Loma Linda University Health has concluded a successful second annual One Homecoming weekend, fueled by interprofessional continuing education programs and numerous alumni activities. A special thank you to everyone who participated in the 2018 One Homecoming.
Thursday featured several programs. An all-school research poster presentation showcased the latest research from Loma Linda University's eight professional schools, LLU-La Sierra graduates and by current and former Medical Center and university staff members. At the 30th Annual Cardiology Symposium, which addressed updates in cardiology and adult congenital heart diseases, seventeen program directors and LLU faculty presented information on the newest therapies in adult congenital heart disease and arrhythmias.
Meanwhile, the Whole Notes Conference focused on bridging the gap in clinical communication, concentrating specifically on communication strategies relevant to all healthcare fields.
Friday morning, the School of Dentistry hosted a missions emphasis breakfast in the Wong Kerlee International Conference Center. Alumni and current students took time to renew friendships and share memories over a meal. Continuing education resumed with several schools providing learning opportunities. Meanwhile, tours of the construction area provided the most updated information on Vision 2020 – The Campaign for a Whole Tomorrow.
Friday concluded with vespers in the Loma Linda University Church. The program began with an organ concert by Kimo Smith, followed by stories of Unsung Alumni Heroes featuring Yoshinobu Namihira, MD — "The Doctor on Crutches" — and Dilip Joseph, MD, MPH, who was "Taken By The Taliban: A Doctor's Story Of Captivity and Rescue." The program gave attention to extraordinary people who have changed lives and communities close to home and around the world. Two such people featured were Mary Ann and Steve Wells. As a nurse at LLU Children’s Hospital, Mary Ann encountered a baby girl named Sophia suffering from gastroschisis. The couple eventually adopted Sophia after she was removed from her biological mother.
Saturday began with a Prayer Walk during which alumni, current students and faculty had the opportunity to reflect on the institution's history and pray for the future. Sabbath services followed in the Drayson Center, starting with the Parade of Nations ceremony — a reminder of the courage of alumni who have served and of current students who participate in mission trips worldwide. Attendees also enjoyed music from the LLU Church Orchestra and Choir, and a sermon by Randy Roberts, DMin, vice president for spiritual life and mission.
The superfield played host to a haystack feed for lunch, where more than 1,600 people were fed in 30 minutes. The Association of International Mission Service hosted its annual symposium and the annual Mission Vespers, which spotlighted the institution’s history of outreach. To end the evening, Loma Linda University Health featured talented alumni from across all schools. Highlighting the evening was Kevin "K.O." Olusola, the beat boxer from vocal quintet Pentatonix. Olusola is the eldest son of Loma Linda University alumnae Curline Paul-Olusola and Oluwole Olusola, who met in the Del E. Webb Memorial Library. The performance was followed by a screening of Life on the Line – San Bernardino Strong.
Sunday morning began with the Homecoming 5K. This year, alumni and students came together to support the School of Nursing and the School of Pharmacy, which benefited from the event’s entrance fees. After the run, attendees enjoyed a pancake feed, a bouncy house and face painting. A unique highlight of the day was the Homecoming pickleball tournament. As the largest pickleball facility in all of California, the Drayson Center held a friendly pickleball competition between the eight schools. Alumni, family and friends joined in the fun for the inaugural event.
Janya Mekelburg, the director of alumni and donor relations, said the second One Homecoming was another success, both for its seamless logistics and its opportunities for reconnecting, fellowship and learning. "We hope everyone enjoyed the events surrounding this weekend, and we look forward to seeing everyone again next year,” Mekelburg said.
“Tremendous thanks to everyone involved for their amazing efforts and the legions of staff, departments and volunteers who worked tirelessly to make this weekend a success,” she said.