyn M. Herrmann, PhD, assistant professor of nursing, School of Nursing; Eva J. Miller, MS, associate professor of nursing, School of Nursing; Joni J. Pagenkemper, MS, assistant professor of nutrition and dietetics, School of Allied Health Professions.

Ralph W. Perrin, DrPH, Dean of Students; Sofia S. Puerto, PhD, assistant professor of nursing, School of Nursing; Sylvia D. Stewart, PhD, assistant professor of nursing, School of Nursing.

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Nursing honors society inducts new members

Over 50 School of Nursing students and community leaders were inducted into the Gamma Alpha Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International on Thursday, June 12, 1997.

Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI), the honor society of nursing, was founded in 1922 at the Indiana University Training School for Nurses. STTI is a professional society which stands for the best in nursing and makes tangible contributions to the school and the profession through its help in the preparation of leaders. The society currently has 356 chapters at more than 400 colleges and universities in Australia, Canada, South Korea, and Taiwan, as well as the United States. There are over 230,000 STTI members in more than 70 countries.

The purpose of Sigma Theta Tau International is to recognize superior achievement and the development of leadership qualities; foster high professional standards; encourage creative work; and strengthen commitment to the ideals and purposes of the profession. STTI sponsors nursing research, produces various publications, and hosts scholarly programs on the international, national, regional, and local levels. The organization is committed to improving the health of the public by advancing nursing science in the local community.

Each year the School of Nursing's Gamma Alpha Chapter of STTI awards membership to students in their baccalaureate and graduate programs who have demonstrated excellence in their programs and have superior academic and personal records, as well as to graduates of nursing programs who have achieved excellence in nursing leadership roles in the local community.

Individuals inducted as community leaders have demonstrated marked achievement in areas such as education, practice, research, administration or publication. STTI encourages and actively supports further professional development and promotes nursing scholarship, leadership, creativity and commitment to nursing among its members.

This year's 21st annual Gamma Alpha induction ceremony, held at the Loma Linda University Church chapel, began with special music by junior nursing student Noel Perez and junior physical therapy student Norman Belleza, who entertained the audience with humorous variations of classical piano selections.

The keynote address, given by School of Nursing Assistant Professor Patricia Pothier, MS, RN, followed. In her talk, titled "Empowered by Curiosity," she encouraged the new inductees to retain the desire to discover all there is to know about being a good nurse and to always strive for excellence.

Next on the agenda was the granting of the Gamma Alpha Chapter's Awards of Distinction.

The Clarice Woodward Award for Excellence in Writing was presented to Betty Winslow, PhD, RN, for her article, "Effects of formal supports on stress outcomes in family caregivers of Alzheimer's patients," which was published in Research in Nursing and Health.

Research awards of $500 were also presented to Dynette Hart, DrPH, RN, and Linda Johnson, PhD, RN, CNAA, in recognition of their research proposals, "SAC Norton Latino patients' cultural understanding of health care: An ethnographic study of decision making processes determining the use of medical and paramedical resources," and "A multi-site research utilization study using distraction to reduce reported pain, anxiety, and behavioral distress in children and adolescents during venipuncture or intravenous catheter insertion," respectively.

Also included in the program was the induction and installation of the new chapter officers.

They are: president, Sheri Hawkins, administrative director of nurses, Loma Linda University Children's Hospital; president-elect, Douglas Fantazia, assistant professor, LLU Graduate School, director/coordinator, neonatal nurse practitioner program, and department manager of NICU, LLUMC; past president, Lois Van Cleve, associate dean, graduate program, LLUSN; vice president for programs, Odette Comeau-Luis, coordinator of the emergency cardiac care center, LLUMC; vice-president elect, Sandra Hinshaw, quality management department staff nurse, Loma Linda Veterans' Affairs Medical Center (LLVAMC); treasurer, Dolores Wright, assistant professor, LLUSN; corresponding secretary, Ivana Bluhm, medical intensive care staff nurse, LLUMC; recording secretary, Christina Lund, associate chief, nursing service, LLVAMC; and faculty councelors, Michael Galbraith, professor, LLUSN, and Sophia Puerto, assistant professor, LLUSN.

The new Gamma Alpha inductees include the following:

Community leaders--Teri Ann Davis, MPH, RN, school nurse, Riverside County Office of Education; Earnestine Dew, MS, RN, assistant professor, LLUSN; and Suzanne Lang, MPH, RN, school nurse, Riverside County Office of Education.

Graduate students--Kathy Cornelius, Latanya Davidson-Wilson, Maudie Foy, Ellen Rabb Gittleson, Patricia Greco, Jocelyn Hobbs, Ann McCarthy, Janene Phillips, Zenaida Sarsadias, Pamela Timothy, Fran Watling, Rachel Zbicki, and Mimi Zugel.

Undergraduate students--Connie Allec, Tara Aoyagi, Reina Briganti, Marion Clarke, Sonya Clarke, Karin Colunga, Christopher Daggett, Eileen DiBiasi, Margaret Evers, Michelle Faraday, Charles Firestine, Kathleen Fletcher, Sheri Fry, Amanda Haugen, Donna Hooper-Chavez, Patricia Knickerbocker, John Linzer, Valerie Mag-Akar, Annette McGowan, Linda Meyer, Christy Mooney, Jennifer Navarro, Jenny Pham, Laurie Procell, Carrol Schussler, Ledeen Snyder, Christina Soto, Andrea Stack, Treena Tatlow, Andrea Tonasut, Mary Tverdal, Natasha Van Rooyen, Mary Jo Vollmer-Sandholm, Sharna Williams, and Joseph Zini.

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