On September 9, Stevens Institute of Technology announced it had received the largest investment in university history — a $21 million commitment from the A. James & Alice B. Clark Foundation. The donation provides $10 million in endowed funds to directly support the Clark Scholars Program, $1 million to initiate a Clark Philanthropy Challenge, and $10 million toward a capital naming project for renaming the UCC South Tower in honor of A. James Clark.
Since Fall 2018, the Clark Scholars Program has provided financial aid packages, mentorship and networking opportunities, and a breadth of research and cultural experiences to its cohort of students. According to Alida McKee, Director of Special Programs and Administration, the Clark Foundation’s recent donation will allow for a larger cohort size, as well as increases in stipends for research, study abroad, and funds for cultural passport events. Additional aspects of the $10 million in endowed funds include “being able to admit more Pell grant-eligible students to the program, […] a Clark orientation program for all incoming Clark freshmen, and an emergency fund for situations where a student’s family circumstances change, affecting their financial aid,” McKee wrote in an email response to questions from The Stute.
President Nariman Farvardin also noted that the investment “focuses on deepening the transformational impact we’ve already seen rather than simply expanding numbers.” This focus reflects the philosophy of A. James Clark, who “understood that when you invest in a student who has the talent, drive, and integrity but lacks financial resources, you don’t just change one life — you create ripple effects that transform families, communities, and industries.”
The Clark Philanthropy Challenge reflects the dedication to humanitarian service exemplified by Mr. Clark, an engineer who founded Clark Construction Group LLC—a leading US construction company—and whose philanthropy has led to the initiation of Clark Scholars Programs at 11 U.S. universities. Each year, the Challenge will involve scholars vetting and voting on a charitable organization in the local community to receive a $25,000 donation.
Even before this recent donation, the Clark Scholars Program had already evolved significantly since its inception. Fall 2024 saw the beginning of a living-learning community for a group of Clark upperclassmen. Clark alumni have returned to campus for the annual Clark Networking Day and celebrations around graduation season. Clark scholars from Stevens have also attended summits hosted by the broader Clark Scholars Program Network to connect with cohorts from other universities.
This program has greatly impacted its cohort of scholars. Emory Wineland ‘25, a recent Mechanical Engineering graduate, especially enjoyed the ability to study abroad as part of the program. “I got to visit three new countries,” she said, adding, “it was amazing being able to live in completely new places and experience new cultures.” Asked if he could go back in time to complete his undergraduate studies as a Clark Scholar, President Farvardin observed, “the summer research stipend and international experience opportunities would have been transformative for me,” and “the cultural passport to New York City experiences would have been extraordinary.”
Wineland also served on the Clark Events committee, making plans to attend Broadway shows with her fellow scholars using their cultural passports. “I learned that I enjoy event planning and want to find a way to continue doing it outside of Clark,” she said.
McKee and Wineland both highlighted the program’s ability to foster leadership and help students gain confidence. “From the freshman year Clark seminar to organizing events, I was able to grow and learn a lot more about the responsibilities of a leader than I would’ve outside the program,” Wineland said. McKee added, “I have seen students’ confidence grow from a combination of experiences that the program offers — whether it is conducting research that opens their eyes to new possibilities in their field of study or studying abroad and traveling on their own for the first time.”
While the Clark Foundation will sunset after this year, its commitment to Stevens ensures a continuation of Mr. Clark’s legacy of engineering prowess, personal integrity, and a humanitarian spirit. To emulate this legacy, President Farvardin advises all students to not just be technically excellent, “but develop your leadership skills, your ethical foundation, and your commitment to serving others.”
