Page 5 CDU Newsletter
May 2023
CDU Community Remember Dr . Wilbert C . Jordan During Memorial
The CDU community came together on campus to celebrate Dr . Wilbert C . Jordan ’ s life and contributions to the University and community . Dr . Jordan was founder of the OASIS Clinic and CDU Professor Emeritus and was known far and wide as a paragon of action and compassion around the AIDS epidemic .
“ After our father passed away , Wilbert stepped in as a male figure . And we looked at him more like a grandfather . He guided and inspired us to pursue the next greatest opportunity in our lives ,” said Aaron Green , Dr . Jordan ’ s godson . “ Wilbert was an inspiration not only to my family , but to everyone that met him . Dr . Wilbert Jordan truly was the great giant .”
Attendees heard from numerous speakers , including CDU President and CEO David Carlisle , and Special Assistant to the President Sylvia Drew Ivie . Dr . David Satcher , 16th Surgeon
General of the United States , and Professor Cynthia Davis in CDU ’ s Master of Public Health in Urban Health Disparities program also took to the podium . Speakers shared stories and memories of Dr . Jordan and reflected on the impact he had on the world .
“ Dr . Jordan took me under his wings and mentored and educated me . The rest is history ,” said Dr . Davis . “ We are here today to give you your due love and respect in acknowledging the tremendous impact you ’ ve had on a local , statewide , national , and international basis in enhancing and prolonging the lives and wellbeing of people living with HIV and AIDS . Dr . Jordan , Godspeed and sending you unconditional love for a job well done .”
Dr . Jordan earned his undergraduate degree from Harvard College , medical degree from Case Western Reserve University , and a Master in Public
Health from the University of California , Los Angeles . In 1973 , Dr . Jordan became an Epidemic Intelligence Service Officer with the Centers for Disease Control ( CDC ). He was stationed in Washington , D . C . but also spent an extended tour with the World Health Organization - Government of India Smallpox Eradication Program .
Dr . Jordan reported the first heterosexual case of HIV in Los Angeles County in 1983 . He joined CDU in 1984 and went on to cochair the AIDS and Infectious Diseases sections of the National Medical Association ( NMA ). He was also honored as “ Doctor of the Year ” by the Charles R . Drew Medical Society and “ Man of the Year ” by the Los Angeles Sentinel .
Dr . Jordan is survived by his great nieces , cousins , godchildren , and dear friends .
Click here to watch a rebroadcast of the memorial .