MARIA VALVERDE'S 

“A lot of people here have a big heart,” Maria says. “One of the things I like is that before everything people say, ‘We need to pray.’ Every time you need help there is always somebody willing to help you, through listening, giving advice or helping in any way they can.”

Having worked at Loma Linda University Health (LLU Health) for a total of 16 years, including spending time as a Registered Dental Assistant at SACHS Norton, Maria knows LLU Health well. 

“Coming to work is like being at home,” explains Maria. “I commute forty-two miles each way, but I’m happy to come every day. It’s a blessing for me, and I have wonderful friends and wonderful people that I work with.”

When asked what motivates her each day, Maria exclaims, “To help people.”  Maria assists with donors reaching the organization through the Foundation Grants department. 

“Whenever they call, I try to help them as much as I can, and direct them to the right person,” says Maria. 

Outside of work, Maria is always excited to serve at LLU Health.

“I love to volunteer!” Maria explains enthusiastically. Maria annually volunteers for the Children’s Hospital Gala, Children’s Hospital Foundation Radiothon and for other events throughout LLU Health as needed. One of Maria’s biggest joys in life is the time with her 19 month old grandson, Ethan. She also enjoys frequent family and friend visits from her home country of Costa Rica.

Maria’s smile illuminates the room as she says, “Here at LLU Health,” she says. “I like the way that we help people through our mission.”

♦◊♦

MICHAEL BAUTISTA, a Grants Officer for Foundation Grants, is a storyteller. It’s his goal to tell the story of LLU Health to his community and to the world. Michael formerly worked with the Children’s Hospital Foundation, where he prompted conversations with the community about supporting funding initiatives.

“Being able to go out and talk with community groups and give them updates and tell them about what they’re doing for children globally by supporting programs here at LLU Health,” says Michael, “Is a highlight as far as my experience here.”

Michael strongly believes in the mission of LLU Health, and values those others around the organization that support this as the purpose behind what they do.

“Everybody comes to work here for the mission first,” explains Michael. “To work with colleagues and physician faculty that have that drive towards mission, it makes each experience that much more important.”

Recently joining the Foundation Grants team, Michael continues his work with the Children’s Hospital Foundation, and also covers grants and foundations for the organization’s hospitals and schools.

“I have the opportunity to explain to people the mission behind what we do here, why we do what we do, and why we’ve been here for over a century,” Michael says. “Being able to tell that story to people in other countries or other states and have that type of conversation makes the mission very meaningful.”

Outside of work, Michael enjoys incorporating his family into this mission.

“As a parent living in Loma Linda, being able to bring my children to events on campus or at the Drayson Center, and having my family be involved in what we do is probably one of my favorite things about being here."

♦◊♦

ANGEL QUINN, a Data Specialist for Philanthropy Services, knows that it was the hand of God that led her here to work at Loma Linda. Angel previously worked at a non-profit counseling center. The center was downsizing, so Angel was looking for new opportunities. Angel saw the job posting for her position in Philanthropy, and was going to apply for the position at Human Resources, but had to leave unexpectedly to pick up her husband.

“I went and got him, then came back and the position had been taken down already,” Angel explains “I was discouraged because the description of the position was so similar to what I was doing at my previous job.”

Angel had been praying about it, and decided to call about the position anyway.

“They transferred me to Ramona at the front desk of Philanthropy Services. She told me that although the position had been taken down, she would talk to the director and have him call me back,” says Angel. “I thought to myself, ‘The director’s not going to call me back. He’s probably a really busy person!’”

The director did call Angel back and asked her to apply, then asked her to come in for an interview. The evening after her interview, Angel accepted a job at Loma Linda, a decision she doesn’t regret.

“We start the week with worship and we close the week with worship. That is something I haven’t seen anywhere else. You don’t dread coming because you’re not afraid to talk about God and to pray,” says Angel. “They really care about the employees.”

Angel enjoys work in a place where spirituality and wholeness are a central part of work, and where service is a main focus.

“Working in Philanthropy, if there’s a situation where the child is hurting or in need, you can connect with the right people and things can happen,” explains Angel. “We get involved, and it’s a different mentality here. It’s just been amazing and I love working here.” 

