CDU Rising Enters Public Phase
CDU Rising, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science’s (CDU) comprehensive campaign to raise $75 million to support the University’s vision of achieving a world without health disparities, has entered the public phase. The “quiet phase” kicked off in 2020 and the campaign has secured over $70 million in pledges and cash gifts thus far.
Now, the initiative enters the public phase where fundraising efforts reach wider audiences of donors and community members, including smaller donations from individuals to take the campaign over the finish line.
“Charles R. Drew University is an amazing achievement in the heart of South Los Angeles and I invite you to join us on our journey to excellent health and wellness for all in a world without health disparities,” said Dr. David M. Carlisle, CDU President and CEO. “The roads to such lofty destinations are more easily traveled when not traveling alone. Together we can achieve a better future for our students and our communities.”
The campaign has three overarching goals: investing in student success, growing the University’s general operating support, and constructing a state-of-the-art Health Professions Education Building (HPEB) on the CDU campus.
The HPEB will provide space for the University’s new and growing programs. It will also be the home of the recently announced CDU 4-Year Medical Degree Program, which is the first and only such program offered through a Historically Black institution west of the Mississippi. The University was granted unanimous approval by the County of Los Angeles Board of Supervisors to move forward with construction of the multi-level structure.
Support for CDU’s unrestricted funds allows the University to maintain operational excellence, new academic programs, technological improvements, building renovations, and more. It also supports new construction, deferred maintenance, and other initiatives and priorities not covered by tuition or fees.
As a student-focused academic institution with a strong social justice mission, CDU places the highest priority upon the needs and goals of its students. Institutionally, over 90% of students receive some sort of financial aid. Investing in the campaign allows the University to offer more support services designed specifically for academic success.
“While we work towards our goal of $75 million, we will continue to raise money well beyond our initial objective. Nothing goes to waste,” said Andreh Khachaturians, Executive Director for Development and Alumni Relations. “We are optimistic that with our individual, corporate, foundation, and community partners, we will exceed our goal to further ensure the durability of our mission to cultivate 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.”
The CDU Rising campaign will continue through 2025. A website for the campaign is now live at cdurising.com with more information and a link to donate.