Dear Clark Community,

This weekend is a time of reflection for many of faith within our community. In that context, I write with personal best wishes for your health and well-being as our world continues to adapt to the extraordinary challenges of this time — and to invite you to be part of a special way that we can all keep connected across the community of Clark.

First and foremost, please know that Clark is with you. The reach of the COVID-19 pandemic deepens every day. The economic and personal challenges, the separation and grief it is creating across the country and around the world, in each of our own lives and hearts, are profound. We will do all we can to support you. Our staff and faculty stand united in our commitment to you, as we are to each other.

In the face of so many challenges, I am inspired by the many stories I hear of Clarkies figuring things out, sharing their challenges and what they are learning from them, and engaging in acts of kindness, generosity, and caring. Community is at the heart of who Clark is — the way we care for each other, look out for each other and, at the most fundamental level, strive to stay in touch even now.

With that in mind, we have underway a #ClarkTogether initiative to support connection during these times. We want the contributions of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and parents — of everyone who makes Clark the special community it is. We want your stories, your ideas, your perspectives — and even your videos — for sharing with others across Clark. You can, for example:

• Submit a short note, message, poem, or other reflection you want to share in writing.
• Share a short video, be it something fun, a how-to, a moment with your favorite pet, a song or a dance — whatever you like.
• Share an idea for a story that we can pursue about what others in the Clark community are doing to cope with, create change, and lead in these times.
• Via social media, share and look for all these contributions with #ClarkTogether.

You can see some of the content that others have already created and contributed here.

We are physically separated but, at the same time, we are joined as one in creating Clark anew each day. I invite you to explore and contribute to this #ClarkTogether collaboration.

We will continue to provide updates directly to you of any major developments at the University. In the meantime, please continue to take care of yourself and of one another.

Sincerely,

David P. Angel

President