Newsbriefs

Robert J. Hurst '66 vice chairman of the Goldman Sachs Group Inc., addresses management students at Clark.

Goldman Sachs vice chairman offers advice about business success

Robert J. Hurst '66, vice chairman of the Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., spoke to a group of more than 70 students about his experiences "From the Classroom to the Boardroom," during a visit to Clark in October.

Hurst told the students that his career has, "as Yogi Berra would say, ‘exceeded my expectations and done even better.'"

Hurst shared some observations about successful business careers, as well as success in academics and life in general. He first told the students that "successful people take stands." Noting that people who are successful at what they do are not afraid to call things as they see them, Hurst believes that an individual can have a career without doing this, but not an outstanding one.

Hurst's second observation was that rationality rules, or as he put it "what doesn't make sense, doesn't make sense." He also discussed the importance of networking because you never know when you might meet someone who will be important to you later; keeping a loose career timetable, because careers are marathons, not sprints; and taking career risks by moving outside of your comfort zone.

Hurst's final observation was, "be balanced in your lives," by spending time with family and friends and by giving back to the community.

Hurst also spoke to approximately 150 Graduate School of Management students, alumni and friends at a dinner in Framingham, Mass., that evening. He identified five trends that will have major impacts on businesses in the 21st century, including industry consolidation, globalization, the need for capital, an increasing focus on shareholder value and technology.

Kaiser named outstanding teacher

German Professor Hartmut Kaiser received this year's Outstanding Teacher Award. The recipient is selected based on nominations from students and department chairs.

Kaiser completed his undergraduate education in Hamburg, Germany, and earned a Ph.D. in German at Brown University in 1968, the year he received honorary membership in the Brown chapter of Phi Beta Kappa. He taught at Brown before joining the Clark faculty in 1971 and served as secretary/treasurer for the C lark chapter of Phi Beta Kappa from 1979 to 1984.

In presenting the award at Fall Convocation ceremonies, Dean of the College Doug Little described Kaiser as "a modest and unpretentious fellow who shuns the limelight." Noting that Kaiser teaches some of his classes three days a week at 9 a.m., Little added, "But with a twinkle in his eye and a spring in his step, he makes magic in the classroom."

As noted in their comments, Kaiser's students admire his enthusiasm, thoroughness, availability outside class and general teaching excellence. "Fantastic," one student remarked, "the overwhelming amount of knowledge this man possesses is incredible." Other students credited Kaiser with improving their writing skills and expanding their appreciation for literature and music.

In addition to teaching German language on all levels, Kaiser has taught a six-week total immersion introduction to German at the University of Trier and in Berlin, a course on "The Medieval German Epic" and a team-taught course on "European Romanticism." Several of his courses reflect his research interests, including the fairy tale and the relationship between music and literature.

Alumni-athlete homecoming planned

Aspecial day of events for alumni athletes will be held on Saturday, Sept. 29. The day will culminate with the Athletic Hall of Fame dinner and induction ceremony that evening. Look for more details in the mail.

Catch Clark on "The Fugitive"

Particularly observant viewers of the CBS television series "The Fugitive" might be able to spy the Clark University coffee mug on Lt. Phillip Gerard's desk.

In this remake of the popular 1960s action series, the dogged chaser of Dr. Richard Kimball is a graduate of Clark University. The mug was sent by the Clark Public Affairs Office following a request from the producers of the series last August. The package contained other Clark paraphernalia as well, including sweatshirts, so fans should keep their eyes peeled for more incidental Clark references.

Celebrate President Bassett's inauguration

All alumni are invited to attend inauguration ceremonies for Clark's eighth president, John Bassett, on Friday, March 30, on the Clark campus. The inauguration will conclude a week of campuswide events, including an opening reception highlighting Clark's international tradition, and special academic panel sessions on science education, urban issues and the humanities.

Fall Fest showcases undergraduate research

Building on the 10-year tradition of Academic Spree Day, held each spring, more than 40 students participated in the first-ever Fall Fest of undergraduate research and creative activities on Nov. 10 in the Higgins University Center. Drawing on projects undertaken over the summer, Fall Fest included panel discussions on sweat shops, Asian studies, Holocaust history and summer internship experiences. Student artwork and poster presentations on topics ranging from "Vietnamese Voices" to "Cloning Human Genes" were also available for viewing throughout the day in the Abrams Gallery and Tilton Hall.