♦◊♦

RAMONA JACKSON, an assistant in Philanthropy Services, believes in living to give back.

“When you’ve been given to, you pass it forward, you give back and you share,” says Ramona. “And you just watch God work in ways that you’ve never seen, that only the hand of God can do.”

Enthusiastic about the mission that she lives every day, Ramona enjoys coming to work.

“I sincerely love what I do because this organization has truly blessed me,” she continues. 

Shortly before Ramona started working here at Loma Linda, her daughter was diagnosed with breast cancer, a difficult journey during which she says she wasn’t travelling alone.

“I had so many people – even people I didn’t know – that were right there supporting me and helping me along the way,” continues Ramona.

“To be part of such a movement is to be part of something greater than me. I’m grateful to God to be part of this, and that’s why I get up and come to work every day. There are sick people here. And there are young people trying to go to school, and there are researchers who are discovering new cures,” Ramona says. “For me, to allow the Holy Spirit to use me in a way that I can be a difference, and that someone may see Christ in me, that’s what it’s all about.”

Even though Ramona has been part of the Adventist church her whole life, she never knew God would lead her here.
“I used to think God brought me here because of my daughter. But it is far greater than that. Because I know one day I will see my daughter again, and I’m thankful for the opportunity to be involved,” says Ramona. “It’s not about fame, it’s about getting this work done so that we can go home to be with our Savior.”

Watch Ramona’s Story

Arlene realizes that her job is one that affects not only the employees involved, but also their teammates and the entire department. “I depend on the mission and values to guide me as I review and investigate the facts presented by each challenge.”

Arlene appreciates that she has the opportunity to incorporate her spiritual life at work. “The whole idea that we embrace God in our every day work is so important. It’s a big part of who I am, so away from work I still get to be the same person that I am here.”

“I have worked in Employee Relations for eleven years,” Arlene continues, “And I know how fortunate I am to have spent these years working for an institution that provides staff an opportunity to embrace the ministry of Christ in our thoughts, words and actions.”

“The work that is done by Employee Relations assures that our most valuable commodity – staff – are provided a work environment that is safe, fair, and directed by comprehensive policies and procedures, as well as compassion.” Arlene says.

Arlene enjoys sharing her other talents with the Human Resources team. “The serious nature of my work is balanced with a life shared with a spiritual and loving family, and the pursuit of my interest in art,” Arlene smiles. “I thank God for the gift he has given me and enjoy sharing my art and teaching others how to paint.”

Arlene’s watercolor paintings have been hung at the Drayson Center, Human Resources, and other locations around campus.

◊◊◊

“As an employee I know Loma Linda University Health encourages and expects me to uphold its values, contributing to and living the mission even when I’m off work,” begins Harold Ghosh.

For Harold, a Senior Records Analyst for Human Resources (HR), the way that he goes about work extends beyond the hours of “8 to 5.” “I think the mission of Loma Linda is not limited your working hours. It’s a way of life. What we represent at work, we also represent outside of work,” Harold explains.

Harold is committed to “servant leadership” after 5 o’clock, when he serves three elderly gentlemen.

“Every day before I come to work, I prepare breakfast, I prepare their medications, I make their beds, and then I come to work every day.” Harold explains. “I also have opportunities to help others as I help my wife with her private patients and friends.”

Harold tells the story of one patient who, despite a severe medical condition, was full of joy in her newfound faith. One day when Harold and his wife went to visit, the patient said, “Harold, do you know that I’ve become a Christian? And I am so happy!”

“In our brief visit,” Harold remembers, “The patient said, ‘I have a song that I sing about it, and this is how the song goes, ‘I am happy today, I am happy today, in Jesus Christ I am happy today, for he has taken all my sins away, and that’s why I’m happy today.’”

Harold explains how touching this moment was for him. “I saw what a conversion experience can be like for someone who has never known Christ.”

The patient passed away a few months later and was unable to reach Harold or his wife, but gave another nurse a message to deliver to the couple.

With tears in his eyes, Harold continues, “The nurse said, ‘A few weeks ago before the patient died, she asked ‘Can you get a message to Harold and his wife?’ The nurse got busy and forgot, but just before the patient passed away, the pateint said, ‘Tell Harold he has an appointment to meet me in Heaven.’”

