a l u mne w s
Mary Clarkson, librarian
Photo by David Smith
W
hen you meet Mary Clarkson, stereotypical images of staid, sedate librarians quickly disappear. The high energy and enthusiasm she exhibited as a Trinity librarian (1976-2000) is still evident in retirement. A native of Pontiac, Michigan, Clarkson responded to a Trinity advertisement for a librarian to serve as a liaison with the department of education. With a degree in library science from the University of Kentucky and two years of teaching experience at Eastern Kentucky, she was a good fit for the Trinity position. Clarkson and her husband, Bill, who had a Ph. D. degree in Spanish, were drawn to San Antonio’s favorable work opportunities and warm climate and Trinity’s friendly campus. One of her first tasks was to make preparations for the move from Storch to the Maddux (now Coates) Library, which opened in 1978. Computer technology was still in its infancy, and “high tech” consisted of card catalogs, manual typewriters, microfiche, and microfilm. By the time she retired, however, cell phones were commonplace, the campus had a flexible network of interactive personal computers, e-mail had superseded snail mail, and the Internet was a prime source of communication and research. Librarians and faculty had to maintain a fast learning curve to keep up with the students. Clarkson’s major interest and greatest satisfaction was working with students to assist them to apply critical thinking in
research techniques by evaluating sources and integrating them into papers and reports. Faculty members also frequently requested her assistance. Her upbeat manner and professional expertise resonated positively with anyone who sought help. Holding faculty status, Clarkson received tenure as an assistant professor and was later promoted to associate professor. Active in campus life, she served on the Faculty Senate and other University committees. She published several articles and compiled a bibliography of books published by Trinity University Press devoted to mainstreaming exceptional children into the educational process. In retirement, Clarkson resides
in San Antonio and maintains close contact with daughters Laura in nearby Schertz and Jennifer in Houston. Interaction with grandchildren Joshua, Emily, Fredericka, and William is one of her great joys in life. Widely traveled, Clarkson has just returned from an educational trip to Cuba and plans to visit Eastern Europe in the fall. Her reading habits vary, but she has a penchant for historical fiction, especially the English Tudor period. Hobbies and recreation include daily workouts in a local gym featuring yoga and Zoomba, recreational bowling, and occasional casino bingo with friends. She also serves as a volunteer at a local church senior program and at a children’s hospital.
In 2002, Clarkson bought a home in Oscoda, Michigan, on Lake Huron, where she resides from mid-June to mid-September, visiting family and friends. She maintains contacts with former Trinity colleagues at lunch meetings on campus and other casual visits. Admitting that she is rarely home during the day, Clarkson says that she has the best of both worlds, access to family members and friends, and time to engage in a variety of recreational and volunteer activities. Clarkson welcomes e-mails at maryclarkson39@yahoo.com, phone calls at 210-833-2363, or mail at 2255 Thousand Oaks Dr. Apt. 806, San Antonio, Texas, 78232. R. Douglas Brackenridge
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