Jack L. Stark, who has served as president of Claremont McKenna College for nearly thirty years, will be the keynote speaker at the college's annual convocation at 11 am on Tuesday, September 1. Stark has announced his intention to retire at the end of the academic year and is expected to use this opportunity to launch a campaign to renew a sense of idealism among undergraduates during his final year as president.
The convocation ceremony, which will be held on campus at Garrison Theater, 231 E. 10th Street in Claremont, will also feature a special presentation by Louis Blair, executive secretary of the Harry Truman Scholarship Foundation. Mr. Blair will be presenting CMC with the Truman Foundation Institution Honor Award. CMC is one of only five colleges and universities in the nation to be recognized with this award this year.
The Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation was established by Congress in 1975 as the official federal memorial to honor our thirty-third President. The Foundation awards $30,000 scholarships to college students "who have outstanding leadership potential, plan to pursue careers in government or elsewhere in public service, and wish to attend graduate school to help prepare for their careers." Two current CMC students are Truman Scholars. Eleven CMC students have been awarded Truman Scholarships since the program began, a remarkable number for a very small college.
For more information about the Truman Foundation, contact Mr. Blair at (202) 395-4831. To arrange interviews with Mr. Blair or Pres. Stark, call (909) 621-8099.
Convocation this year will also feature faculty recognition for outstanding teaching and special recognition for five members of the faculty who have taught at CMC for more than 25 years. Another highlight will be a spirited rendition of the college song led by Prof. Michael Deane Lamkin.
Claremont McKenna College is a highly selective independent liberal arts college preparing students for responsible leadership in business and public affairs. CMC enrolls 1,000 students and is a member of The Claremont Colleges.