Dr. Hawkins, civil rights champion, was among the first to give the over 1 million underserved and poor people here, some of the infrastructure necessary to build a stronger, fairer community. 

Dr. Hawkins was generous—his skill and determination were invaluable to the creation of an institution whose dedication to serving communities and individuals in need—mirrored his own. In 1987, in league with then Congressman Mervyn M. Dymally, he was able to secure Charles Drew University’s designation as a Historically Black Graduate Institution – still the only one west of the Mississippi. That designation has been indispensable to funding our infrastructure expansion and therefore our success today, both as a producer of excellent graduates and as one of the nation’s most respected health research institutions.

Today, the University is the only dually-designated Historically Black Graduate institution AND Hispanic Serving Health Professions School in the U.S.

In the spring of 2008, the University breaks ground for its new nursing and research building. It will sit directly opposite the Augustus Hawkins Building on 120th Street in which the University – in partnership with the University of California - conducts ground-breaking and life-saving research focused on reducing health disparities and improving the well-being of disadvantaged people everywhere.  For the first time since the ‘Gus’ Hawkins building went up over 20 years ago, a new building will appear on this small campus. This is a major investment and boost to economic development in South L.A.  We know that Dr Hawkins would be very proud. 

Gus Hawkins was a dear friend of the community in South Los Angeles and especially, this university and its noble mission. We will always be in his debt. He truly led a life worth living.  We join his family and friends in sadness as we farewell a warrior for all that is good.

Dr. Susan Kelly
President and CEO
Charles Drew University