Rekindling the spark
By Colleen Mullaney | Photos by Fred Peck
More than 1,000 alumni and friends returned to Clark for Reunion 2007—Alumni Weekend, held May 18-20. The weekend was full of fun and interesting events, giving many alumni, staff and faculty the opportunity to reconnect with old friends and make new ones. Many took the opportunity to explore the recent changes on campus, particularly Blackstone Hall, the new 208-bed, well-appointed apartment-style residence hall for juniors and seniors.
Other weekend highlights included:
- The New England Clambake The Dolan Field House was the spot where lobster, steamed clams, beef ribs and all the fixings were served to kick-off the weekend. The rain couldn 't stop these alumni from enjoying a good meal and good company.
- Pub Crawl After the kick-off Clarkies were happy to revisit some favorite local haunts, such as the Blarney Stone and Moynihan's Pub.
- Back to the Classroom Last year's sessions were so well attended that the series was expanded to offer everyone a chance to enjoy learning something new from Clark 's remarkable faculty and staff. Topics included "Beyond SAT scores and GPA," "Wines and Wine Tasting," "Clark Family-Fun Project with Studio Arts," "The Mediated View of the Iraq War" and "Shakespeare and American Life."
- Discover Worcester Tour Kay Bassett, special assistant to the president, led a jaunt through Worcester's ever growing cultural scene. Among the sights were the Worcester Art Museum, New England 's second largest art museum, and Higgins Armory, which holds the largest collection of medieval armor on the continent.
- Math and Computer Science Reception Although there were several receptions for alumni and graduating seniors, of special note is the Math and Computer Science Reception, which honored Professor John Kennison, who is retiring after 44 years at Clark.
- What's New at Clark? President and Mrs. Bassett hosted alumni at their home and brought them up-to-date on the University 's ongoing initiatives.
- The weekend was not without musical entertainment such as the customary Clark Bars Reunion Concert where past Clark Bars performed their favorite a cappella medleys. The Jim Allard Quartet gave a live Jazz Concert and the ever-popular Dancing under the Stars D.J. spun all the hits—from new to old.
- Keeping the celebration going after Dancing Under the Stars was a well attended Midnight Brunch at the ever-popular Annie's Clark Brunch.
- Several other brunches and banquets took place including those forLambda Chi Alpha, Phi Alpha and Kappa Phi, Hillel, Jonas Clark Fellows and Commencement Brunch, as well as Alumni Class Banquets.
Whether it's to see an old roommate, the latest changes on campus or learn more from the current faculty, staff and students, Reunion Weekend is the time to do it. Don 't miss your chance to rekindle the spark—revisit Clark often and stay involved. It's never too late to get ready for Reunion 2008.
Legacy Luncheon< /h2>
This year's Annual Legacy Luncheon, celebrating 260 alumni and friends of Clark who have included the University in their long-term financial planning, was held in Tilton Hall on Friday of Reunion Weekend. Sixty-one members of the Legacy Society attended to hear incoming Dean of the College Walter Wright speak about the mission of Clark, its challenges and future opportunities. President Bassett thanked the membership for their gifts to strengthen the future of the University and brought them up to date on the latest campus endeavors, which include the planned Academic Commons at Goddard Library.
2007 Alumni Association Awards
Each year at Reunion Weekend, the Alumni Association presents the following awards, recognizing alumni and students for their dedication and service to the University.
Distinguished Service Award
Nobuhiko Takeuchi '57 (above) of Yokohama, Japan, was honored for his longtime help with organizing alumni events and receptions in Japan. Takeuchi was instrumental in establishing the Japanese International Alumni Community, which helped spawn other Clark communities including Taiwan, South Korea and Thailand. In addition to being an avid supporter of alumni programming, Takeuchi is also a Jonas Clark Fellow.
Rose M. Sachs Award
Bethany Williard was the recipient of the Sachs Award, presented to a senior woman who best exemplifies "the spirit of Clark University" through her accomplishments and activities. This award was established by Jacob "Yank" Sachs '26 in memory of his wife Rose.
Distinguished Young Alumna Award
Heather Sensibaugh '02 (left) has worked for the U.S. Institute of Peace's Task Force of the United Nations and on training programs for Iraqi government officials and civil society leaders. This summer she is working for Timap for Justice, a nongovernmental organization in Sierra Leone that offers medication services and advice to rural communities that do not have access to legal remedies. Incidentally, in her senior year, Sensibaugh received the Rose M. Sachs Award.
Alumni Rookie of the Year Garrett Abrahamson '07 (right) received this award, given to a senior who has performed exemplary service in Alumni Affairs programming.
Buffalo, N.Y., teacher named Outstanding Secondary Educator
Harry B. Schooley, a teacher at the Buffalo Seminary received this year's Outstanding Secondary Educator Award from the Alumni Association during Reunion 2007 —Alumni Weekend. The award recognizes secondary-school teachers for the critical role they play in preparing students for higher education.
Schooley began his career at the Buffalo Seminary in 1967, where he has taught history at the college preparatory school for girls for over 30 years.
Schooley currently teaches Modern European History and AP European History, as well as AP Art History. He serves as the History Department Chair and is faculty adviser to the School Government Association and a member of both the Cum Laude Faculty Committee and the Faculty Professional Development Committee.
His former student, Chandra K. Hollander '07, nominated him for the award. According to Hollander, Schooley influenced her to study history at Clark.
"His enthusiasm for history and sharing his knowledge with his students was contagious, " she said. "I will be the first to say I did not enjoy history until I had Mr. Schooley."
"I am humbled that Clark sees me as worthy of the award," says Schooley. "Teachers always hear when students or parents find fault with their efforts. They rarely hear from those who are satisfied. Clark 's Outstanding Secondary Educator Award makes my 40 years as a teacher worth every minute spent in the classroom, doing preparation and evaluating student work. "
"Teachers like Mr. Schooley, who pursue excellence in their profession and have a positive impact on the lives of others, exemplify the best that education has to offer. His efforts have inspired one of our own Clark students to continue in this important profession, " said Richard E. Caswell '89, president of the Alumni Association.
This is the 23rd 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.
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Clarknews Summer 2007
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Tom Dolan '62. M.A.Ed. '63 at the class dinner with Wally '33 and Hattie Bither
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President John Basssett emjoys reunion with an attendee.
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Vice President of University Advancement Andy McGadney, Alan '67 and Leslie Weiskopf enjoy the Jonas Clark Fellows reception at Harrington House on Friday evening.
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Face painting was one of many activities during Reunion Weekend.
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Alumni Rookie of the Year Garrett Abrahamson '07
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ADistinguished Young Alumna Award winner Heather Sensibaugh '02
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