Notes from the President

It has been a good week. Perhaps the most impressive news came late on Wednesday in an unexpected affirmation of who we are. It is a survey, reported in both The Atlantic and The Washington Post, of 1.4 million college alumni of bachelor’s degree programs from 1,000 U.S. colleges and universities. We don’t actively participate in these surveys, but many organizations find it interesting to assess educational institutions and their impact. In years past, Loma Linda has ranked very high on earnings of undergraduate alumni, because our programs in nursing, dental hygiene, and allied health disciplines are in great demand. But this year, the surveyors (PayScale) asked alumni an additional question: “Does your work make the world a better place?” Answers could range from “very much so” to “my job may make the world a worse place.”

LLU graduates were No. 1 in the nation on this question, with 91 percent saying their jobs were meaningful and made the world a better place. We were followed by the University of Texas Medical Branch, Medical College of Georgia, and Thomas Jefferson University, while even the Ivy League schools had only two thirds of their alumni finding their jobs meaningful. What a remarkable testament to this university and our outstanding alumni. It is hard to get 91 percent to agree on anything, yet the vast majority of our grads felt they were making a difference in the world.

Where does that kind of job satisfaction and commitment come from? The surveyors note that those working in medical fields, as well as social work and education, find the most meaning in their jobs. So we have a natural advantage because of our health sciences orientation. Gaining true meaning in what one does is such a powerful factor in a satisfying life and career. Certainly our emphasis on service and our commitment “To Make Man Whole” must be a factor. I am also sure that the kind of students who choose to come to Loma Linda predisposes them to finding this kind of focus and value in life. And our faith-based commitment, with its sense that eternal issues and values are central to all we do, must also influence the careers and lives of our graduates. Whatever the cause, we are pleased that the world can see the value of our educational system and the quality alumni it produces.

On other topics, I am delighted that two weeks ago our board confirmed Kerry Heinrich as our CEO for the medical center and its family of six hospitals. He was also appointed executive vice president of hospital affairs for Loma Linda University Health. Kerry’s expertise in health care law and all the issues we face in this complex world has made him an invaluable member of our leadership team. His great interpersonal and analytical skills, so useful in navigating the treacherous waters around us, have already made him a respected part of the team during the few months he has served as interim CEO. Join me in welcoming Kerry into the Loma Linda University Health family.

Finally, STEWART STREET IS OPEN! What a blessing to have this main artery through the campus once again flowing smoothly, with its four lanes and stoplights on both ends. The Centennial Bridge is also open to pedestrian traffic, though the pavers and historical markers will take several more months to install. Landscaping can now begin on both the bridge and the south side of the Centennial Complex, completing a long-awaited plan for the campus.

The city of Loma Linda was a major partner in this project, and I want to acknowledge Jarb Thaipejr, the city manager, and his team; Dusty Rigsby, the mayor; and the entire city council, who have been so supportive in making this project happen. The city’s fire department came to celebrate the opening event, and I was given the privilege of driving the historic 1932 Ford fire truck as the first vehicle down the street under the Centennial Bridge. That grin on my face is real, as it has taken so long to make this project happen. I also want to thank our Loma Linda University Health team — Rod Neal, our SVP for financial affairs; Ken Breyer, our AVP for construction management; and Brad Johnson, our project manager, for their guidance and persistence in this project. As we hoped, it will enhance safety on the campus for thousands of our students and faculty, and will become an iconic part of our campus story. Come take a look, especially at night, when the backlit lettering on the bridge is so beautiful.

Cordially yours,

Richard Hart, MD, DrPH
President
Loma Linda University Health