Alumni Newsletter Summer 2020

CDU ' s Inaugrual Virtual Graduate Celebration

As the unprecedented events of 2020 changed the course of our reality and ultimately, has become the year of " the new normal ", the University was able to adapt to uncharted territory and implement a virtual celebration webpage for the Class of 2020. The webpage features remarks from Dr. David Carlisle, President and CEO, Arthur J. Ochoa, JD, Chair, Board of Trustess, Sylvia Drew Ivie, JD, Special Assistant to the President for Community Relations, and Dr. Steve Michael, Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost. Other messages included remarks from Dr. Deborah Prothrow-Stith, Dean, College of Medicine, Dr. Diane Breckenridge, Dean, School of Nursing, Dr. Hector Balcazar, Dean, College of Science and Health and a special message from Lewis Williams, President, CDU Student Government.
The sentiments from University representatives specifically from Dr. Carlisle highlighting the qualities of the Class of 2020 included "... class strength, determination, resilience and achievement." This year ' s class not only made history globally but marked the highest number of degrees conferred in the history of the University. There were 399 degrees and certificates among all three colleges.
The celebration webpage featured a video presentation slideshow of all of the graduates with the traditional commencement " Pomp and Circumstance " symbolizing the ending of a chapter and celebration into a new journey. To view the celebration webpage and other features on the site, including the official 2020 Commencement e-book and graduate awards, click here:

Fall 2020 Transition Amid COVID-19

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the University plans to transition class to a hybrid model for this Fall. After campus closure in March due to the pandemic, the University transitioned faculty and students to online instruction. Other measures CDU has implemented include but are not limited to canceling all non-essential travel and canceling University on and off-site events including Jazz At Drew.
Dr. David Carlisle states, " Things will likely get worse before they get better, but there is no reason to think that – provided we continue successfully practicing good public health measures – we can’ t control the current novel coronavirus and COVID-19 pandemic as well. Working together, we can win the fight against this pandemic."