Graduation Weekend

About this time every year, Loma Linda University becomes a campus bustling with activity. The Class of 2007 from the Schools of Medicine, Pharmacy, and Dentistry were awarded their diplomas yesterday. The whole weekend, in fact, was a whirlwind of activity.

On Saturday morning, after hearing an inspiring sermon by Jason Shives, Paul and I attended the School of Medicine’s Baccalaureate service, where Amy Lee and Evelyn Law played a cello duet.

I have known Amy since our teenage years, and she has always been an outstanding musician. What a blessing that she agreed to share her music with us on our wedding day!

For lunch we went over to Eli and Susie’s house again for our weekly Sabbath potluck. This week the entire Shives clan as well as Eli’s family joined our group of friends.


Ken Lim’s parents even made their appearance. Dr. Lim showed us the “right” way to cut a pineapple.


Saturday night we headed down to San Diego for a huge birthday party for my niece, Taylin, who had just graduated from the eight grade. I didn't realize this would be more than just a family event. More than a hundred people showed up! My old church members from San Diego Korean SDA Church were all gathered there, and I was especially pleased to see Grace So, currently studying law at Georgetown University, and Andreia Kim, an aspiring physician’s assistant, doing her undergraduate studies at my alma mater – UCSD.


Of course, no event is complete without a doggie reunion.


Early Sunday morning, we rushed to attend the School of Medicine graduation.

Congratulations to A.G. (going into Psychiatry)...


and Sunik Oppa (Neurosurgery)...


Andy and Michelle Park (the newlyweds going into Family Practice and FP/Psychiatry, respectively)...


and Eli Kim (FP)...


can't forget to mention Miso Kim (advanced potty training -- upper division)...


and Jason Shives (FP)...


Sally and Aaron Sartin (FP/Preventive Medicine)...


and Ralph Clark (Preventive Medicine)...


and Marshall Ford (Ophthalmology)...


Afterwards, we had a feast at Eli’s house before rushing off to the School of Pharmacy graduation to celebrate with Annie Curnow.


We hung out for a few hours at Tim and Adrian’s house before finally heading to the School of Dentistry graduation in the evening, where my cousin DongWook earned his doctor of dental surgery. Here is a family photo with some of our cousins, uncles, and aunts.


I searched long and hard for my other "cousin," Erina, but could not find her amidst the multitude of people. Congratulations to her, too!!! =)

Other Dental graduates include Brian Chan...


Sarah Kim...


Melissa Lee...


Joe Chang...


Angela Kim...


and the extended Korean clan...


By the time we got to Bernard’s graduation dinner party, I was still stuffed from a whole weekend of eating. Nonetheless, I must say that my aunt had prepared quite a grand setup of fantastic food.



What a weekend. Once again, congratulations to all the graduates!!!