The art of homemaking

The fall art exhibition at the University Gallery explored the vast physical and emotional landscape of women's domestic world. "Fairytales of Domesticity," which was on display from October through the beginning of December, included work by five women artists who examine gender roles in relation to home and family. By creating art with materials commonly associated with the domestic sphere, each artist told a personal story about the collision between her sense of identity and her role in domestic life.

President Rexhep Meidana of the Republic of Albania

Highlighting the strong historical connection between Clark and the Albanian-American community, the University welcomed President Rexhep Meidani of the Republic of Albania in September. Approximately 200 Albanian-American alumni, friends, faculty members and students gathered in Tilton Hall to hear Meidani speak about education, democracy and the problems in Albania.

President John Bassett also presented Meidani with a Clark University Fiat Lux Award. The award, which means "let there be light," honors individuals who have shown exceptional leadership in increasing humankind's understanding of issues crucial to the 21st century. Meidani, who has worked to restore peace and democracy to Albania, is only the fifth recipient of this award. The other recipients include U.S. Rep. Tom Lantos; the late John Cardinal O'Connor, archbishop of New York; Nobel Peace Prize winner Elie Wiesel; and Nobel Peace Prize winner Jody Williams.

Meidani visited Clark at the recommendation of Agim Nesho, Albania's ambassador to the United Nations, who attended a special luncheon hosted by Clark Trustee Steve Dune '53 at Clark in November of 1999. Meidani, the first head of state to visit the University since President Theodore Roosevelt spoke at Clark in 1905, was accompanied by Paskal Milo, minister of foreign affairs; Nesho; and First Lady Lidra Meidani. Also participating in the event were Worcester City Councilor Konstantina Lukes, Dune, and Clark trustees Perry Pero '61 and R. Norman Peters '62, who chaired the event. In addition to his lecture, Meidani met with 12 Albanian Clark students at a reception hosted by President and Mrs. Bassett at Harrington House.

Independent film producer offers insight on filmmaking

Screen studies students got a lesson about the film industry this fall from Lloyd A. Silverman, executive producer and founder of the Artists' Colony, one of Hollywood's premiere independent film production companies. Silverman, previously president of Lloyd Silverman Productions who spent six years at Universal Pictures, attended a screening of the film "Snow Falling on Cedars" at Clark. Silverman developed the Oscar-nominated film and served as its executive producer. He also spoke to video production, screen studies and advanced directing classes about the challenges of working in Hollywood and the connection between storytelling and filmmaking.

"I think the lesson that we all learn—anyone who is in the story-telling business—is that when you give of yourself, it all comes down to the story," he said. Silverman also stressed the commitment needed to develop a career in film.

"If you choose a career in filmmaking, there's only one thing you need to know: It's not a job, it's not a business, it's a lifestyle," Silverman said. "It's a matter of determination, perseverance and commitment." Read more about Silverman.

New Anton fellowship program fosters creativity and independent study

Beginning this spring, a new fellowship program will support undergraduate students in their pursuit of original ideas, creative research or public service enrichment projects.

The Anton Fellowship Program, created by a generous gift from Barbara '56 and Thomas '56 Anton, will make awards ranging from $500 to $2,500 annually to approximately 10 to 12 students. The awards can be used for independent study, travel to explore an intellectual interest, or to support a public service project aimed at improving societal conditions.

Recipients will also be part of the Society of Anton Fellows. This group will gather with faculty mentors at special dinners and other events throughout the year to share ideas and experiences. Students selected as Anton Fellows will participate in activities of the Society until they graduate. Sharon Krefetz, government professor and former dean of the college, is directing the Anton Fellowship Program. The first fellowships will be awarded this spring for projects to commence during the summer of 2001.

Thomas Anton is an internationally renowned political scientist whose pathbreaking studies of federalism and public policy have won many prestigious awards. Anton held faculty positions at the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Michigan prior to becoming director of the A. Alfred Taubman Center for Public Policy and American Institutions at Brown University. He is the vice chair of Clark's Board of Trustees and chair of the Academic Affairs Committee. Barbara Anton has had a distinguished career as the director of Alumnae Affairs at Brown's Pembroke Center for Teaching and Research on Women and as a staff member at the University of Michigan's Center for the Education of Women.

