2021
COMMENCEMENT
CDU Holds Virtual Commencement Ceremony
CDU ’ s 37th Annual Commencement Ceremony was held virtually on Monday , June 7 , 2021 . The digital experience replaced the traditional in-person graduation exercises which were postponed due to public health directives related to the COVID-19 pandemic .
The virtual event created a memorable celebration for the graduating class while also providing an opportunity for family , friends , students , and the University to offer their congratulations . Elements of the experience included celebratory content , a keynote speaker , faculty / staff presentations , and social media filters that allowed graduates to virtually wear a graduation cap . Graduates ’ names were announced during the ceremony accompanied by photos submitted by each student in advance of the ceremony .
Supervisor Holly J . Mitchell of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors from the 2nd District , which includes the neighborhoods surrounding the CDU campus , delivered the keynote address . “ CDU grads , you represent the changing face of health care , bringing trusted providers into communities in South LA and beyond where there is tremendous need ,” remarked Supervisor Mitchell during her speech . “ The pandemic has shown that the diversity of the health care workforce matters and is necessary to overcome fear and mistrust of the health care system .”
The virtual event included the bestowment of an honorary degree from CDU to Dr . Anthony Stephen Fauci , the American physician-scientist and immunologist serving as the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases ( NIAID ) and the Chief Medical Advisor to the President . Dr . Fauci was unable to attend but recorded a heartfelt acceptance speech . Honorary degrees were also awarded to Supervisor Mitchell and Dr . Barbara Ferrer , who were both present to receive their award .
CDU Board of Trustee member , Mr . Howard Kahn , former Chief Executive Officer of L . A . Care Health Plan , received the 2021 Board Medal of Honor Award , which is presented to the recipient who best exemplifies the spirit of the university ’ s mission , serving the underserved with excellence and compassion . “ I could not be more proud of our students ,” shared CDU President and CEO Dr . David M . Carlisle . “ These Mighty Lions earned their way to commencement in the middle of an unprecedented public health crisis and did it with grace . Imagine what they will achieve next .”
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I could not be more proud of our students . These Mighty Lions earned their way to commencement in the middle of an unprecedented public health crisis and did it with grace . Imagine what they will achieve next .
– Dr . David M . Carlisle
CDU President and Chief Executive Officer
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6 COMMENCEMENT