The Centennial Pathway

Follow the progress with frequently updated photos. If you want to participate, read the articles below and click here to download the form.

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A letter from Dr. Hart

Dear Alumni and Friends:

I have wanted to write this letter for a long time. Finally, the Centennial Pathway is ready to go forward! If you have followed developments here at Loma Linda University you know there are many issues that held up this important project. While not all the issues have been cleared, we are ready to push forward and begin construction, which we expect to be completed by spring of 2011.

I believe this historical Pathway will quickly become a destination of choice for all who come to our campus!

To help make the Pathway meaningful for all, I am asking you to do three things:

1. Consider sponsoring individual pavers and/or a seating area with your name or in appreciation for those you choose to honor.

2. Visit the Centennial Pathway website at www.centennialpathway.org for a list of historical markers and consider sponsoring one or more that have special meaning to you.

3. Review the criteria for listing around the Mission Globe and submit your name or those of others who qualify for this special recognition.

Thank you for your support so this project can soon be a reality.

Sincerely, Richard H. Hart, MD, DrPH, president

Introduction of the Centennial Pathway

In commemoration of God's leading in the founding and history of Loma Linda University, we are constructing the Centennial Pathway in the heart of our campus.

The Pathway is designed in the form of a calendar, with 365 pavers for each year section, every paver representing an actual day of Loma Linda's first century of service. The Pathway begins at Magan Hall with a Founders Plaza and the year 1905. It continues down the north central mall of the campus toward the Centennial Complex, where it ends at Stewart Street in the year 2009.

Special historical markers commemorating major events or milestones will be embedded in the Pathway within the year they took place. In addition, the names of people whose lives have been impacted by Loma Linda or who have had a part in fulfilling its mission will be engraved on personal pavers throughout the Pathway.

As people walk along the Pathway, they will be reminded not only of God's leading in Loma Linda's history, but also of the thousands of people whose lives have been intertwined with the life of the University.

Personal Pavers

Over 6,000 of these have already been sponsored at $100 for weekdays, and $200 for Sabbaths. They will have your individualized message on them. There are still many pavers available for sponsorship. It would be wonderful to have your name and the names of your family and friends on pavers at the time of the Pathway's grand opening.

Historical Markers

These historical markers capture the significant events of Loma Linda University, our community, and the world, and serve as the framework for the Centennial Pathway. Our Historical Committee has identified major historical events for each of the first 100 years. These will be engraved on 16-inch square granite markers in the appropriate year, truly providing a "stroll down memory lane."

A complete list of historical events is available on our website at www.centennialpathway.org so that you can view those years you are interested in or that occurred during your time at Loma Linda. In recognition of a sponsorship gift of $3,500, your name will appear at the bottom right of the selected marker.

Founders Plaza

At the south end of the Centennial Pathway, between the Del Webb Library and Magan Hall, the Founders Plaza will be constructed. This will be the entry point of the Pathway and designed to honor those who established Loma Linda against all odds.

Many of the University's first teachers and administrators were graduates of the American Medical Missionary College (AMMC) in Battle Creek, Michigan. As a tribute to them, the AMMC rock, which was gifted to the University at the time of our 50th anniversary celebration in 1955, will be included in the Founders Plaza. Construction and sponsorship of the Founders Plaza will occur after the Pathway is complete.

Mission Globe

There are few distinguishing characteristics of Loma Linda University that match our global investment. This has been true for our entire history, making Loma Linda unique among universities. So it seems appropriate that the centerpiece of the Centennial Pathway will be the Mission Globe, a 26-foot-tall stylized globe. Engraved on granite at the base of the globe will be the names of our alumni and staff who have served for a cumulative period of one year or more around the globe. This will be visible from many places on campus, symbolizing the University's commitment to global service.

Initial estimates suggest this listing of names will be around 3,000 individuals. It is a challenge to collect all these names accurately. We are working with church records, the alumni associations, schools and other sources, and will greatly appreciate any help to make the list complete. The Mission Globe area is designed so we can add names in the future. We want to include all those who are eligible now and later. There is no cost associated with this, so please assist us in finding everyone who has made up this great army of global workers from Loma Linda University. A list of all those for whom we are already aware can be seen at www.centennialpathway.org. The criteria and an application form are available for download here.

Seating Areas

The campus will be completed with permanent benches and tables that will provide students and staff with convenient places to study, fellowship, and enjoy meal breaks outside. These will have power for laptops, wireless Internet connections, and the ample shade of trees. Tables, each seating around 4 to 5 persons, can be sponsored with a gift of $5,000. You may also choose tables able to seat 8 to 10 for $10,000. Your name and an inscription will be placed on a plaque embedded in the tabletop.