A hero among us

Fri., Nov. 5, John P. Clark, the Athletic Director of PSU, was awarded the Patricia Storer PAT Award. The award honors an individual that deserves special recognition for his or her achievements and great contributions to the university.

PAT is an acronym for "professional, administrative, and technical" staff. The award was created in honor of Patricia Storer. "The award means a great deal to me because of the person it honors," said Clark on receiving the award. "Patricia was a very special person here at Plymouth State, and to me." Storer was a longtime part of PSU. She retired in 1991 after 28 years of service to the University. According to President of Plymouth State University, Dr. Sara Jayne Steen. "[Patricia] held the roles of student, teacher, dean, and throughout it all, mentor."

Clark has been a part of this University for 43 years, not only as a faculty member but also as a student who has come through the University. "I'm just a kid," Clark said with a wide smile. 

Clark had received both his Bachelor's and Master's degrees from PSU. Beginning his career in admissions, Clark served as the Director of the College Union, as a member of the Cabinet, and is the now Director of Athletics. "During his professional career, [John] has held positions from one end of the campus to the other," said President Steen.

President Steen called Clark up to join at the front of the ceremony and spoke on the effort to put the ceremony together. "In keeping with tradition, we try to ask people who know the award recipient well to make a special effort to attend this ceremony, while asking them to keep the recipient's identity a secret." 

"John has had a very long lasting impact on athletics and how the campus looks today, the physical look," says Chair of the PAT Committee and registrar, Joyce Larson in regards to the roads that used to cross through campus. 

"Did you walk here today from Rounds, Speare, the Hub or Hyde?" President Steen asked the attendees of the ceremony. "You undoubtedly appreciated the landscaping and brick walkways and not having to cross Summer Street or School Street to get here." 

Clark got the roads made into pedestrian walkways with flowers, trees, and other landscaping. "The wonderful way the campus looks is because of John. It's unified instead of being chopped up," said Larson. "You never have to worry about being hit by a car."

This is just one of Clark's many contributions to the university. President Steen went on say, "Have you enjoyed a show at Silver or attended an opening or a class in D&M? Have you been to the P.E. Center or field house for an athletic contest? How about the new Ice Area and Welcome Center? Look around, everyone has felt John's enduring impact."

Clark's motivation derives directly from his love of the school and the people in it. "There are hundreds of dedicated people here at PSU," said Clark. "It's a very special place where it's easy to want to be dedicated and committed because of the climate."

When Clark was told that he would be receiving the PAT Award, he was very happy, especially because of those who have received it before him, Frank Cocchiarella and Mary Campbell. The award is relatively new and John Clark's reception marks the third time that the award has been presented to anyone.

As the Director of Athletics, Clark's dedication shows in full color. "John has been a mentor to hundred of Plymouth State student-athletes, coaches, high school students, and little leaguers throughout the state," President Steen says of his work as Athletics Director. "Of course he encourages success on the field, court, ice, or pitch. But he inspires and requires honor, scholarship, and good citizenship."

 Clark doesn't really think of his time at PSU as a string of accomplishments, but as a brand new opportunity everyday to do the things he loves. According to Joyce Larson, "John has an underlying motivation to make things better and that is significant. No matter who you are or where you come from, you can always rely on Clark's office door being open to you." Clark isn't looking for any recognition and doesn't do what he does for the "thank yous," though he is deeply honored by them. 

Clark's number one concern is the students of this campus and will do anything to help them. According to Clark, "I love just being around students, and the opportunity to help others... to help people in anyway I can."