Sutphin Center for Clinical Care strengthens community partnerships

The Sutphin family legacy at the University of Indianapolis ushered in a new chapter with the dedication of the Sutphin Center for Clinical Care in the UIndy Health Pavilion in August 2017.

The Center commemorates Dudley and Mary Louise Sutphin and strengthens the University of Indianapolis’ commitment to building partnerships that create better health outcomes for underserved populations. The Center brings together critical services within the UIndy Health Pavilion, including physical therapy, medical and behavioral health clinics.

The Center, originally located in Fountain Square, will continue the University’s work to combine improved access to health care with advancement of education initiatives in the health professions.

“The Sutphin Center for Clinical Care provides an important place for our students, faculty, and community members to come together. We can extend our applied clinic teaching experiences, and offer support to enhance the health and wellness of our community at the same time,” said University of Indianapolis President Robert L. Manuel.  

By serving multifaceted needs through services such as rehabilitation, health and wellness and mental health, Manuel praised the interprofessional culture that serves as the backbone of the Sutphin Center’s philosophy. Students have the opportunity to work alongside Community Health Network clinicians and to collaborate with students in other health disciplines.

“As educators, we know students learn best in real-life environments, so the addition of the Sutphin Center in space just downstairs from classroom learning is a valuable resource for the UIndy health professions. Students will have opportunities for internships, focused learning activities, interprofessional learning and research that is right at their doorstep,” said Stephanie Kelly, dean of the College of Health Sciences.

Vice President for University Advancement Chris Molloy noted the longstanding relationship between the Sutphins and the University.

“The Sutphin family has been a longtime supporter of the University of Indianapolis in its mission to reach out to the community, and the Center positions the University to continue to make a positive impact,” said Molloy.

The Sutphin family has a long history of supporting the University of Indianapolis beginning with the establishment of the Sutphin Lectures in the Humanities, endowed in memory of Samuel B. Sutphin by his sons Dudley V. and Samuel Reid Sutphin. Charlie Sutphin, who is Dudley’s son and Samuel’s grandson, continues to support both the Sutphin Lectures and the Sutphin Center for Clinical Care.

At a recent dedication ceremony, Charlie Sutphin noted the strong ties between his family and the University. He shared the story of his father receiving an honorary degree in 1992.

“I saw how much that meant to him, and it sustained my ongoing interest in the University of Indianapolis,” Sutphin said.

Sutphin encouraged students to get involved in volunteer or outreach opportunities, noting the value of community connections.

“We should all strive to belong to a group that is greater than ourselves,” Sutphin said.