Friday, April 17, 1998
From the ashes
SERVICES: UCLA dedicates state-of-the-art health facility
to memory of beloved alumnus
By Marisa Yamane
Daily Bruin Contributor
Students walking through Westwood Plaza may notice something
different: a new sign hanging on the four-story building adjacent
to the Wooden Center.
The Arthur Ashe Student Health and Wellness Center was dedicated
on Thursday afternoon in a ceremony that honored the late tennis
ace, human rights activist and UCLA alumnus.
Among those speaking at the dedication was Jeanne
Moutousammy-Ashe, who remarked that her late husband of 16 years
would have been pleased with new health center bearing his
name.
"The Arthur Ashe Student Health and Wellness Center is a perfect
name because it implies that physical health is only a component of
wellness," said Moutousammy-Ashe.
"Wellness, as he would say, is the opening of the mind and
heart," Moutousammy-Ashe said.
Students who visit the 36,000-square-foot outpatient clinic can
choose from 30 board-certified physicians and licensed nurse
practitioners.
The center boasts 59 examining rooms, labs, a pharmacy and a
radiology unit. Physical therapy services will be added later this
year.
Support for the $4.5 million construction project came from
public funds, outside contributions and private gifts. Student fees
will cover the most of the non-profit center’s costs in the
future.
"The first flu comes along during finals week of the first
year," said Timothy Cruz, a graduate student in the UCLA Medial
School.
"College is a health hazard," Cruz pointed out.
Nearly 250 family members, friends, students and faculty members
attended the dedication of UCLA’s new state-of the-art facility for
student health services.
"I’ve attended many dedications honoring my cousin and I’m
always amazed at how he affected so many people," said family
member Mel Thomas.
Ashe came to UCLA on a tennis scholarship. As a freshman, he
became the University of California singles and doubles
champion.
After graduating from UCLA, Ashe went on to make tennis history.
He was a member of the U.S. Davis Cup team in 1963.
Among his other tennis accomplishments are victories in the U.S.
Open, the Australian Open and Wimbledon.
In 1992, Ashe announced that he had contracted the AIDS virus
from a 1983 blood transfusion. He subsequently founded the Arthur
Ashe Foundation for the Defeat of AIDS. The philanthropist died in
1993.
"It’s symbolic how his life came to such a short end because of
bad health, and now here’s a building being dedicated in his name
for wellness," Taylor said.
The dedication was special to many African Americans.
"To be here at the unveiling of the Arthur Ashe Student Health
and Wellness Center, which is a tribute to one of the most
outstanding African American graduates, is particularly important
in the climate of Proposition 209," said Wilma Pinder, a member of
the board of trustees and an alumna of the UCLA Law School.
As a part of rally held earlier Thursday outside of Murphy Hall,
nearly 30 protesters, including members of the African Student
Union, booed when Carnesale went up to the podium.
"The protests are related to a rage which this campus feels in
the wake of Proposition 209," Carnesale explained.
"I understand and empathize with the students’ strong feelings
regarding these issues. I hoped that they would not have chosen to
express themselves on this occasion," Carnesale said.
The dedication ceremony was part of the entire day’s affair to
get students more aware of health issues.
Jeanne Moutousammy-Ashe and Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs
Winston Dolby listen intently to Chad Williams and Cori
Shepherd.