The crisp white tablecloths flap gently in the breeze; home-grown roses anchor the table runners. Drinks are iced, and savory Thai food awaits. On a sunny July afternoon in Portland, Oregon, the Alumni Association Regional Gathering is ready to go.

As the guests arrive, they are greeted by hosts Linda and Theodore Mackett ’68. Calvin Chuang, executive director of the Alumni Association, facilitates the evening. As part of the Alumni Association’s commitment “to connect” in 2025–2026, I share that 10 of these regional Gatherings are planned around the country. Tamara L. Thomas ’87, dean of Loma Linda University School of Medicine (LLUSM), provides an update, focusing on the perspective of current students. The remainder of the evening is dedicated to fostering connections through free-flowing conversation.

The alumni in attendance at the Portland Gathering shared with me how much they enjoyed the evening.

Allie Thorp and Jonathon Thorp ’12 serve in global missions in Guam and were visiting Allie’s parents, Ann and Rick Westermeyer ’83, in Oregon. Jonathan Thorp described the evening as “phenomenal” and was thrilled to represent the global reach of LLUSM. Over the course of the evening, he connected with some recent retirees who committed to join him in Guam for short-term mission service. Thorp appreciated the opportunities to network, socialize, share stories, and rekindle old friendships.

Leander Moncur ’02 had not visited LLUSM since 2008. He and his wife, Andréa, attended the gathering at the urging of classmate Karen Yoon ’03. Moncur describes being “pleasantly surprised” by the number of alumni in the area. Speaking with Thomas and hearing the LLUSM update brought back fond memories. Reflecting on the experience, Moncur eloquently captures the purpose of the Gathering, saying, “I have a place in this group; I have belonging.”

Since the Portland Gathering the Alumni Association has hosted six Gatherings across the country with two more coming: Oahu, Hawaii, Jan. 16-19 and Tacoma Park, Maryland, Jan. 31. To sign up to attend an Alumni Gathering near you, or to host a Gathering, visit llusmaa.org or scan the QR code.

Published in the Fall/Winter 2025 ALUMNI JOURNAL.