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 co-chair 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.