Clark Reunion 2018 brought alumni from across the generations back to campus. For two of them, the occasion was extra special.
Award at Reunion 2018
Frank Tetreault ’68 was given the Distinguished Alumni Award, and Emily Zoback ’08, MPA ’09, was presented the Young Alumni Award at the May 18 Reunion Dinner.
The vintage tie he wore, emblazoned with the image of Jonas Clark Hall, left no doubt Tetreault bleeds Clark scarlet. He told the audience that his college education qualified him for the Air Force, where he enjoyed a 20-year career, followed by a second career as a commercial airline pilot. Over the years, Tetreault has pitched Clark at college fairs and in interviews with prospective students. He urged Clark’s alumni to stay connected with their alma mater — by attending events, making donations to the Clark Fund, and offering students mentorship and career guidance through the ClarkCONNECT initiative.
“Take pride in your accomplishments as Clark alumni,” he said. “Individually and collectively, we all proudly glow in our own Clark light. Remember the Clark motto: Let there be light — lots of light. Fiat lux.”
Zoback, who works as a practice manager at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, talked of the “indescribable connection” that binds generations of alumni to Clark. Over the last decade she has been an active participant and passionate advocate for all things Clark, and currently serves on the Clark University Alumni Council.
“To say I appreciate my Clark experience would be like saying I appreciate air, and food, and clothing,” she said. “I am grateful for all of these things, and I cannot imagine my existence without them. The experience I had at Clark, the people I met, these are the things that have shaped me into the person I am today.”
Zoback’s brother, Scott Zoback ’04, MPA ’05, earned the Young Alumni Award in 2014.
Both Tetreault and Zoback served as chairs of their classes’ reunion celebrations this year.
The evening’s student speaker, Emilee Cocuzzo ’18, a management major who will be pursuing her MBA this year at Clark, recalled how Clark provided her the opportunity to work at a series of internships that built her business acumen, and shaped her attitudes toward how corporations can effectively and humanely operate in the world.
“Looking back on my time at Clark, I realized that not only have I been equipped with the necessary skills and tools to tackle the world of business, but also have been taught something far more valuable: the importance of leading with empathy,” Cocuzzo said. “Whether that be recognizing the importance of environmental sustainability in companies, or working toward creating more social businesses, Clark has taught me to be a leader, not just a manager; to work for a cause, not just for a salary; and to see people, not just numbers.”
Also at the Reunion Dinner, Dr. Hope Aryeetey ’98 was formally introduced as the new president of the Clark University Alumni Council, taking the reins from Ingrid Busson-Hall ’96.
