January 2024 Page 6 CDU Newsletter
Pipeline Program Hosts 24th Annual Junior White Coat Ceremony
Photos by Kevin Camargo
The CDU Pipeline Program hosted the 24th Annual Junior White Coat Ceremony for the next generation of healthcare professionals and scientists .
Pre-K - 12th grade Saturday Science Academy II ( SSA II ) students were honored with a certificate of completion and presented with white coats for their participation in the program . This year ’ s theme was “ Reaching for the Stars ” and the ceremony was held at King Drew Magnet High School of Medicine and Science .
“ The event was a resounding success with over 350 guests in attendance ,” said Dr . Dulcie Kermah , SSA II Director .
The event featured remarks from Dr . Kermah , representatives from CDU administration , and CDU faculty . Dr . David M . Carlisle , CDU President and CEO , provided the University Welcome , Dr . Rasheed Ivey , CDU and SSA II alumni , served as keynote speaker and Dr . Aneka Braxton provided Alumni Remarks . Senator Steven Bradford of the 35th District was also present to share SSA II reflections with guests .
SSAII students participated throughout the ceremony by performing various recitations including the Pledge of Allegiance , speeches from Dr . Martin Luther King , Jr ., Dr . Charles R . Drew , and Cesar
Chavez . SSA II students took an oath during the event promising to treasure what they ’ ve learned in the program and to continue their quest to higher education .
“ The highlight of the event was having members from our inaugural CDU Medical School class coat 70 outstanding SSA II students with the ‘ Junior White Coat ,’” said Dr . Kermah .
Medical student David Heredia presented his five-year-old daughter , Penelope Heredia , with her white coat .
Penelope , who would like to become a pediatrician , led a bodily organ demonstration with fellow SSA II student , Sayid Hart , during the ceremony .