Notes from the President -- Why come home?

First, I want to thank the many who responded to my last Notes. I value the many who agreed, and the few who disagreed with the perspective I put forth. It is clearly a topic we need to keep discussing, which was my primary objective.

As we now approach our homecoming weekend, I want to consider other levels of inclusion at Loma Linda University Health. Our Diversity Council spends time on these various issues, seeking to determine how best to make our campus both accepting and safe for all who come here. Clearly the traditional definition of diversity to be primarily a race-based distinction is past. Today we seek to include differences in culture, religions, physical and mental abilities, economic status, etc. The old adage that the “ground at the foot of the cross is all level” seems pertinent for this discussion.

Several weeks ago we had the inaugural session of our newest center on campus, the William Johnsson Center for Understanding World Religions. In time, we intend to discuss many different religions and ideologies. In light of the current conflict in this country, we started the center with a very enlightening discussion of Islam. With guest speakers from elsewhere and comments from some of our own faculty and students, the event gave us all a better understanding of the similarities and differences among us. Surely this is the best and only way to start civil discourse toward understanding and acceptance. We are indeed grateful for those who participated in this meeting and also in future discussions we will have.

Let me make it very clear that Loma Linda has been, is, and will remain a haven for those from any country or culture or religious background seeking to honestly become part of our campus culture and  values. While we must live within the legitimate laws of this country and state, we ultimately follow God’s law of viewing all individuals as His children, of equal value in His sight. For more than 100 years we have welcomed people from all over this diverse world to study on our campus, giving both them and us the privilege of understanding and accepting our differences. That will not change.

It is within this context that I welcome all back to campus for our first “One Homecoming” weekend, March 2 – 6. This will be a coming together of the alumni from all our schools as well as former employees. It is certain to be a memorable event, partly for the quality programming that is planned, but more so because of the relationships that will be renewed and the confirmation of values that will be shared. This is not just for alumni, but for all who have worked in the University and Medical Center and any others who feel an affinity for our culture and purpose. The programs will be superb, Loma Linda University Health at its best. Let me outline the key events briefly for you.

• Thursday, 5 p.m., Drayson Center field — Welcome back bash with The Wedgwood Trio and others

• Friday, 7 p.m., Loma Linda University Church — Living our Legacy – the Story of Loma Linda and San Bernardino

• Saturday, 9 a.m., Drayson Center — Parade of Flags and Global Mission Stories, followed by Randy Roberts – “A Community of Memory”

• Saturday, 12 noon, Drayson Center field — Haystacks for all

• Saturday, 4 p.m., Loma Linda University Church — Mission Vespers – Involvement around the World

• Saturday, 7 p.m., Drayson Center — Loma Linda’s Got Talent – incredible alumni music and enjoyment

What is the value of a homecoming, a coming together of past colleagues and friends? I would suggest it is incalculable. In a world and society struggling for identity and distinctiveness, those of us who share common values and a moral imperative benefit from reminders and reinforcement. Coming “home” provides touch points and relationships that connect with our memories and past. Because we are literally scattered around the world, much of the weekend will also be streamed live at http://home.llu.edu/homecoming for those unable to travel here.

For many of you, the Loma Linda landscape will have changed considerably. For those of us who work here, the change seems gradual, yet persistent. The biggest current change is the huge hole in front of the Medical Center where our new hospitals will be. But there are many other changes, including the Stewart Street overpass that has reconnected the campus via the Centennial Pathway — its pavers ready to be re-engraved for better visibility. Please also take time to visit our sculptures on campus and appreciate how they speak to our values. “Who Touched Me?” north of the Centennial Complex, and “This is the Very Place,” on the hill, east of Nichol Hall, are our newest works and deserve some moments of contemplation.

For those who can attend, thank you in advance for joining us. For those who can’t, know that Loma Linda University Health is the same special place it has always been. May our God continue to bless Loma Linda!

Cordially yours,

Richard Hart, MD, DrPH
President
Loma Linda University Health 

Vision 2020: The Campaign for a Whole Tomorrow