Southeastern Massachusetts University - Scrimshaw Yearbook (North Dartmouth, MA)

Page 13 text:

True to form, Dean Howard is as active in the affairs of the community as he is in the life of the University. He devotes much time and energy to the political causes and candidates he judges honorable and worthy. In turn, he is counted a respected friend whose discerning judgment and shrewd political insight are sought by governmental leaders at all levels from Governor and U.S. Senators to members of the state legislature. A staunch promoter of the arts and humanities Dean Howard has been a consistent force over the years in securing major student financial backing for those pro- grams and projects that culturally enrich not only the learning atmosphere of the University but that of the region as well. In his role as chairman for nineteen years and in more recent times as co-chairperson of the SMU Lecture Series Committee he has played a princi- pal part in bringing to the campus some of the world ' s most famous authors, political leaders, stars of stage and screen, and television personalities. To all of them he has been the University ' s gracious host. When students and alumni talk about Dean Howard, as they often do, a theme emerges, certain key words and phrases are heard over and over again: all speak of his compassion and unconditional support, his sage ad- vice, his willingness to invest chunks of time and self to listen, to guide, to illuminate, to rescue those in emo- tional jeopardy. With a perceptiveness that penetrates as sharply as a laser beam, he sees the potential be- neath an individual ' s often misleading surface. And once he sees it, he delights in helping that person uncover it, shape it, develop it. He is a true miner of diamonds in the rough. And many a human gem flashes brilliantly today because of Dean Howard ' s determination to convince his charges of their own worth. with Phil Donahue 14 i —.- » - with Ralph Nader 13 with Hellen Hayes .

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Dean Donald Clayton Howard Every university has its legend and SMU is no exception. Our legend is very much alive and has an office in the administra- tion building. This office is always full of students and its door is always open. Our legend ' s name is Donald C. Howard and we who have spent four years under his wing see his office as a perfect metaphor for his heart. Officially, his title is Dean of Students, but it could just as easily be Friend of Stu- dents , for such Donald Howard has been during the last twenty three years. Elo- quent and persuasive, he is always willing to speak for students, to right their wrongs, to promote their dreams, to make real their hopes, and to introduce them to the world of their choosing. He has a gift for coun- seling and considers it a major function of his position to make himself truly available to those who seek his guidance. A cham- pion of causes and people, he is that rare individual in any community, educational or otherwise, who spends without hesita- tion the riches of his spirit and his days on others. Dean Howard ' s involvement with student organizations and activities has been extensive and productive. Individuals in the process of choosing graduate schools or starting careers also find Dean Howard ' s assistance invaluable and un- stinting. From writing thoughtful recom- mendations to helping graduates find the right job, he so genuinely wants what is best for others, that instinctively they put their hopes in his hands and their trust in his advice. Nor does his interest in his students end when they are handed their degrees. He remains a presence in their lives through the years, attending their weddings, encouraging their careers, comforting their sorrows, sharing their triumphs. Donald Clayton Howard Dean Howard with Massachusetts Senator John Kerry

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with Barbara Walters with George Plimpton m It is perhaps as the consummate mentor that he would most wish to be remembered, for in this role - in this vocation - he has no peer. All his considerable people skills, all his humanistic beliefs and generosity of spirit, his mischievous wit and innate wisdom, the cosmopoli- tan perspective and brilliant scope of his well-nour- ished mind - all these come together to make him not only a gifted counselor, but a cherished one. It is true that his methods may be somewhat unorthodox, com- bining as they do, complete acceptance of an individ- ual with a little good-natured needling, intense and patient listening with what one former student has called A unique way of ' whacking you on the side of the head ' to unleash your potential. But, above all, his methods are effective. Through the futures of those whom he nurtures, through their careers and personal lives, his influence sends out ripples. ' The Dean is a man whose life hums with content- ment. He loves his work; he relishes the friendships he makes; he is enchanted with the variety of his experi- ences. He is a strong personality, colorful, courageous, rich with opinions and loyalties, intensely dedicated. Despite his sophistication, he has not lost his sense of honor, nor a certain appealing innocence, nor a talent for joy. It is this that he communicates to us, thus that he inspires us. Winston Churchill, one of Dean Howard ' s own great inspirations, said: Don ' t take no for an answer, never submit to failure. Do not be fobbed off with mere personal success or acceptance. You will make all kinds of mistakes; but as long as you are generous and true, and also fierce, you cannot hurt the world or even distress her. And so, Dean Howard, because you have been gener- ous and true, and also fierce and by being so, made our burdens lighter, our paths clearer and our futures full of hope, we dedicate this book to you. 10