Making a difference
"Clark makes a difference in the communities of which it is a part—through the impact of research and graduate programs, and through the lives of students and alumni." — Clark's Academic and Financial Plan
Often times when we think of "making a difference" certain things come to mind—like volunteering at the Boys & Girls Club, organizing a neighborhood clean up or donating clothing to a local shelter. Certainly these activities are important and a large number of Clark students get involved with such community projects.
But these examples only scratch the surface of the impact Clark students, faculty and alumni have on our world. In fact many of the ongoing research and active-learning projects of Clark students and faculty directly contribute to making our world a better place.
Consider Evan Wilson '06, for example. A commitment to activism and community development inspired by courses taught by government professor Beverly Grier and idce professor David Bell resulted in a seven-month stay for Wilson in Windhoek, Namibia. Wilson was there first as a participant in Clark's study-abroad program at Augsburg College's Center for Global Education, and then this summer as an Anton Fellow volunteering with the Child Hope Initiative Project (CHIP).
CHIP helps children orphaned b y the aids epidemic, as well as people with hiv/aids. Wilson helped chip organize and structure its newly formed Youth Group/School Readiness Program, assisted with grant and report writing, and worked with vulnerable youth who needed help with school placement and connecting with productive activities. He also conducted research about educational development in Namibia for his senior honors thesis.
"I have learned a great deal from the people I have been working with and will certainly take these life lessons along with me," says Wilson.
Additionally, Clark is home to a variety of research institutes that contribute important scholarly work that can change the world's political and social landscape. For example, the George Perkins Marsh Institute conducts research on the human dimensions of global environmental change. Its Center for Risk and Security conducts in-depth studies of homeland security issues such as terrorism, disaster management, and law and hu man rights. And the Jacob Hiatt Center for Urban Education, a partnership between Clark and the Worcester Public Schools, researches innovative ways to address the challenges and possibilities of contemporary urban education.
There are many more examples of Clark students and faculty whose work makes a difference in the lives of others. Moving forward, Clark will continue to foster an environment that supports academic initiatives that change our world for the better.
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Finding a Voice Last year through the Urban Development and Social Change Summer Fellowship Program, and working closely with geography graduate student Sarah Loy, Jared Swerzenski '05, Carly Coppola '06, Evan Wilson '06 and Caitlin Johnson '05 (pictured opposite page, bottom left) helped the city breathe new life into a faded neighborhood.
City officials had recently targeted a section of Worcester known as the Green Island district, which includes Kelley Square and such Worcester institutions as the Broadway Restaurant and Tom's Delicatessen, for redevelopment. Through a partnership with Worcester's Director of City Planning Joel Fontane, the students surveyed people in the neighborhood to find out more about the community. Over several weeks, the students interviewed 73 business owners and 100 residents and then compiled a report summarizing the survey results and presenting the needs of the neighborhood. The final analysis, they say, gave the people living and working there a voice.
According to the fellows, the Green Island neighborhood has huge redevelopment potential, with residential housing conveniently nestled within the business district. This, they say, could translate into more nearby job opportunities for residents, as well as shorter treks to a grocery store or restaurant. The area is pedestrian friendly with delis, coffee shops, bakeries, restaurants a nd light industrial establishments within walking distance of each other. And it's adjacent to Union Station, where major redevelopment is already underway.
"It's a great experience to apply everything you've learned in the classroom, actually use all the tools that were once notes on a piece of paper, and know that your work will help the city and the people in the area," says Johnson.
"Each of these students, when they applied for the fellowship, impressed us as someone who wanted to make a difference and was concerned with social justice," says professor and fellows' adviser Sharon Krefetz. "These students have seen and heard from people, many of whom are working incredibly hard to eke out a living. They've witnessed this and have become much more aware of their responsibility to try to help."
"I think the experience has made me more compassionate about urban issues, urban poverty and people in urban areas without a voice. It's definitely made me m ore committed to helping people who are struggling," says Coppola.
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President's Report 2005
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