Trustees Honor Atkinson by Funding New Scholarship in Her Name

To honor Jane Atkinson for her 15 months of service as interim president, the Board of Trustees has launched and funded a new scholarship in her name.

Board Chair Ron Ragen announced the scholarship at the Oct. 15 board meeting—along with the news that trustees had contributed more than $170,000 to the fund.

Atkinson, who was visibly touched when the trustees surprised her with the announcement, said the scholarship was a perfect way to thank her for her work as interim president.

“The trustees know how important I believe it is for the future of Lewis & Clark to increase our endowment for student scholarships,” she said. “With this gift, they are supporting an institutional priority to which I am deeply committed. That is why this tribute is so meaningful to me. I am deeply touched and honored that they chose to recognize my service with a gift that will help future generations of students to benefit from a Lewis & Clark education.”

Reflecting their commitment to prospective undergraduates having access to Lewis & Clark, the trustees designated that the scholarship would be dedicated to need-based financial aid in the College of Arts and Sciences.

“Jane has done an absolutely terrific job as our Interim President,” Ragen said. “She has undertaken a number of major initiatives that will play major roles in moving the College toward even greater excellence. The Trustees wanted to thank Jane in a way that would give not only continuing recognition to her but would be consistent with her long and deep commitment to the students of this College who are, after all, the primary reason for its existence.”

Atkinson, who stepped into the interim president role in the summer of 2009, will return to her previous position of Vice President and Provost when Barry Glassner takes office next week.

The campus community is invited to congratulate Jane on a job well done. Submit your messages of gratitude for Jane here. Your comments will appear below:

“Thanks for never behaving like an interim and keeping us moving forward every moment.”
– Catherine Crooker, associate vice president for development

“If we’d called “Central Casting” and requested the perfect Interim President, they would have sent us Jane Atkinson. She has not only kept us together but moved us forward. Everybody in  Institutional Advancement joins with me in thanking her for her great support of our efforts and leadership of the college.”
– Greg Volk, vice president for institutional advancement

“Jane, it has been a pleasure working with you and supporting you this year. And I always enjoy our impromptu Trail Room lunch gatherings. Looking forward to many more —years and lunches.”
– Joe Becker, director of marketing and publications

“It’s been a privilege to work with her and to see her courage,  integrity, and hopefulness - all done with the gracefulness of a true feminine leader.  As a staff member who loves this institution and the students we attract, I have always believed, under Jane’s leadership, that I am an equal educator and worthy of her time and trust.  Thanks Jane!”
– Adonica De Vault, associate director of center for career and community engagement

“Dear Jane: I met you many years ago right after you had given birth to your first child. You were energetic and vibrant then, and you have not stopped for a minute. Thank you for the care you give to everything you do.”
– Loretta Johnson, adjunct professor in the humanities

“Jane, I am so excited that this has been created in your honor.  You have been such an amazing leader through difficult times. You have stepped up to the challenge with such strength, grace and humility that I just wanted you to know how much you are appreciated and admired.”
– Sara Exposito, assistant professor of education

“So many thanks are also due for simultaneously filling in as Dean of the Graduate School. This is a well-deserved award.”
– Mamie Dec, administrative coordinator for counseling psychology