University Celebrates $ 50 Million Grant for the New Medical School from the State
It was appropriate that, on October 11th, Senior Vice President Angela Minniefield introduced the celebration of the University receiving $ 50 million from the state legislature and Governor Gavin Newsom toward the building of an appropriate edifice to house the new on-campus medical school. SVP Minniefield’ s tireless efforts to promote CDU and identify potential sources of funding have been momentous.
In his welcome remarks, President David Carlisle acknowledged the work of the team that made the grant possible and referred to Assemblyman Mike Gipson as a“ guardian angel,” integrally vested in the hopes and future of CDU. In his opening prayer and remarks, Pastor Marcus Murchison of Tree of Life Missionary Baptist Church cited how effectively University leadership encourages the strong community investment.
It was noted that the grant bridges the gap between what could be done and what will be done. $ 50 million means support for change including more diversity, health equity, and social justice. Assemblyman Gipson was lauded for bringing more than $ 2 billion to his district, much of that directly benefitting Watts- Willowbrook. the late Mervyn M. Dymally as a mentor and stated that his role was to make CDU a permanent fixture on the map for its many achievements.
COM Dean Deborah Prothrow-Stith thanked everyone responsible for making the grant possible including CDU leadership, faculty and staff, and elected officials. She also took the opportunity to noted that the high percentage of medical professionals of color in LA County are CDU-trained.
Dr. Robert L. Taylor, Pastor of Beulah Baptist Church, provided the closing message. It was a fitting prayer of thanks and acknowledgment of the great significance of the day’ s festivities.
In his remarks, Assemblyman Gipson acknowledged CDU’ s work and called President Carlisle a“ drum major for justice.” He recognized longtime local leaders Arturo Ibarra and Sweet Alice Harris, who introduced her husband Allen to the crowd. All received a warm ovation. Assy. Gipson mentioned
CDU College of Medicine | PG. 3