Students from the honor class of 1986
By Jackson Boren - March 16, 2026
A kinetic energy filled Loma Linda University School of Nursing during the 2026 Homecoming Weekend festivities. The combination of nostalgia and discovery permeated the halls, as alumni shared memories with peers and faculty as well as met current students for the first time and learned about the new developments of their alma mater.
There were simulation demonstrations on display for returning alumni to see how the school is using virtual reality and other advanced technologies to train students outside of the clinical space. A tribute ceremony was hosted by the Nurse Honor Guard of Southern California to memorialize a number of peers from one honor class who had passed away. Alumni could be heard reminiscing about their time as students on the LLU campus and noticing how much it had changed in the years since.
With many current students in attendance, it was a generational celebration for everyone involved. Current Senior Class President John Oscar Cordero said, “Participating in Homecoming Weekend was a really meaningful experience for me. I enjoyed connecting with alumni and hearing their stories about how their time at LLUSN shaped their careers. It reminded me that serving with compassion and purpose is why I chose nursing. Being part of an event that celebrates that legacy was both inspiring and rewarding.”
In addition to revisiting West Hall, LLUSN’s alumni family celebrated the school’s 121st year with a host of class reunions, continued education offerings and a kickoff celebration a University Church courtyard warmly known as the Homecoming Bash. The whole weekend was capped off with the LLUSN Homecoming Brunch at the Mission Inn Hotel in Riverside to honor the classes of 1966, 1976, 1986, 2001, 2006 and 2016. The Alumni Association awarded scholarships to current students in both the undergraduate and graduate programs. Class of 1976 alum, Louella Freeman had glowing praises of the weekend, saying, “It was a joy getting to reconnect with friends I hadn’t seen in years and make new memories together.”
Finally, Sheryl Parfitt from the Class of 1976 was awarded the Alumni of the Year award by her peers. Parfitt expressed her deep appreciation for the honor, saying, “Knowing the career achievements of so many of my classmates, I am incredibly humbled and honored to receive the Alumni of the Year Award; this recognition is profoundly meaningful and will continue to inspire me in promoting the spiritual values and healing ministry of Loma Linda University.”