Dr. Mitchel D. Covel began his UCLA career in 1934, when he enrolled as an undergraduate. He went on to become a regular contributor of time and funding to UCLA, as well as the associate dean of development and community relations at the David Geffen School of Medicine.
He died on Sept. 21 of natural causes at his home in Bel Air. He was 90 years old.
In 1998, UCLA dedicated a campus building to Covel and his wife, naming it the Susan G. Covel and Mitchel D. Covel, M.D., Commons, better known as “Covel Commons.”
“Its location, close to where students live, study and play, with UCLA’s full panorama always in view, epitomizes the spirit of Mitch and Susie’s gift and breadth of their commitment to UCLA,” said former chancellor Albert Carnesale in a statement.
After graduating from UCLA, Covel received his doctorate in medicine at the University of California, San Francisco. He was a battalion surgeon in World War II and was decorated for his service.
Upon his return to Southern California, Covel ran a private practice specializing in internal medicine and cardiology.
In 1960, Covel became a part of the clinical faculty of the UCLA School of Medicine. He was an integral part of the department up until his death.
“He was widely regarded as a wonderful physician, a gifted teacher and a natural leader. … We celebrate his life and his far-reaching contributions to UCLA,” said Gerald S. Levey, vice chancellor for medical sciences and dean of the David Geffen School of Medicine in a statement.
In 1974, Covel cofounded the Aesculapians, named for Aesclepius the Greek demigod of medicine and healing. It was and continues to be a premiere support and fundraising organization for the school.
Under his leadership, the group raised more than $18 million in funding for the school. His colleagues acknowledged the creation of the Aesculapians as one of his most important achievements at UCLA.
“I suspect that the proudest accomplishment was the creation of the Aesculapians foundation and club. It was the first time that the dean of medicine had any discretionary money for recruitment and retention of faculty or any emergency needs that arose. It was a major accomplishment,” Levey said.
Dr. Martin Pops, a professor and dean of the school of medicine for 25 years who retired in 1996, said he was well-acquainted with Covel. He said Covel was always finding new ways to contribute to the school.
“He was instrumental in fundraising activities to support the school of medicine. Dr. Covel was really at the center of those activities,” Pops said.
The friendship between Pops and Covel actually began in 1960, when Pops entered the fledgling UCLA Medical Center as an intern to complete his post-medical school training. Pops was immediately impressed by attending physician Covel, or “Mickey,” as his friends and colleagues called him.
“I thought immediately that here was one of the finest physicians I’d ever met. He was a wonderful doctor as well as being a fine person,” Pops said.
In addition to the Aesculapians, Covel cofounded the UCLA Medical Alumni Association. He joined the UCLA Foundation Board of Trustees in 1990 and chaired the UCLA Foundation’s Board of Governors. Covel’s philanthropy reached beyond the school of medicine. The Covels made donations to the UCLA College, the School of the Arts and Architecture, and the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. At the School of Arts and Architecture, an endowed chair in music is established in their name.
Rhea Turteltaub, interim vice chancellor for external affairs, said that his passion for UCLA will be remembered for a long time to come.
“I think that his support … will allow his legacy to remain for generations,” Turteltaub said. “To be in his company was an absolute inspiration and a joy. He was warm, he was gregarious (and) he was quick-witted. He just was a man of true compassion.”
“Few individuals have had so great an impact on our university as Dr. Covel. … His generosity and vision extended far beyond the School of Medicine,” UCLA Chancellor Gene Block said in a statement.
Covel is survived by his wife, Susan, and his two children, Kendall Giler-Bradshaw and David Giler. The family will hold a private memorial service. A special service will be held at UCLA in his honor in the near future.