At every turn, visitors to the new Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute hub on the UCI campus encounter distinctive design elements that evoke connections to the natural environment and inspire new approaches to whole-person health.
From special lighting that minimizes the effects of artificial illumination on the body’s circadian system to a custom kitchen ceiling ventilation model that allows learners unobstructed views of cooking demonstrations, this space was built from the ground up to foster the scientifically supported growth of integrative healthcare.
Areas throughout the building bear the names of visionary community leaders whose ideas and actions have contributed to the evolution of evidence-informed integrative healthcare services and programs. The newest additions are Laura Khouri and Michael Hayde, Linda and Mike Mussallem, Sally and Greg Palmer, and Sherry and John Phelan. Their most recent gifts are a collective investment in resources and innovations that make whole-person care more accessible to local communities.
“We are grateful to these generous individuals for helping to turn dreams for this new space into reality,” said Dr. Shaista Malik, executive director of the Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute. “Here, proven integrative approaches to care will be part of interprofessional training in nursing, pharmacy, public health and medicine. In our research labs, talented investigators will work across disciplines to validate existing practices and introduce new ones. In the midst of all this academic activity, community members will receive the best combination of conventional and complementary care to support their health goals.”
These gifts will advance whole-person health research, education, and clinical programs in innovative ways and ultimately transform healthcare for people striving to achieve optimal health and wellbeing.
Khouri-Hayde Family Executive Director’s Office
Laura Khouri, president, Western National Property Management, and member, Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute Advisory Board, and Michael Hayde, chairman and chief executive officer, Western National Group, donated $2.25 million. As an expression of gratitude, the Susan & Henry Samueli College of Health Sciences lobby has been dedicated the Laura Khouri Lobby. A portion of their gift is designated for research or education programs considered significant by Dr. Malik. In appreciation, a nameplate will identify the office of the founding executive director for the Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute as the Khouri-Hayde Family Executive Director’s office in honor of Dr. Malik.
Mussallem Nutritional Education Center
Linda Mussallem, community leader and member, Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute Advisory Board, and Mike Mussallem, chairman and chief executive officer, Edwards Lifesciences; member, Susan & Henry Samueli College of Health Sciences Advisory Board; and trustee, UCI Foundation, donated to advance educational programs in nutrition for healthcare professionals and trainees, patients and community members. The teaching kitchen on the first floor was named the Mussallem Nutritional Education Center, acknowledging the impact of their support on culinary medicine education, which blends the art of food and cooking with evidence-informed medical practices.
Palmer Family Research and Conference Room
Sally Palmer and Greg Palmer, chairman and chief executive officer, Supplemental Health Care, and member, Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute Advisory Board, made a $500,000 gift to support high-value opportunities for exploring and advancing integrative healthcare. The multi-purpose room on the second floor is named in gratitude to the Palmers for advancing integrative healthcare as the Palmer Family Research and Conference Room.
Sherry and John Phelan Lobby
Sherry Phelan, PhD, chair, Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute Advisory Board, and John Phelan contributed $1 million to support research, education and programs that address brain health and/or diabetes. The second-floor lobby, the gateway to the new flagship clinic, will be named the Sherry and John Phelan Lobby in recognition of the couple’s contribution to the advancement of whole-person health.
Through their support for whole-person health, these donors also advance the UCI Brilliant Future campaign, which aims to engage 75,000 alumni and garner $2 billion in philanthropic investment in support of excellence in student success, health and wellness, research and more.
