CDU News | Page 3
President ’ s Message
Greetings ,
This month ’ s newsletter is proof that summer is not necessarily a slow period for CDU . This issue is full of stories that demonstrate the only thing hotter than the Keck Lawn in mid-July is the Mighty Lion spirit .
It ’ s almost mind-boggling how vibrant and active the CDU community has remained at all times . It is something I will discuss in my upcoming annual State of the University address on August 30th . I thought for sure that everything that has been happening in the world would make it just a little harder to find bright moments to talk about . The continuing COVID outbreak is keeping campus life at a minimum while the worsening economy and legislative climate is undoubtedly having a distracting impact on everyone . It seemed there was enough going on that would hinder CDU ’ s successes and impede any progress towards achieving our mission and vision .
I was terribly wrong . I instead find myself struggling to share all the amazing accomplishments that the staff , students , and faculty have achieved in the last year without needing to extend the time allotted for me to deliver the speech to an impractical length . Honestly , I could easily fill half the time just covering what you will read about in just this issue of our newsletter that covers 31 days in the middle of summer .
This month we celebrated with one of our long-time partners , hit a historic milestone for our proposed 4-Year Med program , hosted a group of undergraduate students from across the country who are future health professionals , received generous donations , and won competitions . We took time to welcome new leadership and held an event to listen to our neighbors in the communities around the campus . So much for the dog days of summer .
I found myself pondering the nature and source of the energy that emanates from CDU . At first , I attributed it to a unique culture that attracts talented faculty , dedicated staff , innovative researchers , supportive partners , and amazing students who turn into compassionate health professions leaders . Then I realized I had it backwards . They are not attracted by the culture … they are creating it .
You are the reason we are so successful . It is so simple it can be easy to overlook . However , once you realize it you can ’ t help but see it in every corner of our classrooms , campus , offices , events , and outreaches . So , thank you all very much for never leaving me with nothing interesting to talk about .
Dr . David M . Carlisle , MD , PhD . President and CEO