News Briefs for June 28, 2019
Two news reports from Loma Linda University, one from Germany and an update from Southern Adventist University
Loma Linda University bestowed an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree on filmmaker Martin Doblmeier during commencement ceremonies for the School of Religion and the School of Behavioral Health. Calling Doblmeier “a prolific film writer and passionate storyteller,” the University recognized the more than 30 films he has produced since beginning Journey Films in the mid-1980’s, several of which are about or include Adventist figures.
APD – Adventist pastors from Germany, France, Italy, Portugal, the Czech Republic and Switzerland met on the campus of the Adventist Theological College Friedensau near Magdeburg, Germany, to discuss women serving as clergy. The June 2-6 event included presentations from Esther Knott, associate director of the Ministerial Department of the North American Division, as well as the director of Adventist Women & Family Ministries in Western Australia, Piroska Vranyakne-Feith. In addition, Simone Emmert, a lawyer and lecturer in social law at Friedensau, presented on the issues of human dignity, equality, women’s rights, sexual abuse and discrimination against women.
From a Loma Linda University Health news release – The Loma Linda University Health Board of Trustees has appointed Tamara Thomas, MD, to serve as executive vice president for Medical Affairs and dean of the School of Medicine effective July 1. Thomas, an emergency medicine physician, has served as the school’s vice dean for academic affairs since 2011.
Thomas will step into the position that was vacated by Roger Hadley, MD, who announced his resignation from the role in March after serving for 16 years.
“Dr. Thomas is a proven academician and clinician who has provided strong leadership to our School of Medicine and medical enterprise,” said Richard Hart, MD, DrPH, president of Loma Linda University Health. “We look forward to working with her in this expanded role as executive vice president and dean.”
A group of Southern Adventist University (SAU) students recently completed a three-week study tour in China. The tour was led by Dr. Oberholster, who is a finance and international business professor, and Dr. Sheehan, the SAU School of Business dean. According to an SAU Facebook post, the students earned academic credit as they studied Chinese culture, history, and business. They visited landmarks such as the Great Wall and the Forbidden City.