Harold and his wife also took care of a visitor to their church who was interested in learning more about being a Christian. “We started visiting her at home and became great friends. We would go Friday evenings and I would tell parables from the Bible,” says Harold. “We talked about the life of Christ, how he healed and how he talked.”

Remembering how he told her about the story of salvation, Harold explains how their friend came to be a Christian, and loved to sing songs about Heaven.

In closing Harold explains, “This is what Loma Linda is all about. People from all over the world come here to be trained and educated, and then they go back out into the world to serve as physicians, health educators, and administrators. So if we as employees can go outside on the street or go to Redlands or wherever our friends are, we are accomplishing and fulfilling the mission of Loma Linda.” 

“When I see someone in this situation then maybe I can help heal with information that I have," He says. "We’re not directly involved with patients, but we can help each other through those difficult times.”

Fred is also passionate about extending health and healing to the surrounding community. Throughout the past decade, Fred has volunteered during his free time with the Loma Linda University Hospice Services and at the Children’s Hospital. He explains how these acts of service, in addition to his experience as an HRIS employee, helped provide a different perspective for him when was admitted into the Medical Center. 

“I was an inpatient for about ten days, and then I was at home for about three months. I got to see the Medical Center from the inside out,” Fred remembers. “I was no longer a worker supporting the nurses and doctors, suddenly I got to see the organization that I had worked so long to support – now taking care of me.”

The experience enlightened Fred as to his role. “It was a real eye-opener. How much more you appreciate something when suddenly you’re not behind the scenes, you are the scene,” Fred says. “I recognize that I’m support staff – I’m not on the front line of patient care – but I know that everything I do has a direct effect on those people who are on the front lines.”  

Fred is committed to making the place he works an uplifting and joyful one. Between his leadership and initiative to turn the department break room bulletin board into an advent calendar over the holidays last year, or writing inspiring and humorous quotes for the framed canvas photos in the HRIS conference room, Fred wants to ensure that he is helping make the office a more fulfilling place to work.

“You always know also that the moment you hit the door, somebody is going to come up and say ‘Help!’ in any number of ways," Fred explains. "I’m always thinking of what can I do to make somebody else’s life easier or more enjoyable.”

Encouraging his fellow employees with uplifting humor and support, Fred smiles as he explains, “Sometimes if things look dark, you look for the light. That’s what I try to do. The silver linings are on the dark clouds.”

◊◊◊ 

NANCY HADAWAY, an Application Analyst for HRIS, has a long-standing history with Loma Linda. “I’ve worked here for nearly thirty-seven years,” she says with a smile. For Nancy, that’s something to brag about.

“I love working here!” she explains, “I can’t imagine working anywhere else.”

Nancy has spent the last eighteen months in HRIS, a department that has been a highlight for her.   

“I enjoy being part of HRIS because the crew here is very dedicated. We serve employees, not patients,” Nancy explains, “But I’m really pleased how dedicated everybody is in serving the employees. That’s really important, because so many of the employees then serve the patients.”

Living out the mission of Loma Linda with this perspective in mind, Nancy feels inspired. “It’s the understanding that ultimately it’s for the patient, even though my role is more for the employees,” Nancy continues. “To make everything run smoothly for them, giving them some of the tools they need to make their job better, faster, easier, and more pleasing. I feel that’s how we serve the mission here.”

Nancy is thankful that Loma Linda is a little different than anywhere else that she has worked.  

“One of the things that I’m very grateful for is working for an institution where you can pray. You start your day with worship, or you pray before a meeting begins. I don’t know if employees take that for granted, but it’s very unusual. And I feel very blessed to work in a place that allows that.”

When asked about her favorite part about coming to work, Nancy doesn’t hesitate.

“The people you work with,” she says, then continues, "and also that everybody takes pride in their work and doing an excellent job. I’m still in a learning phase of this job. I learn by watching the way that the rest of the staff take their work to the ‘nth’ level to make sure that everything runs smoothly.”

Nancy loves to tell people about how Loma Linda is a great place to work.

“When I’m talking with someone I have just met, and they ask ‘Where do you work?’ I tell them ‘Loma Linda!’ with a lot of pride,” Nancy admits, “Almost everybody you meet has a story about having a loved one here as a patient. It’s great to be able to tell them, ‘It’s a wonderful place to work, too!’”

