CDU Celebrates Class of 2026 at 42nd Commencement Ceremony
On March 23, 2026 Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science held its 42nd Commencement Ceremony, conferring nearly 400 degrees and certificates upon the Mighty Lion Class of 2026.
Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43) received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree in recognition of her longstanding leadership and advocacy for working families and marginalized communities across California.
In her remarks, Congresswoman Waters praised graduates for their chosen career path.
“You have chosen a career that says everybody deserves medical help,” she said.
“You come from a university that teaches advocacy, change, and believes in compassion.”
This year’s student address was delivered by Bailey Moore, MBS ’25, and now Master of Science in Public Health graduate and former Student Government President.
“We chose CDU because of its mission, a mission rooted in equity, justice, and the unshakeable belief that communities like ours deserve healers who look like them, listen like them, and fight like them,” said Moore. “As we graduate during CDU’s 60th year, we know our hearts are prepared to heal. That is our inheritance and we’ll bring it into every room we walk into for the rest of our lives.”
Connie L. Rice, esq., nationally acclaimed civil rights attorney and activist, delivered an inspiring keynote address reminding graduates that they are entering the workforce not only as healthcare professionals, but also as medical social just warriors.
“Sixty years ago, the fires of rebellion forged your university, the diamond in south LA,” said Rice. “CDU and King/Drew hospital rose from the ashes of rage to answer an abused community’s demand for the simple right to not to die for lack of a hospital.”
The 2026 President’s Medal, the University’s highest honor, was awarded to Walter Pitts, a trusted and valued presence in the Facilities Department at CDU for nearly two decades.
The Board of Trustees’ Medal of Honor was presented to Dr. Vidya Kaushik whose commitment to excellence in patient care, medical education, and leadership has left a lasting impact on countless students, colleagues, and members of the community.