Western University dedicates a campus clock

Students, faculty and staff of Western University of Health Sciences have a new landmark on campus.

A large clock, reminiscent of those found along some of the nation's streets in years past, is on the campus' central walkway between the Banfield Veterinary Clinical Center and the Health Professions Center.

The custom-designed clock, which was dedicated this week, was a gift of Dr. Peter and Linghua Chen, parents of Thomas Chen, a first-year student in the University's College of Dental Medicine, according to a statement from Western University.

"We're dedicating a very timely addition to the university," said University President Philip Pumerantz in the statement.

"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, has the look of a vintage timepiece but is equipped with modern equipment such as a global positioning system that will allow it to keep accurate time, the statement said.

The clock was built by Cincinnati-based Verdin Co.