Meet our Heritage Society Members
Meet our Heritage Society Members
Dr. John C. Couch
One of the most innovative gifts Webb Institute has ever received started with a vision—and some conversations.
In 2007, Dr. John C. Couch began discussions with institutional leadership regarding Webb Institute’s need to provide its students with state-of-the-art computer technology. These conversations, along with Dr. Couch’s vision of students utilizing technology with enhanced processing power and graphic display capacity to run industry-leading design software, led to an extraordinary innovation at Webb.
In 2007, a $500,000 gift from Dr. Couch launched the Richard B. Couch ’33 Ship Design and Enhanced Classrooms fund, creating what would be known as the “Couch Lab.” Established in memory of Dr. Couch’s father, who graduated from Webb in 1933 and went on to a career as an esteemed professor of naval architecture at the University of Michigan, this gift provided the initial capital to create the Richard B. Couch ’33 Laboratory and to enhance technology in the classrooms. Currently the fund is used to support operating and maintenance costs for the lab and classrooms, and to help defray the cost of various design software programs for students.
Since its inception the fund has proven to be a key source of funding that has enabled Webb Institute to upgrade its computer processing capacity for the entire campus community. It has also given students state-of-the-art technology in the classroom, with the hardware and software necessary to fully utilize industry-leading design programs. This kind of access to first-rate technology, combined with real-world work experience gives Webb graduates a huge head start in their careers.
The “Couch Lab” plays an instrumental role in Webb’s curriculum. The lab is used by students for collaborative study space to work on design projects. Several theses have taken advantage of the lab’s parallel processing capabilities, which significantly reduce the time required for advanced CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) and FEM (Finite Element Method) analyses.
Classroom upgrades, specifically the acquisition and implementation of large-screen monitors, have allowed students to utilize more fully relevant software, including cutting-edge design programs. In the ever-changing world of technology, what seemed like a luxury a few years ago has become a necessity as Webb strives to maintain its leadership role as a premier institution of naval architecture and marine engineering.
Recently, Dr. Couch has agreed to increase his commitment to the Richard B. Couch ’33 Ship Design and Enhanced Classrooms fund by an additional $500,000. This new commitment will be a vital building block in the upcoming Capital Campaign. According to President Keith Michel, “John’s leadership role as a volunteer and donor is evidence of his belief in Webb’s mission and vision moving forward.”
Today Dr. John C. Couch serves on Webb Institute’s Board of Trustees as chair of the Investment Committee. He resides in Menlo Park, California.