Summer 2023 Page 6
CDU Newsletter Commencement 2023 a Success for CDU Graduates
CDU held its 39th Annual Commencement Ceremony on June 3 , 2023 , at Los Angeles Southwest College Stadium conferring around 450 degrees and certificates upon the Mighty Lions Class of 2023 . The grand celebration of achievement and academic excellence marked a significant milestone for the University as it included its first ever cohorts of graduates from the new Doctor of Nursing Practice program and the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program . The theme of this year ’ s celebration was the “ Faith is taking the first step even when you don ’ t see the entire staircase ” quote by Martin Luther King Jr .
The ceremony began with a welcome address by CDU President and CEO , Dr . David M . Carlisle . President Carlisle commended the graduating class for their dedication and emphasized the challenges they had overcome during their academic journey , including the unprecedented disruptions caused by the global pandemic . invaluable insights while sharing personal reflections of her own academic journey , pointing out how her story is like many in the graduating class .
“ I hope that when you look back on this day , even if you don ’ t remember who spoke to you from this microphone , you will remember that you are your own CEO ,” said Dr . Ramos . “ And I hope that you will have been a voice of change . . . that you ’ ve embraced every experience and shared what you ’ ve learned with others . . . and that you ’ ve taken care of yourself – putting your oxygen mask on first – so that you have the energy and strength to make a difference in the lives of others .”
College of Science and Health student speaker Esmeralda Carrillo delivered a moving speech reflecting on
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“ Some of you took the first step in your CDU journey during the deepest hours of the COVID-19 pandemic ,” said Dr . Carlisle . “ Uncertainties abound in every direction . Yet you were not dissuaded . You showed up . You learned . You grew , and now … you graduate .”
Dr . Carlisle lauded the graduates for their achievements and wholeheartedly professed his faith in their abilities as they forge ahead in their lives and careers .
“ Now , you carry the torch of compassion and excellence that has been passed down through the decades into the communities and neighborhoods that need you the most ,” he remarked . “ Remember that faith will be your steadfast companion . It will embolden you to take risks , to question the status quo , and to move us as a society closer to the vision of health equity that everyone deserves .”
Dr . Diana E . Ramos , California ’ s second Surgeon General and first Latina Surgeon General , delivered an inspiring keynote address . She imparted