Clark University - Clark News summer 2005
Reunion 2005 (summer 2005)
A time to remember
By Judith Jaeger
View and order Reunion 2005 photos
More than 1,100 alumni and friends returned to campus for Reunion 2005, held May 20—22, to enjoy a wide variety of events. The following are just a few of the highlights of what was a terrific celebration of the University and its remarkable alumni, students and faculty.
- The weekend opened Friday evening with the President's Reception and New England Clambake, under the "Big Top" behind Harrington House.
- Alumni and friends enjoyed a tour of the new Cathy '83 and Marc '81 Lasry Center for Bioscience, the stunning new home for Clark's Biology Department. The Lasry Center for Bioscience opened in January 2005 and was dedicated on April 28 with a special celebration honoring the Lasrys for their commitment to Clark (see page 32).
- President and Mrs. Bassett welcomed alumni and friends to their home Saturday morning for a discussion about "What's New at Clark."
- Family fun, with free face painting, balloons and moonwalk, kicked off the Spree Day Family Picnic Saturday afternoon, bringing back memories of many Spree Days gone by.
- This year's schedule of "Back to the Classroom" lectures included fun and stimulating discussions with: sociologist Robert J.S. Ross, who talked about his latest book "Slaves to Fashion: Poverty and Abuse in the New Sweatshops"; biologist Timothy Lyerla, who gave a biologist's perspective on wines and wine tasting; and art historian Kristina Wilson, who discussed her new book "Livable Modernism: Interior Decorating and Design During the Great Depression."
- Alumni and friends also enjoyed the special treat of attending a talk by Richard Traina, Clark president emeritus. Traina discussed and signed his new book "Changing the World: Clark University's Pioneering People, 1887-2000," which profiles the faculty and alumni who've given Clark its reputation for challenging conventional wisdom and changing our world for the better.
- Reunion wouldn't be complete without Saturday night's social activities: the Young Alumni Celebration, Alumni Class Banquets, a live jazz concert by the Clark University Jazz Combo and Dancing Under the Stars.
- The weekend came to a fitting conclusion with members of the Class 1955 and the 50-Year Association leading the Class of 2005 in the commencement procession. The procession of alumni continues to grow every year—so if next year is your 50-Year Reunion, don't miss out on this new Clark tradition.
View and buy Reunion 2005 photos online. Visit www.clarku.edu/reunion and select "View and Order Reunion 2005 Alumni Weekend Photos."
Massachusetts teacher recognized as outstanding educator
Robert Lemire Jr., a history teacher at Chelmsford High School in Chelmsford, Mass., received this year's Outstanding Secondary Educator Award from the Clark Alumni Association. The award recognizes secondary-school teachers for the critical role they play in preparing students for higher education and is presented by the Alumni Association at Honors Convocation, held just prior to commencement.
Lemire's long and distinguished career as a history teacher reflects Clark's commitment to academic excellence and innovation. After completing coursework toward a Ph.D. at the College of William and Mary, Lemire began his career in Virginia as a teacher, department chair and director of instruction at the Collegiate School, where he also received the Distinguished Teacher Award and the Cum Laude Faculty Award. He began teaching in Massachusetts at Ipswich High School and currently teaches advanced-placement U.S. history, advanced-placement European history, and world and ancient history at Chelmsford High School. He also designed and team taught the humanities curriculum at Chelmsford and served in the school's Faculty Senate. In addition, Lemire writes between 40 and 65 college recommendations each year—illustrating not only his dedication to his students, but also his students' enthusiasm for their history teacher.
His former student Stefanie Bator '05 accepted the award for Lemire, who could not attend the Honors Convocation ceremonies. Bator, who nominated Lemire for the award, described him as "a true teacher" and praised him for treating his students with respect.
"A true teacher shows his students the way, yet lets his students pursue that path on their own," she said in her acceptance remarks. "Mr. Lemire never led us. He pointed to a path, gave us a swift kick in the pants and a shout of encouragement."
Bator said Lemire continued to be a trusted adviser as she pursued her studies at Clark, offering advice and guidance on her honors research on Colonial Lexington, Mass., and the Battle of Lexington. In addition, she credited Lemire with her decision to pursue a career as a historian.
"Mr. Lemire taught me to love history for all the right reasons," said Bator, who will begin a Ph.D. program in the fall. "He has been one of the greatest influences on my life and on my career path. As a teacher, he made me a better student and a lifelong learner."
This is the 21st year that Clark's Alumni Association has presented the Outstanding Secondary Educator Award. Clark seniors nominate their high-school teachers for the award and then discuss the nominees with a committee of Alumni Association members.
2005 Alumni association award
Each year, the Alumni Association presents the following awards during Reunion weekend to recognize alumni and students for their dedication and service to the University.
Distinguished Service Award
Nancy Johnson '55, M.a.Ed. '57 received the Distinguished Service Award, the Alumni Association's highest honor. A model for alumni support and involvement, Johnson is an extremely active member of the Clark Alumni Association and an ardent supporter of the University for more than 50 years. She began her volunteer activities soon after she graduated from Clark, serving as secretary of the former Alumni Council in the 1960s. She began a second decade of work on the Alumni Council in the 1990s, serving on and as chair of the Outstanding Secondary Educator Award Committee. Johnson is also an enthusiastic volunteer for the Alumni Association's First-Year Move-In Day, in which local alumni help first-year students move into Bullock and Wright halls. She has also been active on her reunion committees, in both programming and fundraising. As class agent for the Class of 1955 this past year, Johnson was instrumental in helping her class earn the highest class participation in annual giving.
Special Service Award
Wally Bither '33 received the Special Service Award, which is presented by the Alumni Association on very rare occasions to an alumnus or alumna who has gone above and beyond the call of duty in his or her commitment to the University. Longtime staunch supporters of the University, Bither and his wife Hattie are very active in the Sarasota Area Alumni Community, regularly attending Clark events and bringing with them oranges and grapefruits freshly picked from trees in their own backyard. The Bithers have attended every Clark Reunion for the last 20 years. They drive to Clark from Florida, their arrival on campus eagerly awaited by the staff and student volunteers. The Bithers are also members of the Clark Legacy Society, which recognizes those who have provided for the University in their estate plans, and are strong supporters of the Clark Fund. Bither, of course, was present at his 72-year reunion to accept this award in recognition of his outstanding reunion attendance and overall service to Clark and the Alumni Association.
Alumni Rookie of the Year, for a senior(s) who has performed exemplary service in Alumni Affairs programming: Kim Dunbar '05. Dunbar (second from left) is pictured here with Senior Associate Director of Alumni Affairs Mary Maloney M.P.A. '03 and Brendan Wolfe '05 receiving their class banner.
Rose M. Sachs Award, for a senior woman who best exemplifies "the spirit of Clark University" through her accomplishments and activities: Danielle Morgan '05 (left) who is pictured here with Dean of Students Denise Darrigrand. This award was established by Jacob "Yank" Sachs '26 in memoryof his wife Rose.
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Clarknews Summer 2005
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| Distinguished Service Award Recipient Nancy Johnson '55 with fellow alumni |
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