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CDU held its 40th Commencement Ceremony on May 19, 2024, at El Camino College. Degrees and certificates were conferred upon the Mighty Lion Class of 2024, a remarkable group of graduates, many of whom began their academic journey amid the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The theme of this year’s celebration was inspired by the powerful words of American political activist and philosopher Angela Davis, who said, “I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept.”

The ceremony began with an opening address delivered by CDU President and CEO, Dr. David M. Carlisle, who applauded the graduates for their powerful resolve to challenge the status quo.

“During your time at CDU, you have been equipped with knowledge, skills, and a vision to address and reduce health disparities — a vision that you are now ready to turn into action,” said Dr. Carlisle. “You are graduating in a world overflowing with challenges yet filled with opportunities to effect change. As CDU graduates, you are uniquely prepared to lead this change, not just to practice healthcare, but to transform it in ways that are equitable, inclusive, and compassionate.”

Following the president’s address, John Baackes, CDU Board of Trustees Chair, acknowledged the obstacles the graduates overcame to reach this point in their careers and offered words of encouragement as they continue their journeys.

“People are hurting, and your healing hands are sorely needed today. You are healthcare practitioners and researchers, leaders who will meet the challenges that you will face in your careers,” said Chair Baackes. “Go out and fight for social justice and health equity for underserved populations. That is CDU’s mission that you have embraced.”

Gabrielle Carter, College of Nursing student speaker, delivered a moving speech to her peers, encouraging them to be catalysts for change, champions of progress, and architects of a better future.

“Each one of us possesses the power to make a difference, to challenge the status quo, and to dismantle the barriers that hinder progress,” remarked Carter. “It starts with recognizing that our voices matter, our actions have consequences, and our choices shape our world. We must be bold, courageous, and unyielding in our pursuit of justice, equality, and compassion.”

Dr. Thomas A. Parham, President of California State University, Dominguez Hills, delivered a motivational keynote address where he urged graduates to maintain their cultural integrity in a world that may not support or affirm their humanity, characterized by their demographic makeup.

He exhorted graduates to embrace the role of a healer, pointing out that as they strive to be a healing presence in the lives of others, that they challenge themselves to “find hope in the midst of despair, courage in the face of fear, voice in the chamber of echoes, compassion in the face of insensitivity, and love in the midst of hate.”

Having navigated their studies during a global health crisis, this year’s graduates exemplify the University’s commitment to cultivating diverse health professional leaders who are dedicated to social justice and health equity for underserved populations through outstanding education, research, clinical service, and community engagement.

Armed with the knowledge and values imparted by CDU, the Mighty Lion Class of 2024 are poised to lead the charge in advancing social justice and health equity for underserved communities everywhere.

Click here to access the digital version of the program booklet.