Commencement 2025
By Sarah Roddy ’80-B
Dear Class of 2025,
Congratulations on your graduation! All of the deans and faculty are so proud of you! We were blessed by your time in Loma Linda. You came to medical school as a class already having many accomplishments. You had received awards for academic achievement, research, leadership, sports, and music. You already had a heart for service, volunteering in many churches and civic organizations. You had
spent time in over 40 countries ministering to others. While in medical school, you added many more accomplishments to this list. The journey through medical school was not easy, and you put in many hours studying, more than you ever thought possible. You persevered through tests and board preparation, clinical skills labs, and numerous assignments. In your third year, you started your clinical rotations and experienced the joy and sometimes stress of seeing patients. You took the time to ensure that your patients received compassionate care and that you were well prepared for your presentations during rounds.
Throughout your time at Loma Linda, you did not forget why
you chose medicine—you continued to serve others. You continued to prioritize volunteering at local community organizations and participating in global mission service, seeking opportunities to serve those with limited access to medical care.
As you transition from medical school to the next phase of your training, you are well-prepared to face the challenges. Class of 2025, God has been with you every step of the way, and He goes before you still. Hold fast to His promise in Deuteronomy 31:8, “The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” May God bless you as you continue the teaching and healing ministry of Jesus Christ. ν
Published in the Summer 2025 ALUMNI JOURNAL.
Sarah Roddy ’80-B is a pediatric neurologist and has been the associate dean for admissions since 2012.
From the Class President
By Everett Young ’25
Dear Class of 2025,
We often talk about the future in medicine—the next innovation, the next diagnosis, the next step. But today, I’m thinking about the road behind us. The long nights filled with doubt, the patient we’ll never forget, the moment we realized we could do this. These weren’t just growing pains—they were sacred steps in a journey that shaped who we are.
As the class of 2025, we trained during a time of transition and turmoil. We carried the burden of learning medicine in a world still healing from crisis. We adapted to new curriculums, embraced hybrid learning, and supported one another when things didn’t go according to plan. And yet, in the uncertainty, we found purpose. In every shared struggle, God was forming something lasting.
We didn’t make it here alone. Our families prayed over us. Our professors poured into us. Our classmates reminded us of our humanity. As class president, I witnessed firsthand the power of a community that believes in one another. That’s exactly what we did—we believed in the calling God placed on each of our lives.
As we move forward, may we never lose sight of the people we’ve become; may we stay humble in success and steadfast in struggle; and may we always keep God at the center of our journey—because the same God who sustained us through this season will guide us in the next.
