Dr. David M. Carlisle ’76, Hon. ’26: ”Never Forget What You Stand For“

Dr. David M. Carlisle ’76, Hon. ’26, president and chief executive officer of Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, was named an Honorary Doctor of Science at Wesleyan’s 194th Commencement Ceremony. In his remarks to the Class of 2026, Carlisle positioned the new graduates within Wesleyan’s long legacy of catalyzing change.

“In the 1970s, Wesleyan’s commitment to aid-blind admissions made it a change agent for those of us who came from challenged economic and social backgrounds—so many being the first in their families to go to college,” said Carlisle. “And it created a special place where students felt truly free to explore and learn from each other, not just the faculty.”

Carlisle is a board-certified internal medicine specialist whose clinical work revolves around caring for the underserved. Before his current position leading Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science in the Watts-Willowbrook area of Los Angeles County, Carlisle served as director of the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development from 2000 to 2011 under three California governors. After studying chemistry at Wesleyan University, he earned his MD from Brown University and his MPH and his PhD in Health Services Research from the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health. A professor of medicine and public health, Carlisle’s academic focus is on health policy, quality of care, medical education diversity, and the elimination of health disparities.

Carlisle made the following remarks during Wesleyan’s 194th Commencement Ceremony on May 24:

Greetings to the Wesleyan University Class of 2026! You know, I can't believe it's been 50 years since I graduated from Wesleyan. I was out there with you all 50 years ago, and, it wasn't raining that day, I'm sorry. My wife is from Portland. She'd go, "What rain?" Anyway, I bring heartfelt congratulations to all of you from the institution I lead, Charles R. Drew University in Los Angeles.

You know, there’s a surprising connection between Wesleyan and CDU. Our namesake, the renowned African American surgeon, Dr. Charles Richard Drew, is most famous for his revolutionary development in the 1930s of the process of preserving, storing, and banking blood plasma. Just as you will be from today forward, Charles Drew was a graduate of the Little Three. In fact, he graduated from Amherst exactly 100 years ago. To be sure, he did quarterback the Amherst football team that defeated Wesleyan with a last-second Hail Mary pass—he was the quarterback in 1923.

Charles Drew exemplifies what it means to be a change agent. He grew up in very harsh times: He was forced to attend a segregated high school and because the American Medical Association at that time was segregated, this brilliant physician remained unable to join the AMA throughout his life. But his work has saved countless lives.

Wesleyan is a change agent too. Wesleyan has a special commitment to bringing truly liberal education to students from all walks of life. In the 1970s, Wesleyan’s commitment to aid-blind admissions made it a change agent for those of us who came from challenged economic and social backgrounds—so many being the first in their families to go to college. And it created a special place where students felt truly free to explore and learn from each other, not just the faculty.

I want to recognize other members of the class of 1976: my classmate, Dr. Andi Grubb; Sarah Silverman, who is here also; Michael Donnella, who is watching; and so many others. Thank you very much for being with me during my Wesleyan journey 50 years ago. We all became change agents.

I know I speak for my class when I say: Wesleyan Class of 2026, you have a long road and a wonderful challenge in front of you. Never forget what you stand for as Wesleyan graduates, always remember the legacy of change agents like Dr. Charles Drew, and forever be committed to being those change agents. My class, and that special Wesleyan spirit, are counting on you!

Congratulations to you all, and thank you for this great honor. Go Cardinals!