UAU President Inauguration

The new president of Union Adventist University is Dr. Yami Bazan, a Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership from Andrews University, a Bachelor's degree and a Masters Degree in Humanities, General and Graduate education Administration from La Sierra University and an Associates from Loma Linda University. She started her term on July 1, 2024 after the retirement of Dr. Vinita Sauder. 

Dr. Sauder retired on May 31, 2024 and looks forward to finishing her long-standing screenplay and spending time with her children. Regarding her leaving, she said, “I can retire happily knowing that I am leaving Union in the hands of someone so caring and compassionate.” 

The President’s Inauguration is coming up soon on November 14 at CVC. The Inauguration is required for students and staff and the event starts at 10:20 a.m. The rest of the day is filled with events and celebrations although many of them require a reservation. The celebration luncheon comes right after the official installation at 11:30 though the luncheon is by invitation only. 

Following this, at 3:30 p.m., Dr. Elvin Rodriguez will be performing with family members in a piano recital in honor of Dr. Bazan’s inauguration. It is open to the public. At 7:00 p.m., Dr. Sigve Tonstad will be giving a lecture from Loma Linda University discussing “Cain, Abel, and the destruction of Gaza.” He will also be presenting other lectures on various topics that students can look forward to hearing. On Friday, November 15, 2024, the Campus celebration dinner will take place for faculty and staff and invited individuals at 5:00 p.m. At 7:30 p.m., the family worship service and vespers will also be a consecration service for the President. On Saturday, November 16, 2024, Dr. Tonstad will be giving the message after the Inauguration. 

Dr. Bazan has recently acted as an elementary classroom teacher, an Associate Youth Director for Southeastern California Conference, Vice President of Student Life at La Sierra and the Associate Dean for the Loma Linda School of Medicine. This shows that she has much experience from different levels of education. Furthermore, she has demonstrated strengths for leadership and education. She has also exemplified a grander understanding of the administrative efficiency that has currently placed Union in the place it needs to be to grow.

by James Smartt