OFFICE OF ALUMNI RELATIONS
ALUMNI MENTORSHIP PROGRAM
CONNECTS STUDENTS WITH MENTORS
The CDU Alumni Mentorship Program launched with a Meet and Greet for Mentors and Mentees . The new program had over 30 alumni from every program apply – a historical record . The program pairs up new and current students with alumni from the University who provide career and personal mentorship . The program , which is a partnership between the Office of Strategic Advancement and Student Services , aims to empower students by harnessing the experience and perspectives of alumni to support the development of CDU ’ s future health professionals .
NETWORKING EVENT
60 ALUMNI FROM VARIOUS GRADUATING CLASSES
CDU hosted a lively networking event in Marina Del Rey , California . The exclusive gathering brought together approximately 60 alumni from various graduating classes , spanning from the ‘ 90s to recent graduates , providing them with an opportunity to reconnect , mingle , and forge new professional and personal relationships .
ALUMNI PROFILES
ALABI AND LAYE AKINLOYE
COLLEGE OF SCIENCE AND HEALTH
Alabi Akinloye , ’ 95 and his wife Laye Akinloye , ‘ 84 are graduates of the College of Science and Health ’ s Physician Assistant ( PA ) Program . They are both currently retired . Mr . Alabi served as a PA for 26 years in pediatrics , cardiology , trauma surgery , and occupational medicine . Mrs . Alabi dedicated 32.5 years to her role as PA . Her longest tenure was at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center where she directed their Cardiothoracic Surgery Physician Assistant Postgraduate Program and subsequently served as the Senior Staff Physician Assistant in Cardiothoracic Surgery for the remainder of her career .
educational experience ,” stated Mrs . Alabi of her journey at CDU . Words used to illustrate her journey include : intense , stressful , supportive and nurturing .
The message Mr . Akinloye sends to current students is to be present in the moment , always . “ It is a difficult but doable experience ,” advised Mr . Alabi . “ Stay focused , engaged and always know that you are capable of becoming a successful clinician .” Mrs . Alabi encourages current students to take care of themselves spiritually , mentally , physically , and emotionally . “ Life happens , don ’ t get discouraged / depressed if things don ’ t go as planned ,” said Mrs . Alabi . “ Reassess and execute .”
Mr . Alabi , who also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Science from CDU , applied to the University because of his wife being a graduate of the PA program and their matriculation through various programs offered at the institution .
Mr . Alabi describes his time at CDU as memorable and speaks highly of his experience , highlighting the PA program ’ s track record of graduating “ thoughtful , caring , and capable PA ’ s .” “ I met lifelong friends and learned quite a bit about what it takes to be an effective clinician ,” said Mr . Alabi . “ I had the best
OFFICE OF ALUMNI RELATIONS Annual Report 2023
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