Welch Hall Clinical Lab Completes Late Educator’s Gift to Students

As part of the legacy of the late James L. Welch, professor of clinical sciences at California State University, Dominguez Hills, a new clinical sciences lab has been built on the third floor of the campus building that also bears his name. The new lab in Welch Hall was dedicated in his honor on June 10. The 24-station classroom/laboratory features state-of-the-art equipment, and a mock-up of an apartment, where occupational therapy students will learn to train patients to live independently. The facility will begin to be used for classes in the fall.

“The building and the lab are very much a lasting tribute to Jim, his hard work, and his vision,” said Robert Dowling, emeritus professor of management and trustee of the James L. Welch Family Trust.

One of the greatest benefits of the new labs is the storage space for equipment and specimens, proclaimed Mitch Maki, dean of the College of Health and Human Services.

“I can tell you that our faculty [members] are excited, but more importantly, our students are excited,” Maki said at the dedication. “Our faculty won’t have to go traipsing across the university, dragging all their equipment [to class]. This is going to allow us to provide great educational opportunities here in this building.”

Another notable feature of the labs is the new Occupational Therapy Living Skills Lab that replicates the return to home for patients who require retraining in everyday tasks, from getting out of bed to doing the laundry.

“Occupational therapy is a health profession that helps people return to independent living,” said Diane Mayfield, assistant professor of occupational therapy. “We’re training our students so that they can go out and train others to keep them independent for as long as possible.”

Welch, who died in 1998, bequeathed funds for Welch Hall, which houses the College of Health and Human Services, the Claudia Hampton Lecture Hall, computer labs, the university’s administration offices, and student services including admissions, advisement, and financial aid. The first state-funded building in 25 years on the Dominguez Hills campus at the time it opened in fall 2002, Welch Hall was officially dedicated in February 2003.

Welch began his teaching career at CSUDH in 1974. He was a founding faculty member of the Department of Clinical Science and founder of the occupational therapy program. He also served as chair of the Academic Senate, chair of the Department of Clinical Science and associate dean of the School of Health. He also was a faculty mentor and academic advisor in the University Advisement Center.

“Dr. Welch had a vision in helping the students,” said Michael Kahan, an attorney and Welch trustee. “That was his most important goal in life. Education has always been hard hit in California and throughout the United States. He thought it was very important and wanted to invest in the future of America, and the future begins with the students. Hopefully with this lab, they’ll be able to get out and make this world a better place.”

- Joanie Harmon

Photo above: CSUDH administration and trustees for the James L. Welch Family Trust celebrate the dedication of the new clinical lab and the Occupational Therapy Living Skills Lab.

L-R: Ken Miele, attorney and Welch trustee; Mitch Maki, dean, CHHS; John Kenosian, attorney and Welch trustee; Greg Saks, interim vice president, University Advancement; Margaret Blue, dean of undergraduate studies and Welch trustee; Sam Wiley, acting provost; Michael Kahan, Welch trustee; CSUDH president Mildred García; Robert Dowling, emeritus professor of management and Welch trustee; Mary Ann Rodriguez, vice president, Administration and Finance; Diane Mayfield, assistant professor of occupational therapy; and Boice Bowman, vice president, Student Affairs.

Photo by GK