Riverside, Calif., June, 2002 -- This spring four faculty are leaving La Sierra University for "greener pastures," or at least the well-deserved and hard-earned pastures of retirement.

Robert Rice has a long history with LSU, having attended La Sierra College Demonstration School, La Sierra Prep, and graduated from La Sierra College, earning his MA, from Loma Linda University Riverside Campus (i.e. La Sierra University). Working at LSU since 1991, Rice has held several positions: Assistant Professor Administration and Leadership; Chair, Department of Administration and Leadership; and Assistant Professor, Administration and Leadership for his final year 2001-2002. He's also been actively involved as President of the Faculty Senate, President Alumni Association, and Chair of the Faculty Affairs Committee.

Rice on LSU…
“I arrived at La Sierra in 1949 a young Southern lad ready for seventh grade. I am proud to say that I earned my Water Safety Certification in the pool which now houses the School of Education where I teach. I also appreciated teaching graduate school in the same classroom in lower Hole Memorial where I attended academy. I have loved all eleven years I taught here. I shall always be proud to have graduated four times and taught at La Sierra. In retirement I will wear my La Sierra hats, shirts, and watch with pride. Of course our greatest rewards as teachers come when we see our students who are successful. Hopefully we will make it to heaven to witness some students who we may have helped on their journey there.
I really plan to work my way across the United States and back without any money. No work, no eat. Watch for my best seller, The Wanderings of a Demented Professor and Charlie.”
–Robert W. Rice

Walter Hamerslough graduated from La Sierra University in 1958. He took a position at Loma Linda Elementary in 1959, and taught history and physical education at LL Academy from 1960-1963. He joined the faculty at La Sierra University in 1963 and has served as the department chair for 22 of his 39 years within the department of Health, Exercise Science and Athletics. He was also Director of Alumni Relations for two years. Hamerslough has been Chair of the LSU and the LLU Faculty Senate, President of the LSU Alumni Association and president of the LLU Alumni Federation. He was University Marshal at LLU and LSU for 25 years.Walt has served the SDA-Health, Physical Education, Recreation Association since its inception. He was the organizationÕs founder, first president in 1983-1984, and remained as its' first and only Executive Director from that time to 2002. He recently received the AssociationÕs Honor Award. Hamerslough plans to maintain an office in the Department of Health and Exercise where he will continue to do research and write.

Hamerslough on LSU…
“Due to the emotion of the moment it was impossible for me to share my sincere thanks with you for the retirement luncheon. So I would like to do it ‘after the fact.’
LSU is a special place. It has been an important part of my life for many years. Its a ministry of the highest calling. What a wonderful way to earn a living--interacting with young people and watching them mature and becoming productive members of society. And, of course, witnessing their spiritually growth. I have been blessed being able to be a part of the lives of so many students. Many experiences touch one's soul.
Its’ been my privilege to have develop friendships with many of you. I thank you for this and the role many of you have played in my life.
My prayer is that God will continue to be with LSU and with each of you. This is His school and our foremost goal should be to further His cause. It is important to be scholars, but it is also important to be mentors in the spiritual journey of our students.
Thank you again for letting me share in the LSU experience. This place will always be dear to me!”
–Walter S. Hamerslough

Coming to the La Sierra Campus of Loma Linda University in 1988 as Professor of Curriculum and Instruction, Melvin Campbell has remained at that position throughout his years here. For the past four years he's served as the School of Education's Director of Distance Education.

Campbell on LSU…
“La Sierra University’s School of Education has provided an environment of professionalism and of service to other educators. It has opened doors of opportunities for me that only an institution of La Sierra University’s (and initially Loma Linda University) caliber could provide. I have seen the School of Education’s faculty numbers diminish in size but grow in terms of professional scholarship and its’ service to the public and private sector of education. I am very pleased to have had a small part in these developments for the past 14 years. I am convinced that the best days for LSU’s School of Education lie ahead. It would be great to begin another 14 years on this campus!”
–Melvin Campbell

Roy Kryger, Professor of Chemistry, joined the La Sierra Chemistry Faculty in July 1984. Kryger graduated from Atlantic Union college and received his Ph.D. from Boston University. He's been active as the Chief Pre-Professional Advisor and Chairman of the Professional Recommendation Committee at LSU since 1998. Kryger also served as the Pre-Medical Advisor from 1986-1992, and 1996-2002.

Retirement celebrations were held for each retiree in the Cactus room this spring.

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by Kandi White