Distinguished Alumna
Robin Miller Ungar
Communication Sciences and Disorders
"The DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD is presented to an alumnus(na) whose accomplishments exemplify the aims and aspirations of the School of Allied Health Professions and Loma Linda University. The individual must have been distinguished in humanitarian service or in academic pursuits including peer review research and/or education and have maintained spiritual commitment."
Congratulations to Robin Miller Ungar on this achievement!
“Most recently, Robin produced a feature-length film of the Vocal Vidas trip to Los Angeles. It premieres in March 2021.”
BIOGRAPHY
Robin Miller Ungar graduated from Loma Linda University in 1975 with a Master’s of Science in Speech Pathology and dove into private practice. In 1978, Robin partnered with a fellow graduate from her class to found a private practice in the greater Los Angeles area. Though her business partner retired in 2012, Robin still manages this business, helping with communication and swallowing disorders in patients suffering neurological disabilities, such as Parkinson’s disease, cerebral vascular accidents, traumatic brain injuries and other cognitive impairments.
In 2014, visiting Santiago, Cuba, on an archeology trip, Robin entered a 16th century fortress and heard the Vocal Vidas singing. Awestruck by the music, she video-recorded the experience on her phone. Her husband encouraged a return trip to Cuba for more, so she went. The result, a 16-minute short film of the Vocal Vidas, entitled Soy Cubano, has circulated through 60 film festivals and won 10 awards. Most recently, Robin produced a feature-length film of the Vocal Vidas trip to Los Angeles. It premieres in March 2021.
At a friend’s request in 2017, Robin produced As We Are, a 30-minute feature about a musical group whose members are on the autism spectrum. This film spent two years circulating at film festivals. Robin believes in music and art as humanity’s common ground. Her film shines as a beacon of tolerance, understanding and friendship.
We are proud that Robin is an alumna of our department. She blesses people all over the world, not only with her rehabilitative knowledge and skills, but also with her inspiring films.
The Communication Sciences & Disorders department is honored to present the 2021 Distinguished Alumna Award to Robin Miller Ungar.
To learn more about our Communication Sciences and Disorders department, visit our website!