“We’re here on campus as a supportive resource to all the employees, students and their immediate families,” explains Shelby Roemer, “We’re here for people when they’re in crisis, or for people that just really want to make their lives healthier and more fulfilling.” Shelby is the Director of the Employee and Student Assistance Program (E&SAP), a department that provides free, short-term, counseling services.

“Our mission statement is about making man whole,” continues Mara Mulinari, a therapist for the E&SAP. “Making man whole has different facets, and we’re the emotional part of making man whole. We may not be able to take care of someone physically, but we are part of a big tapestry that represents what this organization is here for.” 

Mara has been at Loma Linda University Health organization for almost twenty-five years, and feels honored to be able to contribute to the journey of others. “People entrust us with their pain, with their brokenness,” Mara says, “We are lucky to be part of this journey of healing.”

“I think our clients  have a very positive experience,” says Shelby, “They come here, they’re treated with respect and they get the support and direction to make their lives healthier and more fulfilling.” Mara agrees that each employee or student must feel welcome and comfortable sharing for their department to be effective. 

“It’s important for us to be open and  help our clients feel safe. It’s difficult to walk in and tell a complete stranger your deepest pain,” she says. “One of the core values of our organization that stands out to me is compassion. We couldn’t be here and do this job if we didn’t have compassion.” 

It takes more than compassion, but also a coordination of efforts of the whole team to continue to provide this service. “If we weren’t a team,” explains Mara, “If we didn’t work together and use our strengths it would be impossible to meet the needs of each person we serve.” 

“We are a very small department,” continues Shelby. “We are all involved in every aspect of our program. We triage phone calls and I think that’s something that keeps us all very connected. We make sure that every person that comes in here has a very similar experience.”

Both Shelby and Mara admit that they must make a concerted effort to make sure wholeness is also a part of their own lives, which allows them to better serve others.
“We encourage each other to do the things that we tell others to do,” says Mara. “Just like a lot of the caregivers in this institution – a nurse is giving, a doctor is giving, administration is giving – every portion is about giving in some way. You have to be filled to be able to give in the best way possible.”

Shelby discusses how she considers this as part of what E&SAP is. “I think in our profession we are encouraged to always balance,” she says. “We are often presented with some really overwhelming situations, and you have to learn how to take care of yourself in your own life.” 

Being part of the E&SAP team isn’t a job for Shelby and Mara, it’s their passion. “I feel very blessed to be here and to have the opportunity to make a difference,” Shelby states.

“I think blessed is a really great word for it,” agrees Mara. “We are blessed.”  

Josh, a Senior HRM Assistant, talks about how he gets to work with many different people being part of the Talent Acquisition department.

“We meet so many people and get a little glimpse into their lives,” Josh continues. “We have had people who have come in who have just lost family members or have gone through traumatic accidents. I get to hear their stories of why they were attracted to Loma Linda, how they were treated here, and why they want to work here.”

Josh explains that he takes the opportunity to get to know each person that comes through Talent Acquisition and make his or her experience at Loma Linda a great one.

“Everyone loves getting a job!” Josh remarks, “They’re usually happy when they come in, but we are able to provide that front door experience and say ‘Welcome to Loma Linda!’”

Josh acknowledges that sometimes providing an excellent experience for the employees requires going the extra mile. “Whether it’s coming in early to adjust to someone’s schedule, or staying late. Sometimes I’ll come in at 7 o’clock for a resident physician, or I’ll stay late for an employee who just can’t get here.”

Josh feels strongly that he can play a part in the mission of Loma Linda by how he approaches his job each day. “It’s providing that type of service,” he says, “That helps us to really live the mission and values of this organization every day.”

◊◊◊

JOVI CO-BERMEJO, a Benefits Analyst and team member in Talent Acquisition, is a good listener. She tells of her time recently working on the benefits team where she helped process life-claims. Jovi wanted to make this difficult process as smooth as possible for these employees, and made sure that she was there for them.

“While meeting with them and taking information for paperwork, they would start crying because they are sad and have lost their loved one,” Jovi begins, “As they would tell their story, I would sit and listen to them pour their hearts out, and I would reach out and put my hand on their shoulder. If they didn’t flinch, then I would reach out and hold their hand. And normally they will enclose my hand with their hand.”

