Issue link: http://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/307188
7 Nearly four decades ago the Central Michigan University student body consisted of just 10,000 students – many wearing bell-bottom pants and platform shoes. It was 1971, the year before CMU Athletics entered the Mid-American Conference and two longtime university supporters, Robert and Susan Clarke, said their wedding vows. Throughout their marriage, Robert and Susan have supported various CMU areas. But Susan says they are particularly interested in contributing to the Libraries. "There are a lot of worthy avenues to consider when making a contribution," says Susan, an active member of the Clarke Historical Library Board of Governors. "We're interested in the library because it affects all students, regardless of their major." The Clarkes, who both graduated from CMU in 1971, recently contributed a gift to establish an endowment, the annual earnings of which support the process of microfilming and digitizing historical documents or newspapers relating to Michigan. Their endowment has enabled the library's newspaper and microfilming department to establish a yearly $2,500 grant for which more than 600 public libraries throughout Michigan are eligible. "We have always been committed to CMU and helping others, so when the library approached us with a need we were happy to support it," the couple says almost in unison. "We believe if you give now, as opposed to later, you'll be fortunate enough to see the impact and the difference you're making." That impact is exactly what has happened, according to Kim Hagerty, the Clarke Library microform service specialist. "Their endowment has sparked so much excitement throughout the libraries and the Michigan historical community," she says. "It has allowed us to market our Clarke Library services across the state and created an opportunity for smaller communities that have a hard time raising funds to preserve their historical documents." The Clarkes reside in Harbor Springs, Mich., where they also have established a scholarship for Harbor Springs students interested in attending CMU. Digitizing Michigan documents New Clarke endowment creates excitement statewide By Darryll Stinson, '13