CDU News | Page 3
President ’ s Message
Greetings ,
This month I had the privilege of graduating not one , but three amazing classes of Mighty Lions . It was the biggest Commencement Ceremony in the storied history of this institution and our first fullsized gathering since pre-pandemic times . This month also marked the birthday of CDU ’ s namesake , Charles R . Drew . You can read about both of those occurrences in this newsletter . Each serve as examples of what can be accomplished when efforts are focused towards achieving goals that help the greater good , be it diversifying the health professions or developing lifesaving techniques for blood storage .
Each student that crossed the stage at our Commencement Ceremony to accept their degrees or certificates with Dr . Drew ’ s name emblazoned on it was experiencing an important , but not final , chapter in their personal journey . These are stories that are forever unfolding . Tales in which the author and main character are the same person who also concurrently plays important roles in other people ’ s stories .
This is especially true of those who are in the medical profession . Upon your graduation you will commence or resume a health-related career . There you will directly , indirectly , or through a combination of both , touch the lives of others on a regular basis . What will those chapters look like ? That will be up to you . It always remains an honor for us at the University to help you acquire the knowledge , skills , understanding , and context you need to map out that journey .
This month also saw an unquestionably divisive moment that tears at our tattering societal fabric . No matter where you stand on the issue of abortion , somehow the Supreme Court ’ s decision felt abrupt and jarring despite having been expected for some time .
The potential negative impact on under resourced populations and populations of color , the ones we serve , is not insignificant . Without wading into the debate , I do ask the entire CDU community to consider and plan for the potential health outcomes of such a ruling , as health professionals do in situations such as these . Also , don ’ t forget to make time to center yourself on your own feelings about the ruling .
Progress and perseverance are hallmarks of CDU Mighty Lions . Dr . Drew created success from adversity all those years ago . He went on to inspire this very University , and now , hopefully , it can inspire you through tough times . We now , as always , believe in the potential of our students and look forward to reading each and every story they write in the tale of our world .
Dr . David M . Carlisle , MD , PhD . President and CEO