On March 1, 2026, the School of Religion at Loma Linda University hosted its annual Alumni & Benefactors Banquet in the Loma Linda University Church Fellowship Hall, bringing together students, faculty, alumni, and donors for an evening of fellowship and celebration.
The program began with welcoming remarks from Leo Ranzolin, followed by prayer offered by Enda Banks, a chaplaincy student. Musical selections were provided by Sheldon Lee, setting a reflective and celebratory tone for the evening.
The homily was delivered by Dr. Harold Koenig, one of the leading researchers, advocates, and voices exploring the role of religion and spirituality in healthcare, who offered spiritual reflection and encouragement to those gathered. Attendees then shared a communal dinner before hearing the Dean’s Address from Leo Ranzolin, highlighting the mission of the School of Religion and the ongoing impact of alumni and benefactor support.
Updates from the center directors were presented by Grace Oei, Jon Paulien, and Saul Barcelo, providing insight into current initiatives and future directions of the Center for Christian Bioethics, Center for Understanding World Religions, and Center for Whole Person Care, respectively.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of scholarships, celebrating students whose academic commitment and service reflect the values of the School of Religion. Recipients included:
• Dr. David & Ms. Maxine Taylor Scholarship: Fatimah Alramadhan and Enda Banks
• V. Olsen Scholarship: Man Ka Wong, Andrew Choi, and Daniel Cuevas
• Wirth Scholarship: Santiago Tamayo Hernandez and Samuel Luque
Scholarship presenters each acknowledged the generosity of donors and the accomplishments of the recipients. The annual Alumni & Benefactors Banquet continues to serve as a meaningful opportunity to strengthen community, honor donors, and support the next generation of leaders in religion, ministry, and service.