"Nothing has had a more important impact on our lives than the lessons we both gained from our undergraduate years at Clark," says Thomas Anton. "We hope that our gift will allow current students to develop a deeper understanding of issues they really care about and thus leave Clark as we did: filled with a passion for learning, the excitement of discovery and a commitment to make the world a better place."

Voting is easy

Help shape the future of Clark University and vote for the next alumni-elected trustee.

This year's candidates, selected by the Alumni Association's Nominating Committee, include: Peter Eleftherakis '74, president of Micro Business Systems in Barnstable, Mass.; Henry Fradella '90, a law and justice faculty member at the College of New Jersey in Ewing, N.J.; and Martin Schneiderman '63, a lawyer with Steptoe and Johnson in Washington, D.C. Ballots, which include a statement from each of the candidates, have been mailed to all alumni. They must be postmarked no later than April 15, and must be signed and include class year(s) for verification.

"Your Alumni Association Nominating Committee has worked very hard in presenting three outstanding candidates for your consideration this year," says Ron Shaich '76, chair of the Board of Trustees. "I cannot over-emphasize the importance of your participation in this election and urge you to return your ballot as soon as possible." Alumni can also vote on line. Visit the Alumni and Friends section of the Clark web site. .

William fisher, director of graduate programs in International Dvelopment Community Planning and Environment

William Fisher, an expert in international community development, joined Clark in the fall as director of graduate programs in International Development, Community Planning and Environment.

Over the past 20 years, Fisher's research and consulting work have taken him to South Africa, Jamaica, Afghanistan, Nepal and India. He has worked for CARE, the American Foundation for AIDS Research, the U.S. Agency for International Development and the United Nations Development Programme. Fisher has studied international community development, specifically how local communities transcend their internal conflicts to work with state agencies, international development institutions and private developers. His current research focuses on the transnational advocacy networks that are lobbying the World Bank and international dam-building groups on behalf of people who are adversely affected by the building of high dams.

Previously, Fisher was an associate professor of anthropology at Harvard University and a Dillon Fellow at Harvard's Weatherhead Center for International Affairs. He also served as director of graduate studies for Harvard's anthropology department.

Press taps Mark Miller for election commentary

In the aftermath of the 2000 presidential election, many media outlets turned to associate professor of government Mark C. Miller for expert commentary. Miller, who served as the Supreme Court judicial fellow last year, was interviewed by newspapers, and radio and television stations during November and December.

Miller was quoted in the following newspapers: Boston Globe, Nov. 22 and Nov. 25; Worcester Magazine, Nov. 29; New Jersey Star Ledger, Dec. 1; Boston Sunday Herald, Dec. 10; Worcester Telegram and Gazette, Dec. 11; MetroWest Daily News of Westborough, Mass., Dec. 12; and the Boston Herald, Dec. 10 and 13.

Miller was interviewed by WTAG-AM radio in Worcester on Nov. 27 and Dec. 4, and WORC-AM radio in Worcester on Dec. 2. In addition, Miller was interviewed by WBZ-TV in Boston on the 5:30 p.m. news on Dec. 1 and on the 11 p.m. news on Dec. 10. He also appeared with his students on WBZ-TV's 6:30 p.m. news on Dec. 10.

Summer Williams '01 is one of the first students to receive a Gates Millennium Scholar Award, an initiative funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and administered by the United Negro College Fund and partners.

Williams, a theater arts major and education minor, is president of the Clark University Players Society and a member of Clark's Fiat Lux honor society. She is also involved with the University's All Kinds of Girls Program, which cultivates pride, leadership, self-esteem and self-expression in girls ages 9-12. Sharon Krefetz, government professor and former dean of the college, nominated Williams for the award. She described Williams as "an extraordinary young woman" who has excelled academically and demonstrated outstanding leadership abilities and a commitment to community service.

"It's a terrific honor for her and for Clark to be selected as one of the first group of Gates Millennium Scholars," Krefetz says. "I'm certain that Summer will go on to devote her life to educating and inspiring students from diverse backgrounds to achieve their potential and work together cooperatively, with empathy and respect, as she has already done at Clark."

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation established this scholarship initiative to encourage and support students in completing college and in continuing on to earn graduate degrees in disciplines where ethnic and racial groups are currently underrepresented.

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Clarknews Winter 2001

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