Andrea and Peter Klein ’64 were given the Distinguished Service Award, and Scott Zoback ’04, M.P.A. ’05, received the Young Alumni Award at the May 16 Clark University Reunion Dinner in Tilton Hall.
President David Angel noted Zoback’s contributions as a volunteer and class agent, his service as president of the Alumni Association, and his work as an “incredible ambassador” for Clark. Angel recalled that when he assumed the presidency, he asked Zoback for advice. “One of the things he said to me that has rung true is: ‘David, if you’re going to be anything at Clark, you have to be authentic.’”
Zoback said his greatest honor was not receiving the award but “being in the room with a number of people who played key roles for me in my development as a person,” citing, among others, professors Virginia Vaughan and Paul Ropp, his mother Ronni Spiegel Zoback and sister Emily Zoback ’08, M.P.A. ’09. “This place, and what it has done for us, is truly unique,” he said.
In presenting the Distinguished Service Award to the Kleins, President Angel noted the couple’s “extraordinary dedication” to Clark University, which includes Peter’s more than 15 years on the Board of Trustees (including his recent term as chair), numerous volunteering and hosting efforts, and their endowment of the Andrea B. and Peter D. ’64 Klein Distinguished Professorship, which recognizes and rewards a faculty member for outstanding scholarship, teaching and community involvement. The Klein name also graces an endowed scholarship for transfer students, and various rooms and other spaces across campus.
“They are a couple who places values first, and who keeps the long-term health of Clark very close to their hearts,” Angel said.
In accepting the award, Peter Klein said he and Andrea are “grateful for the opportunity to participate in the life of this wonderful university,” adding that their involvement has given them “a sense of joy and satisfaction.”
Following the presentation, President Angel announced that it was Peter Klein’s birthday, and the audience serenaded him with a rousing chorus of “Happy Birthday.”