Clarke Biology Scholarship created at Emporia State
Special to the Gazette, Dirk Mcbratney
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
The Robert F. Clarke Memorial Biology Scholarship has been established at Emporia State University by his children Linda Clarke and John Clarke to benefit a full-time graduate student in the biology department.
Clarke was born in Portsmouth, Va., but met Elaine McNabb during his service in World War II and moved to Kansas to marry her. Then an illustrator, Clarke attended KSTC (now ESU) and earned a bachelor’s degree in 1955 and a master’s degree in 1957 in biology, then earned a doctorate in zoology in 1963 at the University of Oklahoma.
Clarke began his teaching career in ESU’s biology department during graduate school in 1956, returned after his doctoral education, and became chair of the department from 1972 to 1978. Known as a wildlife artist, he accrued a long list of professional honors, from Who’s Who listings to prestigious research fellowships and naming as an ESU Distinguished Alumnus. Clarke retired in 1990. His commitment to his students is reflected in this scholarship in memory of his service and distinction.
The donors share their father’s history with Emporia State University, as well as his love for the science of life. Linda earned a bachelor’s in 1976 and a master’s in biology in 1982, as well as a master’s in counselor education in 1985. John earned a bachelor’s in biology as well, in 1972, and graduated in 1973 with a master’s in psychology. The donors’ choice to offer the scholarship in the department of biology reflects a wish to pass on to the next generation the love of life that was instilled in them by their father.
For more information on this scholarship or about supporting ESU, contact the ESU Foundation at (620) 341-5440 or sacfound@emporia.edu, or visit us online atwww.emporia.edu/saf.