h
Alumni Travel 2012
alumni profile / maurette brown clark ’89
The Gospel of Maurette Gospel music always gave Maurette Brown Clark ’89 the spiritual and emotional support she needed—but she never imagined it was how she’d make a living. Now she’s promoting her fourth album, touring the country and working with other stars of the genre. “Music is part of who I am,” says the wife and mom, whose two young girls have sung on her albums. “My purpose has always been to touch people’s hearts, make them believe that better days are ahead.” Growing up on Long Island, N.Y., Clark performed with her three siblings and the church choir but never thought her voice was special. She came to Maryland as a business major, placing second in the Miss Black Unity Pageant and joining Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. and the gospel choir. “She has a tremendous voice and presence—a big voice coming out of
this tiny little body,” says friend Kecia Hansard ’89. “That’s how a lot of people started to know her on campus.” Clark worked briefly in the business world after graduating but felt something was missing. “I just prayed and asked God, ‘What am I supposed to be doing?’” she says. “He said, ‘Bless people through your
SPAIN For more information, visit alumni.umd.edu or contact Angela Dimopoulos ’07 at 301.405.7938 / 800.336.8627 or adimop@umd.edu.
music.’” First collaborating with well-known gospel singers like Richard Smallwood and Daniel Winans, then setting out on her own, Clark has found success. Her first three albums earned her multiple Stellar Awards, the most prestigious award in gospel, and her new album, “The Sound of Victory,” was released in November. In February, she’s performing in London.–KS
1989
1955 1942
1970
1945 Photograph courtesy of Nettie’s Child Music and Management LLC
terp_win2012_jjn.indd 7
Oct. 18–28
1979 winter 2012 terp 7
1/19/12 12:04 PM