Jovi had the opportunity to listen to these people tell their stories and to help them through the hard time that they were having. “After I gathered all the information I needed to process the claim, they would hug me and thank me when they leave,” she continues. “I would receive e-mails from them thanking me just for listening. Because people sometimes just need someone to listen to them.”

Though this was one the hardest parts of Jovi’s job, it was an opportunity to be of service to others in the organization. “It is heartbreaking, but I wanted to make sure that their needs were met,” she says. 

“I contribute and live the mission of Loma Linda by being at work every day, being accountable to my team, helping my team when they get busy, and covering for co-workers who are out ill,” Jovi Co-Bermejo explains. “I’ve been working here for 27 years, and my whole family works here too. It’s a good place to work.” 

◊◊◊

JOY RIDDLE, a recruiter strategist for Talent Acquisition, has a long history working at Loma Linda. Before working in Talent Acquisition, Joy worked as a registered nurse in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of the Children’s Hospital. Joy shares how her passion for nursing and caring for patients in a faith-based organization inspires her to share her story with nursing students from around the area.

Joy recruits RN’s at the local nursing schools, and a few weeks ago was speaking at a local community college.  “When I talked about Loma Linda I spoke of it as a nurse myself,” she says. “I let them know that it is a Christian hospital and that we don’t apologize for that.  This either draws them to find out more about us or helps them make a decision to choose other places to apply.”

Joy remembered a time when, as a NICU nurse, she had the opportunity to meet the spiritual needs for the family of her patient, right when they needed it most. “It was at shift change and the family was desperately waiting for their pastor to arrive so he could pray for their baby before rushing him to the OR for emergency surgery. When we found out the pastor wouldn’t make it in time, I asked the family if I could have the privilege of saying a prayer of protection for their baby and to ask God to guide the surgeon’s hands,” she says. “How grateful they were that I would even offer and what a blessing it was for me to be able to do it!  So even though I speak to secular campuses, I want to give an example of what it meant in my life to be able to do that.”

Joy’s story made an unexpected impact on many of the nursing students she had talked with that day. “I do not know how many students came up to me, called me later or e-mailed me, saying, ‘I’ve never done any clinical rotations at Loma Linda, but as soon as you said that, all I wanted to do is work there.’”

Joy explains that this opportunity to tell her story and connect with these students connects her to what she does.

“When I look at the job applications on my computer, I see each one as a real person. And if I think about it that way – even if I’m tired or I feel too busy – I can still stop and just remember why I’m here and why I do it,” Joy says. “I’m truly interested in their story or what they need because, sometimes, one little thing we do or say can change everything.”

◊◊◊

DOMINIC BOKICH believes strongly in furthering the mission of Loma Linda through strategic businesspractices, both locally and globally. As a Recruiter strategist in Talent Acquisition, Dominic shares his passion for service in a number of ways, whether it is encouraging others to serve, or making it possible for those who are interested in serving to be part of the mission of Loma Linda. Dominic talks specifically about his experience with the HRM Management Residency and Internship program.

“I hire for the HRM Management Residency and Internship program and a moment that was really rewarding for me was when we hired a group of residents that came up with the concept of doing an international rotation as part of the Management Residency,” Dominic says. “This is our second year where we have one of our Management Residents going to Africa for three months.”

Dominic explains how the Management Residency impacts the global entities of Loma Linda in a very tangible way. “Our Management Resident is working on strategic planning and implementing computer training in the Human Resources department at Malamulo hospital,” Dominic continues.

HRM plays a large part in the process of being able to facilitate global service for the Management Residency. “By choosing applicants that meet the values of the institution, then watching their creativity expand, the small program that we didn’t have seven years ago has turned into the global influence for good,” Dominic explains, “It’s rewarding for me, and one of the highlights of the past few years has been getting the program started, then having it expand internationally.”

Dominic believes that what he does each day contributes to the global mission of Loma Linda. “A lot of things happen that give us the opportunity to serve in Human Resources. I’m very proud to work here.”

   “Although I knew about the Cancer Center, having the opportunity to learn more about the steps they were taking towards treating and researching cancer was eye-opening.”

