Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU) will host its 5th Annual Legacy Leaders Spring Gala—Honoring Legends, Championing Our Mission— on Thursday, April 13, 2017 at The Beverly Hilton Hotel, 9876 Wilshire Boulevard, Beverly Hills, California 90210. The reception starts at 6 p.m and dinner begins at 7 p.m.
The annual Gala pays tribute to individuals who have helped CDU fulfill its mission to train healthcare leaders to provide care with excellence and compassion. This year, the Gala will honor Dr. Charles R. Drew, the namesake of CDU, with his heirs in attendance to accept: Bebe Drew Price, Charlene Drew Jarvis, PhD, Sylvia Drew Ivie, JD, and Charles Richard Drew, Jr. (Posthumously); the Honorable Mark Ridley-Thomas, Chairman, Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, Second District who also serves as Chair of the CDU Board of Councilors; and a 37 year staff physician and faculty member Wilbert C. Jordan, MD, Founder and Director, Oasis Clinic and AIDS Program, a pioneering collaboration between CDU and Los Angeles County.
“The Legacy Leaders Spring Gala annually provides an opportunity for the University to pay tribute to legends and leaders who have and are paving the way for CDU to stand tall in its Mission to provide access to health services for those who need it most,” said Dr. David M. Carlisle, President and CEO of CDU. “They also provide health professions educational opportunities for students who are underrepresented and who often feel isolated at other institutions. For these reasons, we are honored and proud to celebrate this year’s honorees.”
The evening will include a performance by the world renowned Barbara Morrison and her 9-piece orchestra. Returning as mistress of ceremonies for the 5th straight year is veteran NBC4 general assignment reporter Toni Guinyard.
The gala is one in a series of events throughout the year designed to raise funds and recognize CDU’s 50 years of training outstanding health professionals. On August 22, 1966, CDU was founded following the Watts Revolt, to address the inadequate access to healthcare in the community of Watts and greater South Los Angeles.
Proceeds from the event will support student scholarships and benefit Student Services which enhance students’ experience and success at CDU. Proceeds will also support CDU community pipeline programs, including its premier Saturday Science Academy II, an impactful pipeline program that encourages K-12 South Los Angeles students to excel in math, science and technology.
Make your online ticket purchase by April 5th at http://www.cdrewu.edu/SpringGala, or call the Office of Strategic Advancement at 323.357.3669. For updates, follow #CDUSpringGala on social media.
For more information, visit http://www.cdrewu.edu/, and follow CDU on Facebook, Twitter (@cdrewu), and Instagram(@charlesrdrewu). The hashtag for this event is #CDUSpringGala.
