Mervyn M. Dymally School of Nursing Celebrates Ten Years
After graduating over 1,300 nursing professionals since it opened in Fall 2010, the Mervyn M. Dymally School of Nursing at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science kicked off this year’ s Nurses Week, which took place from May 6 – May 12, 2020, by celebrating its ten-year anniversary.
The school was named after the legendary Los Angeles legislator Mervyn M. Dymally, who served in the California assembly and senate, as well as serving as the state’ s Lt. Governor. He capped his career with over 20 years in the U. S. House of Representatives. Dymally was a long-time supporter of CDU and highly instrumental in securing funding for the University as it grew over the years.“ The school being named after Congressman Dymally is a fitting testament to his legacy and steadfast advocacy for improving access to both healthcare and education for under-resourced communities of color,” said CDU President and CEO Dr. David M. Carlisle.
Dr. Dymally’ s( center) surprise naming ceremony for the nursing school took place during the 17th annual Jazz at Drew festival in 2007.“ For the first time in my political career, my staff kept a secret from me,” he remarked.“ I am truly humbled by the Board of Trustees ' decision to name this school in my honor.”
From 2010, when the first cohort of students matriculated into the newly-opened Life Sciences Research and Nursing Education building, to 2012, when the first class graduated 91 nursing students, to this year’ s commencement, when the school will confer 231 graduate and undergraduate nursing degrees, the Mervyn M. Dymally School of Nursing has grown steadily and continues to add new programs.
“ MMDSON continues to expand and introduce new graduate and certificate programs, and we have plans to develop an undergraduate prelicensure nursing program predominately for high school students, licensed vocational nurses and veterans pursuing their goal to be Registered Nurses. In addition, plans are underway to open a Doctorate in Nursing Practice in Fall 2021. Most important, the focus will continue to be to serve the underserved, the mission of CDU that makes me very proud,” said MMDSON Dean, Dr. Diane Breckenridge.
MMDSON, which is housed in the Life Sciences Research and Nursing Education Building, was California’ s first comprehensive nursing program to open in 25 years.
“ In a recent survey of our nursing graduates, 41 % of the respondents indicated that they are employed within a 10-mile radius of the University. This is a significant impact and contribution to the city of Los Angeles,” said CDU Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, Dr. Steve O. Michael.“ As the University embarks on a second five-year strategic plan, we have a renewed commitment to growth and to cultivating diverse health professional leaders to serve in the underresourced communities.”
2019 Annual Report Now Available
Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science is pleased to announce the publication of the 2019FY Annual Report.
This year’ s report celebrates student and faculty accomplishments and offers a glance into CDU’ s future as we continue to educate and empower impactful, compassionate and exemplary future healthcare professionals.
You can access an electronic copy of the 2019 FY Annual Report here.
Article from CDU News- May 2020