LOMA LINDA>> On November 28, 2007, Loma Linda University Adventist Health Sciences Center (LLUAHSC) dedicated the Jerry L. Pettis Congressional papers and the Shirley N. Pettis Congressional papers that were generously donated by the Honorable Shirley N. Pettis-Roberson. Hundreds of boxes of documents will be rotated to the display periodically.
“Loma Linda has been a special place to Jerry and me, and I’m so honored that this great University will house the joint record of our Congressional service,” she stated. The dedication was held in the University Church of Seventh-day Adventists during a student convocation, with about 2,000 people in attendance. Accompanying her on the platform were former First Lady Barbara Bush and Congressman Jerry Lewis.
After the showing of a video tribute, “The Pettis Legacy,” Lowell C. Cooper, MDiv, MPH, chair, Boards of Trustees, stated, “These papers not only illuminate, reserve, and extend access to this nation’s past from their unique perspectives, but they also help to bridge the gap between the academic world and public life. And for this we express our gratitude to them. But, in this particular community and in these health science institutions, we are indebted to these two individuals for so much more. Their contributions on behalf of Loma Linda University and the Children’s Hospital extend far beyond their roles and years in public service. Their legacy here is a strong thread in the fabric of our institutional history.”
Former First Lady Barbara Bush expressed how honored she was to speak since she and the Honorable Shirley Pettis-Roberson have been friends for so many years.
B. Lyn Behrens, MBBS, president and chief executive officer of Loma Linda University Adventist Health Sciences Center, presented the Honorable Shirley Pettis-Roberson with a medallion signifying the LLUAHSC President’s Award. “Because of your dedication to democracy and freedom and for walking on the stage of the world with dignity and wisdom, at the same time maintaining a common touch and friendship; because of your devotion to children in this region and around the globe; and because of your extraordinary life of service, it is my honor and privilege to confer upon you the LLUAHSC President’s medallion. We do that today with great appreciation.”
The Pettis papers dedication luncheon followed the ceremony. Guests were surrounded by red, white, and blue décor in the Wong Kerlee International Conference Center. The ribbon cutting ceremony ended the day’s celebration. Guests were led to the special Pettis display in the Del E. Webb Memorial Library Department of Archives and Special Collections.
During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Mrs. Barbara Bush summed up the day, “It’s amazing that this university will house the papers of not one but two widely respected individuals across the political spectrum. They were both committed to serving with integrity and sound judgment. And in their careers they showed a commitment to equal justice and faithful adherence to the constitution and the laws of the land. It seems safe to say that these papers have found their perfect home.
The Pettises made another major contribution to Loma Linda that can be seen today, but was not recognized as a problem at the time. Although Loma Linda from its very beginning has been involved in health care around the world, it was once seen locally to be a closed, parochial community. That was its reputation in the Inland Empire. The Pettis’ perception was that if people are going to serve an area, they have to make themselves friendly and known, and participate in its concerns. Early on, they developed an acquaintance with Carrol Small, MD, because he was one who shared this vision. Shirley called him a “very farseeing man.” He had been involved with the San Bernardino County Medical Society.
Jerry got Loma Linda University involved with the Arrowhead United Way, and when he failed to raise the amount he had pledged, he made up the difference with his own personal funds. In 1964, because of his involvement locally, San Bernardino City fathers asked Jerry to run for United States Congress.
Things have changed. And the most visible example of Loma Linda’s involvement with the surrounding community today is the San Bernardino campus of Loma Linda University Health with its Social Action Community Health System, vegetarian restaurant, and San Manuel Gateway College. It will help revitalize downtown San Bernardino and touch the lives of hundreds of thousands of regional residents.