   Gyasi tells how their conversation led him to draw a connection to his own life.

   “I was reflecting on the fact that my uncle died from cancer. And the director of the Cancer Center was explaining to me some of the things that she had gone through with her own cancer experiences.” Their conversation continued as they discussed how they felt their jobs at Loma Linda were also part a ministry and an opportunity to share hope, and excellence to all they come in contact with. “I was working and at the same time we were sharing the love of God through caring and empathy. It was a moment that I’ll never forget,” shares Gyasi. “As a construction manager, I manage jobs for the University, Medical Center and Shared Services, however, I also have a ministry as a Christian and a ministry as a vested member of the core values that we have here.”

   Committed to spreading the mission of Loma Linda to all that he meets, Gyasi believes that small things can make a large difference. “I believe that we should have an experience with God no matter what, no matter where we are. One of the things that I really like doing is opening up our meetings with prayer,” Gyasi explains. “I have a lot of conversations with vendors and I find myself just representing wholeness and the compassion that we stand for, and I think it’s an awesome opportunity that we all have.”

◊◊◊

TOM BECKER smiles as he talks about one of his favorite parts of working here at Loma Linda: the opportunity to work on projects that really make a difference.

   “I did a building design for a project in Malawi,” he explains, “and for quite a long time, I never knew whether it was built or not.”

   Tom remembers he was talking to another employee that had spent some time in Malawi and she was describing her experience there and the building she had stayed in. “It’s very likely that the building that I designed has been built over there to be used as part of the international mission of Loma Linda,” he continues, “It’s really cool to have a small part in it.”

   Tom works as a superintendent in the Construction and Architectural Services department, and emphasizes that even seemingly small projects can make a big difference.

   “Even though we do have small roles, in the big picture, we affect people in many ways,” Tom says. And as he describes one of the projects for an on-campus building, Tom continues, “I’m not the doctor finding the cure, but I had a hand in creating the facilities they use, and that’s part of the teamwork that we have.”

 ◊◊◊

“Our department has strong employee engagement,” MARY ANN CARTER Contracts Manager in Construction and Architectural Services, begins as she talks about the reasons why she feels her department rates high in the Gallup Q12.

   “I believe our morning worship has a direct impact on our team.  When I landed in this department five years ago, I discovered they had morning worship. What a great way to start the work day. In morning worship, everyone begins the day together, we pray together and our focus is more than just the details of projects.”

   Having this time each morning brings the team together, despite the busy work environment for the rest of the day. “If one has a problem, then we talk about it. If one has an achievement, we celebrate it.  I really think that is one of the biggest positives in our group,” says Mary Ann. “I think we’re kind of like a small family.”

   Mary Ann describes a time recently when the team had to pull together when Penny Crispin, Office Manager and Accountant, passed away unexpectedly. “It was difficult for all of us as she was such an important leader and friend.  It was incredible how the group came together, we didn’t really know all the details about how Penny did her job but as things came up we were impressed with the excellence with which she did her work.” Taking a moment to acknowledge specifically one of the team members, Mary Ann continues, “Sandy Burton was key in keeping the office running smoothly during the period after Penny’s passing.” The teamwork and synergy of the team helped them make it through this difficult time and to honor the legacy of their co-worker who was part of their department family.

Pictured above (from left to right): Sandy Burton and Mary Ann Carter

 ◊◊◊

RICK WILCOX, a Superintendent Representative, tells the story of how working in Construction and Architectural Services provides a different way to share the mission of Loma Linda with those that come in contact with the organization. He describes an interaction that he has often with outside contractors where he has had an opportunity to share what he believes.

   “We work here 7 a.m.- 4 p.m., which is pretty much contractor’s hours,” Rick begins, “So when contractors want to set-up a meeting, I ask them if we can meet at 7:15 or 7:30. Every morning our group gets together and we have worship. It’s something I feel I can’t miss.”

   Occasionally, Rick’s commitment to making departmental worship a priority becomes a topic of discussion. “A couple of times it’s sparked further conversations,” he says, “They ask, ‘What do you mean by worship?’ or ‘What do you gain from that?’”

