Notes from the President -- February

Last Thursday morning I saw a longstanding patient of mine in clinic. “Jim” is a retired FBI agent who has been coming to the Loma Linda University Center for Health Promotion for many years. “Doc,” he began, “every time I come to this campus, I am amazed at how pristine it always is. You must spend plenty to make that happen.”

Thanking him for the compliment, I reflected later on what makes a campus special, something we all take pride in. The Centennial Pathway, Mission Globe and Founders Plaza have certainly added to our campus beauty and interest. And the new Centennial Bridge, particularly when we get the north side landscaped, will further augment the charm of our campus. When the bridge is finished, we are going to rescore all the names and markers on the Centennial Pathway to make them more legible.

But Jim was referring to more than architecture and special features. He was reacting to the landscaping, the flowers, trees and grass. The cleanliness across campus. Even the pleasant attitude of students and staff as they walk the sidewalks and use the benches and tables.

Our landscaping department has been headed by Gerhard Steudel for over 30 years. He brings an old country touch to everything he does. This year he has the added goal of decreasing our water usage in light of the California drought. With that intention, we chose not to plant winter rye grass this fall. It is evident Gerhard and his team take pride in their work, adding touches of color and interest.

Another major partner in caring for our campus is an organization called Drug Alternative Program, or DAP. The program’s story really began 30 years ago when Cliff and Freddie Harris, coming out of their own personal struggles, met in Denver and after a brief romance, got married. As part of their own healing, they decided to help others with addictions, and 28 years ago established DAP, headquartered nearby in Grand Terrace, California. This unique program provides a group home for men who need help turning their lives around after bottoming out with addictions of any type. And for many years, we have contracted with DAP to help with our grounds. Those around campus will have seen the organization’s vehicles and its personnel mowing lawns, trimming hedges and keeping things “pristine.”

We had the DAP folks come up to Oak Glen Fellowship at our home a few weeks ago and tell some of their stories. It is always tragic to hear of lives and families destroyed by alcohol and drugs, stories that are too often hidden all around us. Cliff and Freddie treat these men with two tried and true techniques — unconditional acceptance and tough love. This is evident in the relationships and amazing stories that emerge after the men come to DAP without resources and with little hope. Over some weeks and months, while mowing our lawns, they rebuild their hope and confidence to deal with this world. It doesn’t always stick, as is so often the case. But they come back and try again, always knowing DAP will provide a safe haven with the structure they need. So the next time you walk by someone on a mower or with a leaf blower, know they are partners in recovery, making their way through life like all of us do — one step at a time. Give them a smile and greeting, and you will both be blessed!

As I close, I want to thank all those who wrote back with condolences on the death of my father. Life is moving on as we adjust, and we greatly appreciate the stories and understanding so many of you shared.

Richard Hart, MD, DrPH
President
Loma Linda University Health

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