OFFICE OF STRATEGIC ADVANCEMENT & COMMUNICATIONS
CDU Celebrates Graduates with Dual Commencement Ceremonies
CDU held its 38th Annual Commencement Ceremonies at the Dignity Health Sports Park on June 6 , 2022 , conferring degrees and certificates upon the Class of 2022 . The celebration also welcomed the Mighty Lions of 2020 and 2021 who were not able to celebrate their graduations in person due to the COVID-19 event policy that was in place at the time . This year ’ s commencement was the largest in the University ’ s history and consisted of a morning ceremony honoring graduates of the Mervyn M . Dymally School of Nursing ( MMDSON ) and an afternoon ceremony honoring the graduates of College of Medicine and the College of Science and Health .
Additionally , Dr . West spoke about the importance of being a beacon of light in the face of overwhelming catastrophe . “ Never give up on your light , never give up on your calling , never give up on your vocation , let us work together , struggle together , and never forget about your magnificent experience in this historic institution with our memories of the best and our willingness to serve those who come after ,” said Dr . West .
LaShon Williams was the student speaker at the MMDSON ceremony in the morning . She delivered a fiery speech that
CDU President and CEO David M . Carlisle took to the podium to address the graduates and frame the impact they will have as they start or return to their careers in the health professions . “ The world that awaits you , now more than ever , is in need of your unique combination of compassion , knowledge , and skill ,” noted President Carlisle . “ If each of you manage to take just a few steps towards health equity after leaving here , then what I see before me is that we are a thousand steps closer to achieving that vision .”
The theme of this year ’ s commencement was “ You can ’ t lead the people if you don ’ t love the people . You can ’ t save the people if you don ’ t serve the people ,” a quote by Cornel West , noted philosopher and political activist .
Dr . West delivered an inspiring keynote address at the morning ceremony for MMDSON . He urged graduates to be long distance runners in their plight to stand up against ailments plaguing society like organized hatred , institutionalized greed , and chronic hypocrisy .
“ How are we going to be countervailing forces against it ? That ’ s what these [ graduating ] classes are all about ,” explained Dr . West . “ You all constitute the glue that holds together this fragile democracy undergoing and unraveling and if we don ’ t stand up in the name of the Charles Drews and others , who will ?” challenged all graduates to keep pushing for change . “ I want graduates to spread this globally , be the voice and hands of change , don ’ t sit back when you can make a difference and know that we all need change ... Together we can make a difference .”
Deborah Prothrow-Stith , Dean of the College of Medicine and CDU ' s interim Provost , applauded the graduates for their tenacity in pursuit of their degrees . She acknowledged the stresses and traumas over the past few years that include the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic , the murder of George Floyd , the threats against historically black universities , and the increase in domestic terrorism .
“ You have had to study and remain focused in a very challenging context ,” remarked Dr . Prothrow-Stith . “ Your success is a statement of your capacity , competence , persistence , and grit . These qualities will serve you well as you embark on your next steps as leaders for social justice and health equity .”
Physician and public health leader , LaMar Hasbrouck , served as keynote speaker for the afternoon Commencement Ceremony for the College of Medicine and the College of Science and Health . He delivered a passionate address affirming their purpose as healthcare professionals .
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Commencement Office of Strategic Advancement & Communications