Elizabeth A. Clark founded the department of Religion at what was then Mary Washington College in 1964 and established herself, and Mary Washington, as a leading center for the social and historical study of early Christianity. In 1979, she was named the first chair of a newly formed venture, the department of Classics, Philosophy, and Religion, which she led for three years before leaving for Duke University. Her proud tradition was carried forward in the distinguished careers of Jim Goehring and, now, Jennifer Barry. Dr. Barry joined our department in 2015 and immediately sought to honor her predecessor and mentor, Dr. Clark, with the establishment of the Elizabeth A. Clark Lecture Fund.
The lecture series is meant to honor Liz’s contributions to CPRD and the legacy she created at Mary Washington. By virtue of this endowed fund, we would like to bring in renowned scholars from around the world who work on those salient topics Liz dedicated her time to developing over the course of her career. The topics continue to inspire our students and educate the next generation on issues related to women, gender, and Early Christianity and its many significant intersections with classical studies and philosophy. And just like Liz touched your lives, both directly and indirectly, we would like her legacy to continue to influence our students through this unique experience.
We are deeply grateful to all who have already contributed. Our goal is within sight, and we could use your help to push us over the threshold. On Mary Wash Giving Day, gifts to the Elizabeth A. Clark Lecture Fund will be matched dollar-for-dollar, up to $1,000, by Dr. Barbara Price Wallach ’68 and an anonymous donor. To make your gift to the fund on Giving Day, please visit this page today and select Elizabeth A. Clark Lecture Fund as your designation.
Joseph Romero
Professor of Classics
Chair, UMW Classics, Philosophy, and Religious Studies Department
Elizabeth A. Clark Lecture Fund Match
Dr. Barbara Price Wallach ’68 and an anonymous donor are teaming up to match gifts to the Elizabeth A. Clark Lecture Fund on Giving Day, April 13, up to $1,000. The fund is named in honor of Dr. Clark, who founded UMW’s Religion department in 1964 and served as the first chair of Classics, Philosophy, and Religion in 1979. To make your gift on today, choose College of Arts and Sciences as the department and Elizabeth A. Clark Lecture Fund as the designation.