Paul Ropp, research professor of history, has been selected to receive the 2012 John W. Lund Clark Community Achievement Award.

“Jack Lund believed that individuals with drive, passion, and vision can make a difference in the lives of our neighbors, and you exemplify exactly what Jack had in mind with this award,” Clark University President David Angel said in announcing the award to Ropp.

Ropp has been at Clark since 1984, where he taught Chinese social and cultural history and founded the Asian Studies Program. He retired from full-time teaching in 2011.

Ropp was a driving force in the creation of the Center for Nonviolent Solutions in Worcester, an organization that encourages alternatives to violence in resolving conflict. He serves on the center’s board of directors.

The John W. Lund Clark Community Achievement Award recognizes the contributions made to the Worcester community by faculty, students, or staff members at Clark University. The award is the result of a gift to the Greater Worcester Community Foundation by the late Jack Lund, who was a retired business executive and a generous supporter of Clark University. He was an active member of the Friends of the Goddard Library, and had audited classes at Clark for more than 20 years.

In announcing the award, President Angel noted that Ropp’s “tremendous leadership with the creation and operation of the Center for Nonviolent Solutions has provided an essential resource for our community. Your tenacity and passion for this work has opened the doors for a community dialogue to create a culture of peace. You and CNVS have brought these lessons into the classrooms where young people can learn about conflict resolution and nonviolent ways to resolve differences. These are the lasting lessons that will also be your legacy to the Worcester community.”

Ropp will be presented with the Lund Award at the Oct. 16 Making A Difference Scholars Dinner at Harrington House.

“I must express my deep gratitude to our History Department Chair, Amy Richter, who put together a terrific nomination letter on my behalf,” Ropp said. “I am delighted, honored and humbled to receive this award. Jack Lund was a wonderful friend who enlivened several of my classes with his presence and who always left me feeling inspired by his lively sense of humor and his deep dedication to Clark and to the Worcester community.”