Earlham College | News from Public Affairs

Len Clark acknowledged at 2007 Commencement

Retiring Academic Dean Len Clark is acknowledged for his contributions to Earlham at the College's 160th Commencement on May 5.

RICHMOND, Ind. — The impact of Earlham College's retiring Academic Dean is now more enduring with the creation of the Len Clark Endowment for Public Speaking.

The endowment is a permanent fund for hiring adjunct faculty at Earlham to teach public speaking. Clark learned of the endowment at his retirement gathering on campus on May 8.

"I am delighted, both because the idea is so important, and because it so aptly fit a long-standing hope of mine," Clark says. "Aristotle said that rhetoric is the counterpart of dialectic. In our terms, that means that thinking isn't enough; you have to be able to make people understand both the cogency and the importance of what you think.

"This is particularly important for a college like Earlham, where we commit ourselves to making a difference in the world."

The Len Clark Endowment for Public Speaking fund already has raised $55,000 in gifts from former students and colleagues. To contribute, visit Earlham's Online Giving Form and type Len Clark Endowment in the box under "Other Gift."

Clark's retirement, effective June 30, comes after 26 years as Earlham's academic dean. He resigned in September as provost, and served as provost and academic dean for 25 years.

"I'll most miss the tremendous intellectual stimulation of close daily work with very bright, talented and committed colleagues and students," he says. "I won't need to miss the friendships because they'll still be there."

Len Clark holds his granddaughter,
Maggie Mae, at the retirement gathering
on May 8.

Clark also looks forward to having more time to write and to spend with his growing family.

"I want especially to write about some things I've learned during my time at Earlham," he says. "Foremost among them is the tremendous power of consensus decision-making. Everyone needs to know more about that and how to adapt its principles to their lives and work together.

"I'm excited about having more time for our family — particularly three current grandchildren and two more on the way."

Contact:
Denise Purcell, public affairs assistant
765/983-1323 — E-Mail Denise