WesternU Dedicates Clock

An elegant timepiece harkening back to a bygone era will serve as a meeting place for the healers of tomorrow and a testament to the generous support of WesternU’s friends.

Western University of Health Sciences held a dedication ceremony on Nov. 18, 2010 for a custom-designed clock placed on its Pomona, Calif. campus Esplanade in between the Banfield Veterinary Clinical Center and the Health Professions Center.

The cost of the clock and its installation was a gift of Dr. and Mrs. Peter Chen. Their son, Thomas, is a first-year student in the College of Dental Medicine.

“We’re dedicating a very timely addition to the university,” said WesternU President Philip Pumerantz, PhD. “But this is more than just the dedication of a clock. We’re gathered here because of a great vote of confidence that some very good friends and supporters have in what we’re doing. That’s Dr. and Mrs. Chen.”

The 16-foot-7-inch, four-faced clock, built by Cincinnati-based Verdin Company, has a vintage look with modern functions, including a GPS to assure accurate time. The clock will serve as a place to meet on campus, Dr. Pumerantz said.

“One of the fun things about Development is every once in a while, you can find a special relationship with someone who wants to help with what you’re trying to do, and that’s truly the case with the Chens,” said WesternU Senior Vice President Thomas G. Fox, PhD. “What you have here is probably as magnificent a clock as you can expect this side of London.”

Dr. Chen said he hoped when people walk past the clock, it will “make every day very happy.”