Thirty Years and Still Growing

This year marks the 30th Anniversary of WesternU. “”Continuing the legacy

of excellence through learning and discovery”” is the University’s theme

for this landmark anniversary. We invite alumni, students, faculty and

friends of the University to celebrate with us. The University will host

several events throughout its anniversary year to recognize our dynamic

alumni, our diverse student body and the contributions of the Board of

Trustees, University partners and friends over the last three decades.

These events will also showcase significant development plans the

University has for expansion in the coming years.

Over the last few weeks, we have set the tone not only for the

celebration of our 30th Anniversary, but also for the commitment and

spirit we will apply to our program development and the University’s

growth over the next 30 years. Three educators have been appointed as

founding deans for the three respective programs WesternU plans to open

by 2009. In December, James J. Koelbl, DDS, MS, MJ, was selected as the

Founding Dean for College of Dental Medicine. This week, Lawrence B.

Harkless, DPM, was appointed as the Founding Dean for the College of

Podiatric Medicine, and Elizabeth Hoppe, OD, MPH, DrPH, was named as the

Founding Dean for the College of Optometry. The University has

entered the initial planning phase of program development and will be

applying for accreditation with the respective professional governing

agencies for these programs and with the Western Association of Schools

and Colleges (WASC).

“”Upon opening the three new colleges, Western University of Health

Sciences will be one of the most comprehensive academic health science

centers in the nation,”” said Steven Wartman, MD, PhD, president of the

Association of Academic Health Centers (AAHC). “”Bringing on three new

founding deans of professional schools at one time is unprecedented in

higher education. This is a bold action that is consistent with Western

University’s historical development. WesternU is one of America’s

leading universities admired for its vision, innovation and education.

The three new programs will reflect the core values of the University;

the discipline of learning and the art of caring.””

Year after year we have built a rich tradition of academic excellence and

achievements. The president and the Board of Trustees invite you to join

us in celebrating these accomplishments and to partner with us as we

continue to grow and expand over the next 30 years.

We look forward to continuing the legacy of excellence through learning

and discovery.

For more information on the newly appointed deans, the University

Strategic Plan or Western University of Health Sciences, please visit

www.westernu.edu.