Beginning May 18, Clark will host five days of events, webinars, and outreach designed to connect alumni, students, parents, faculty, and staff. A Week of Community & Caring features programs for reunion alumni, career explorers and the Class of 2020.

Developed by the offices of Alumni & Friends Engagement and The Clark Fund, the week features a special giving opportunity with an anonymous $50,000 matching gift from two anonymous Clark parents.

“We wanted to create something that’s special for all the members of our community,” said Jeff Gillooly, vice president of university advancement. “We hope the week gives those seeking a Clark connection a chance to experience all the best parts of our Clark community.”

Each day has a theme, with events designed for different audiences. The daily themes and highlights include:

Monday, May 18: Reunion Day. This day features virtual reunions for undergraduates who could not reconnect on campus.

Tuesday, May 19: Career Connections Day. Cindy Michael-Wolpert ’90, P ’18, a member of the Clark Board of Trustees, hosts a free webinar for alumni on how to leverage ClarkCONNECT and their Clark network.

Wednesday, May 20: Wellness Wednesday. Four staff members and alumni host virtual sessions designed to soothe the mind and body. Sessions include:

• The Joy of Reading with Clark’s new head librarian, Laura Robinson
• Self-Care Practices During COVID-19 featuring Dr. Erica Beachy, Clark’s director of wellness education
• Virtual Yoga. Megan O’Rourke ’11, Clark’s assistant women’s soccer coach, offers an afternoon session.
• Virtual Meditation. Meditation and yoga instructor Carolyn Ericson ’69 teaches mindful stress reduction.

Thursday, May 21: 2020 Day. The alumni office honors the newest members of the alumni community with a series of surprises for the senior class. The GOLD (Graduates of the Last Decade) hosts a virtual meet-up to welcome the Class of 2020.

Friday, May 22: Clark Fund Day. The week concludes with a day of support for Clark. Throughout the week, the first 500 donations will be matched — no matter the size — with a $100 contribution. Participants can issue their own challenges to classmates, teammates, club participants or fellow parents. The focus is on gifts to three core initiatives — the Student Emergency Fund, student scholarships, and unrestricted support.

“We’re counting on our alumni, parents, faculty, staff, and friends to provide much-needed support for our students, who’ve been affected in countless ways,” said Nicole Missino, director of The Clark Fund.

The week concludes with a livestreamed concert by Olivia Frances ’19, an award-winning singer-songwriter based in Nashville.

To learn more about A Week of Community & Caring, please contact alumni@clarku.edu.

Kevin Wesley is the executive director of alumni and friends engagement and The Clark Fund.