Western University of Health Sciences’ College of Podiatric Medicine (WesternU CPM), in partnership with PRESENT e-Learning Systems, hosted the inaugural PRESENT Pacific Conference on Nov. 8-9, 2025, bringing a state-of-the-art, interactive, CME-accredited educational experience to its Pomona, California campus and providing a strong new addition to podiatric education on the West Coast. 

The conference welcomed 32 exhibitors and more than 90 registrants, including students, residents, faculty, and clinicians, for a weekend of high-yield lectures, case presentations, surgical pearls, and interactive Q&A sessions. The educational program included several nationally-recognized leaders in podiatric medicine and limb preservation, including Dr. Robert Frykberg, Dr. Thomas Chang, Dr. Arman Kirakosian, and Dr. Roya Mirimiran, whose expertise and mentorship added tremendous value to the event. 

The conference was co-chaired by CPM Associate Professor and Continuing Education Director Adrienne Estes, DPM ’13, MS, FACFAS, DABPM, and CPM Dean Jonathan Labovitz, DPM, FACFAS, CHCQM, who helped shape a program rooted in evidence-based practice and emerging innovations in podiatric medicine. WesternU CPM Project Manager Carolina Banuelos coordinated logistics, including scheduling, support, and on-site operations, which ensured the event ran smoothly and professionally from start to finish. 

Read the full story: WesternU College of Podiatric Medicine hosts inaugural PRESENT Pacific Conference | WesternU News

The story behind one of WesternU’s most cherished traditions came back to life when Dr. Craig Durck, DO ’94, joined us as a volunteer at the Alumni Mixer on Nov. 5, 2025. While reconnecting with students and staff, he was asked about his time at WesternU—and that simple conversation uncovered the remarkable origins of Santa’s Workshop. Hearing Dr. Durck’s memories and witnessing his pride in seeing the tradition thrive more than 30 years later reminded us just how deeply alumni shape and sustain the spirit of WesternU.

WesternU’s beloved Santa’s Workshop began not as an official program, but as a heartfelt act of kindness sparked by Dr. Durck and his classmates more than three decades ago. During their first year of medical school, the group decided to create a moment of joy for local children, and an escape from the stress of coursework. “We were just trying to do something nice for the kids,” Dr. Durck recalled.

Read the full story: Honoring the origins of WesternU’s Santa’s Workshop: Celebrating 35 years of a tradition rooted in compassion | WesternU News

The Pumerantz Library is pleased to host therapy dogs from noon to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10 and Thursday, Dec. 11. Following their popular visit in May, the dogs will return to offer a relaxing and stress-relieving break for students, faculty, and staff. Take a moment to stop by, de-stress, and enjoy some time with our canine guests.

For more information, please contact librarymarketing@westernu.edu