The newest physicians, scientists, pharmacists and dental professionals joined the ranks of Loma Linda University alumni on Sunday, May 24.
Loma Linda University School of Medicine graduated 195, with 194 marching. The School of Pharmacy recognized the accomplishments of 78 PharmD graduates, with 77 present for the ceremony. The School of Dentistry honored 206 graduates, with 204 marching.
Commencement ceremonies were held on the central campus lawn facing Coleman and Chan Shun pavilions. In addition to nearly 500 graduates, seven individuals were honored with Loma Linda University Health awards during the School of Medicine and School of Dentistry ceremonies.
The following awards were presented during the School of Medicine commencement:
- Col. Dallas C. Hack, MD, MPH, MSS, is a graduate of the 1976 class of Loma Linda University School of Medicine. He is currently brain health/fitness research program coordinator for the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command. Col. Hack was honored as University Alumnus of the Year.
- Myrna Hanna, MS, a 1986 graduate of Loma Linda University School of Education (now La Sierra University), serves as assistant vice president for administrative affairs, and assistant vice president for alumni and donor relations, Loma Linda University Health. She was presented with the Loma Linda University Health Lifetime Service Award.
- Robert E. Soderblom, MD, a graduate of Loma Linda University School of Medicine, class of 1963, is associate professor, department of medicine, Loma Linda University School of Medicine. He was also honored as a University Alumnus of the Year.
- Dennis and Carol Troesh, Inland Empire business executive and author (respectively) as well as donors of the lead gift to launch the Vision 2020 Campaign for a Whole Tomorrow in 2014, are long-term members of the Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital Foundation Board, as well the Loma Linda University Big Hearts for Little Hearts Loma Linda Guild. The couple was honored with the Loma Linda University Health Distinguished Humanitarian Award.
- John H. Zhang, MD, PhD, is director of the Center for Brain Hemorrhage Research, and professor of anesthesiology, basic sciences, neurology and neurosurgery at the Loma Linda University School of Medicine. He was presented with the Loma Linda University Health Distinguished Investigator Awar
An additional award was presented during the School of Dentistry commencement ceremony:
- Nancy Young, president and CEO of the Social Action Community (SAC) Health System, received the Loma Linda University Health Community Engagement Award.
Other individuals honored by their schools during commencement ceremonies included a number of graduates.
Additional Loma Linda University Health honors and awards will be presented during commencement ceremonies held on Sunday, June 14, at Drayson Center