August 22, 2016 marks the 50th Anniversary of Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science. In 1966, CDU was founded out of the ashes of the Watts revolt with a clear mission—to address the inadequate access to healthcare in the community of Watts and greater South Los Angeles. You can help us honor our history and shed light on an emerging bright future.

CDU Stories

Dr. Mervyn M. Dymally

An ambassador, friend, and colleague to the University, Dr. Mervyn M. Dymally had an unwavering commitment to increasing health care and galvanizing the community.

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Dr. Mitchell Spellman

One of CDU’s founding fathers, Dr. Mitchell Spellman was a leader in advocating for civil rights and promoting the connection between patient care, medical education, and research.

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Dr. Sherman Mellinkoff

Over the years, hundreds of medical students have graduated from the CDU/UCLA Medical Education program ready to provide quality and compassionate care to the community, and we have Dr. Sherman Mellinkoff to thank for initiating the partnership that makes it possible.

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Dr. David Satcher

From University leadership to the top health care post of the United States, Dr. David Satcher is committed to improving public health policy and eliminating health disparities for underserved communities.

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Nola Carter

Nola Carter is a leading advocate for CDU and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Hospital.

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Representative Maxine Waters

An advocate for women, children, people of color, and the poor, Representative Maxine Waters has shone a spotlight on the needs of South Los Angeles and successfully appealed for resources.

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Dr. Robert Tranquada

A leading founder of the Watts Health Clinic, Dr. Robert Tranquada has a decades long track record of supporting the University and quality health care in South Los Angeles.

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Sweet Alice Harris

A community organizer through and through, Sweet Alice Harris is an icon in Watts. Her work has improved the wellbeing of the neighborhood and inspired many young people to pursue higher education.

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Arturo Ybarra

A cultural leader of South Los Angeles, Arturo Ybarra is committed to building relationships between the Latino and African-American communities. He serves as a member of Dr. Carlisle’s President’s Community Advisory Council.

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Dr. A. Paul Kelly

When many doctors didn’t know how to treat skin of color, Dr. A. Paul Kelley set out to be a pioneer in the field.

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Charles R. Drew Medical Society

The Charles R. Drew Medical Society was the force that created of the University after the Watts Revolt and is now instrumental in providing scholarship support to CDU students.

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Dr. Gus Gill

A legend of CDU, Dr. Gus Gill served the University in innumerable capacities and was a mentor to many.

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Former Senator Teresa Hughes

An advocate for equal educational opportunity and better health care, California State Senator Teresa Hughes was a monumental supporter of Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science.

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Dr. Henry S. Williams

A man known for both his generosity and determination, Dr. Henry S. Williams was one of the CDU founders dedicated to bringing medical training and care to the underserved communities.

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Former Senator Dianne E. Watson

The first African American woman elected to the California State Senate, Former Senator Dianne E. Watson shined a spotlight on the needs of underserved communities, including those living in her district in South Los Angeles.

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Ted Watkins

A chief community organizer after the Watts Revolt, Ted Watkins created an organization that produced sustainable change.

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Mary B. Henry

A matriarch of South Los Angeles, Mary B. Henry advocated tirelessly for the underserved and shaped programs, policies, and institutions that improved lives in the community.

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Dr. Leroy Weekes

A trailblazer for African Americans in the medical field, Dr. Leroy Weekes was a leader in the movement to open Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science.

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Dr. M. Alfred Haynes

An architect of social justice for black professionals in the health sciences, Dr. M. Alfred Haynes served as president emeritus at CDU and worked tirelessly to reduce cancer mortality in the African American community.

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Tim Watkins

Continuing the legacy of his father at the helm of the Watts Labor Community Action Committee, Tim Watkins has grown a local institution that actively ensures a better future for Watts.

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Lillian A. Mobley

A tireless community activist with a drive to stand up for the rights of others, Lillian A. Mobley, also known as “Mother Mobley”, was on the frontlines after the Watts Revolt to establish CDU and the Martin Luther King Jr. Hospital.

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Students, faculty, staff, patients, friends, community and supporters all have a unique story to share about their time at CDU or how the University has impacted them. Nominate yourself or another individual and tell us how you believe that person embodies the mission of CDU.