Dear Dr. Hart:

On behalf of the parents and graduate Class of 2021 School of Dentistry, we issue a joint statement requesting that the Loma Linda University School of Dentistry administration to allow us to hold a private outdoor commencement ceremony on May 30th to commemorate the extraordinary work we have put in. As of March 25th, Governor Gavin Newsom has announced that all residents ages 16+ will be eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine beginning April 16th as well as the goal to have everyone vaccinated by May 1st. In addition to increased vaccination eligibility, the CDC mask & social distancing guidelines will allow our families to attend and participate in a ceremony that recognizes our accomplishments and the support that made it possible.

The graduating class has succeeded in earning a doctoral degree during the COVID-19 pandemic and this shows the resilience that we did not know we had. The Class of 2021 School of Dentistry had worked hard to achieve our dreams and a commencement ceremony will be a memory of a lifetime where these graduates will get to share with their future children and grandchildren about how they had made it through the global pandemic and photos of their “Pride and Joy” being alumni of Loma Linda University School of Dentistry.

Loma Linda University is the leader of the health care systems in the world. We have great confidence that you, Dr. Hart, and your team of experts in the medical field will have a safety plan in place on how to hold an outdoor commencement in an orderly and safe manner according to CDC guidelines during this COVID-19 pandemic.

We are a family of God and this health ministry institution campus located in the City of Loma Linda was a vision of Mrs. Ellen G. White. We remember in the 80’s, Dr. Leonard Bailey did a heart transplant on baby Fae, that was a spotlight that Loma Linda University Medical Center gained worldwide attention and it placed the City of Loma Linda on the map of the world. Dr. Hart, you can do it again to place Loma Linda on the world stage to show Loma Linda University can hold an outdoor commencement during this COVID-19 pandemic.

Thank you and we will keep you and your team in our prayer trusting that the Lord will guide you to make the right decision.