1958

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Richard P. Traina ’58, former president of Clark University, passed away at his home in Charlton, Mass., on March 8 at age 73 after living with cancer for several years. Traina served as president from 1984 to 2000, and he oversaw a period of remarkable growth that included renewed emphasis on education programs, a significant increase of the endowment, and construction and renovation of physical facilities. His work with the city of Worcester, particularly the Main South neighborhood, was groundbreaking. Through his example and under his directive, Clark began working with its neighbors to establish the University Park Partnership, which has brought renewed vitality to the Main South neighborhood. The partnership has since become a national model for urban university/community collaborations, and the University Park Campus School is touted as a national school reform model. Clark also helped establish the Main South Community Development Corporation, a vehicle organized to stimulate affordable housing and small business development in Clark’s surrounding neighborhood. “Dick will long be remembered for his passion and commitment to Clark. His energy and insights were essential in transforming the University and the community around us,” said current President David Angel. “Dick was a friend, colleague, and mentor to the many people whose lives he touched.”

08 Nov 2018