On Friday evening, May 9, 2025, members of the Loma Linda University community gathered in the Wong Kerlee International Conference Center to participate in the annual Minority Consecration Service—an evening dedicated to affirming the calling, dignity, and spiritual mission of graduating students from historically underrepresented backgrounds. The solemn and celebratory event reminded us that each graduate’s journey is a testimony of resilience, purpose, and divine guidance.
We are particularly proud of the graduating students from the Loma Linda University School of Pharmacy (LLUSP) who participated in this year’s service: Asya Bookal, Mi’ael Jackson, Rebeca Alejo Vega, Edina Radan, and Yainiliz Pacheco Rivera. These outstanding individuals represent the excellence, compassion, and integrity of our school’s commitment to whole-person care. Their presence at the service reaffirmed LLUSP’s ongoing dedication to cultivating a diverse and mission-aligned community of future pharmacists who serve with skill and heart.
The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Anthony Hilliard, Chief Medical Officer at Loma Linda University Health, Professor of Medicine, and board-certified cardiologist. Dr. Hilliard, who completed his medical degree at UCLA and his internal medicine and cardiology training at Loma Linda University Medical Center, delivered a message that spoke directly to the moral and spiritual clarity needed in today’s complex healthcare landscape. He called on graduates to lead courageously, guided by faith, and grounded in the values that have shaped their education at Loma Linda University.
Dr. Richard Hart, President of Loma Linda University, graciously welcomed the graduates and guests. In his remarks, he emphasized that, in these difficult and uncertain times, the world desperately needs leaders who exemplify Loma Linda University’s core values—summarized by the phrase C WITH Jesus’ Eyes: compassion, wholeness, integrity, teamwork, humility, justice, and excellence. These values, he reminded us, are not merely aspirational; they are essential to the healing work our graduates are now being called to undertake.
Consistent with the deep sense of family that defines our LLUSP community, our commitment to mentorship and holistic development, and our pride in our students, Dr. Willie Davis, Dr. Jody Gonzalez, Dr. Kathryn Knecht, Dr. Aimable Ngendahimana, Dr. Kyle Sousa, Ms. Ashley Vasquez, and Ms. Norma Maynez were present to celebrate with the members of the LLUSP Class of 2025.
As the service ended, we were reminded that consecration is not only a moment of personal affirmation but a public commissioning. Our students leave Loma Linda not only with a degree but with a purpose: to be agents of healing, equity, and hope. We celebrate their journey and look forward with confidence to the impact they will make in the world.