   Rick continues that often this leads into an opportunity to tell the contractor a bit more about Loma Linda and the mission of organization. “I explain that Loma Linda University and the Medical Center is a faith-based organization. They’re not even aware of that.”

   Keeping the department’s morning worship a priority has made a big difference in Rick’s working life. “It’s a little thing, but keeping that commitment with the group I work with helps us bond,” Rick explains, “We read from the Bible, we pray together, and we pray for each other. The rest of the day we are going one hundred different directions. Being able to share, it’s just a really good way to do it.” 

The Advancement Films team (L to R): Cosmin Cosma, Video Production Specialist; Mike Wolcott, Video Production Specialist; Patricia Kelikani, Associate Director; and Melody George, Video Production Specialist)

On Telling the Stories of Loma Linda

Patricia: We were talking about it and I think what’s nice is that we do tell other people’s stories and I think that a lot of times when we interview them, they inspire us. And at the same time, it’s therapeutic for them. They impact our lives because they’re telling us the story of how their life was transformed. At the same time it’s an outlet for them to tell their story so they can help others, making what they went through have meaning.

When we interview someone with cancer, someone who had their legs amputated, or someone who was abused as a child, they are able to share their experience and help another person. They are able to share what they did that helped them get through and give someone hope. It gives meaning to that negative incident.

Melody: I edited a video on child abuse and we interviewed a few people who were victims of abuse. One of the girls in particular was abused as a teenager. She told us that if her interview impacts one person or one life, it is worth it to her to be able to share what she went through. It’s very empowering to know that our telling of her story is changing lives. It’s giving her the opportunity to change lives and turn her negative, terrible experience into something positive.

On Collaboration & Core Values

Cosmin: We work really good as a team, and I think that’s the secret. It is the collaboration and the common goal of making everything that comes out of our office as excellent as possible. Even with a small team and limited equipment sometimes we do the best we can out of what we have.

Mike: We all have our own strengths, and we try to take advantage of that in collaboration. We’re always asking each other to “Come look at this”, “What would you do with this”. I think that’s what really helps a lot.

Patricia: We really try to use our resources to their fullest. Sure, it would be easier to have a bigger budget, but we work with what we have to give our look high quality.

Cosmin: When we go meet with our peers from television stations and production companies around the area, they ask us how big our team is and nobody believes us. It comes down to the story, though. If you have a good story and you execute it well, I think that’s a secret.

Patricia: And Loma Linda is full of great stories!

Cosmin: Our goal is to make our videos a two-way communication. We want people to use our videos for anything that they think can push Loma Linda’s mission, and it’s nice to get response back. We want to hear where that video was screened, we want to hear whom it was given to, and we want to see how it was used and what it resulted in.

Melody: Everyone has the same goal, which is to make high quality content that is really going to serve the mission of the institution.

Cosmin: I think this helps us be focused on actually telling the story and Loma Linda’s vision.

Melody: I think it’s a great example of living the mission of the institution because it’s the way that I feel like God designed us to interact as people, in positive ways, encouraging each other and just being able to do work and be productive in a way that is benefitting humanity

Cosmin: I think the most important thing is that we have fun. Coming to something that’s fun in the morning, something to look forward to, then getting paid for that on top of it is even better! 

To learn more about Advancement Films call ext. 46185. 

“My main focus is to provide the best customer service I can to everyone: faculty, students, staff, and visitors. We patrol looking for people that need help and people that may need our assistance, whether they have locked their keys in their car or need us to restart their car.

I also work in the ED, which is probably the most hectic part of my job. We deal with loved ones, deal with patients, deal with people who have lost their loved ones. We try to be cordial helping them, as opposed to just turning our back on them. I pride myself in treating other people the way I’d want to be treated. I represent the department the same way. I’ll treat everybody the same way I would want my family to be treated when they come here, and just give them the best customer service possible.”

Mike Harvey, Officer
Security

Some time ago, one of our officers, John Micum, was walking around the University Church area and he heard a big noise. He walked around the church and a kid who was 11 or 12 had crashed into the window and the plate glass had fallen on his arm. John applied compression and walked him up to the emergency room.

Our guys help people every day. That’s what they do. They help calm people down, they lift people up, they clear the way if someone needs to get somewhere and a family is in trouble, we always help as much as we can. 

Susan Douma, Director
Security