There’s nothing like the energy and excitement of a 5k. And there will be even more camaraderie as alumni from Loma Linda University’s eight schools and LLU-La Sierra graduates join current and former staff of the University and Medical Center for the Homecoming 5k Fun Run/Walk on Sunday, March 5.
Homecoming will take place March 2-6, including school reunions, continuing education courses, the Healthy People in Healthy Communities conference, spiritual programming on Friday night and Sabbath, and the “Loma Linda’s Got Talent” show at 7 p.m. Saturday night. From brass to bluegrass, violins to vocals, and clarinets to comedy, the free show will feature alumni performances.
The 5k Fun Run, from 7 to 11 a.m. Sunday, will begin and end at LLU Drayson Center, 25040 Stewart St.
Learn more ands sign up for the 5k. Register early to receive a commemorative T-shirt, while supplies last.
Proceeds from the 5k will benefit special student funds established in memory of Samuel Soret, a professor in the School of Public Health, and Matthew Lynn Schrader, an alumnus of the School of Allied Health Professions.
Learn more about Soret and Schrader:
Matthew Schrader
On Jan. 21, 2014, the School of Allied Health Professions lost alumnus Matthew Schrader, a loving son, husband and father, due to a tragic motorcycle accident while on his way to a patient’s home.
Matthew’s friends remember his passion for helping people.
Schrader didn’t see his work as a physical therapy assistant as a job — he enjoyed the patients he worked with and took great joy in getting to know them personally.
In his memory, his family has started a scholarship, the Matthew Lynn Schrader Memorial Fund, for physical therapy assistant students at Loma Linda University.
This fund keeps his memory alive, and his two girls will continue to see how their daddy helped people.
Dr. Samuel Soret
On Aug. 23, 2016, the School of Public Health lost Samuel Soret, PhD, MPH. He was a loving father, colleague, professor, researcher and friend.
Soret faithfully served Loma Linda University for 21 years, most recently as associate dean for research, School of Public Health, and executive director of the school’s center for community resilience. He was also a former chair of the school’s environmental and occupational health department, a role he held for many years. Additionally, Soret established the health geoinformatics curriculum in the School of Public Health.
To honor Soret’s legacy and the students he was passionate about, a fund in his memory will support students studying environmental and occupational health or health geoinformatics at Loma Linda University.
Supporting their legacy
All proceeds from 2017 Homecoming 5k Fun Run/Walk will be split equally between the funds honoring Soret and Schrader.
The two men would be happy to know they are helping students complete their education and go on to find joy in their careers, according to those who knew them.