Washington College

Washington College Magazine

How to Contribute Photos and Notes


Professor of Music Garry Clarke, pictured here with daughter Catharine, began his teaching career at WC when the Gibson Performing Arts Center first opened.
Professor of Music Garry Clarke, pictured here with daughter Catharine, began his teaching career at WC when the Gibson Performing Arts Center first opened.

The Gift of Music

Most dads enjoy a new tie or a wallet for Father's Day. Garry Clarke, longtime professor of music, received a card, good for one music library in the renovated Gibson Performing Arts Center at Washington College. Cash value: $125,000.

Catharine Clarke Ingersoll '03 orchestrated the fundraising drive to pay tribute to her father's 39 years of service to the College. Since joining the faculty in 1968, Professor Clarke has been chair of the music department, chair of the art department, dean of the College and interim president. "I thought it was important to have a permanent testament to what he's done for the College," Catharine says. Garry's wife, Melissa '75, and daughter Elizabeth '07, endorsed the idea.

Catharine began with a few family friends, securing a $50,000 challenge grant from the Nuttle family, who have Professor of Music Garry Clarke, pictured here with daughter Catharine, began his teaching career at WC when the Gibson Performing Arts Center first opened. The brothers of Phi Delta Theta, of which Garry is a member and faculty adviser, also participated in the challenge.

With 30 initial contributors giving more than $156,000, Catharine says, "the hardest part was keeping it a secret. He was surprised and very touched that so many people had gotten together to do this for him."

Since the Presser Foundation gave the College $10,000 to buy scores for the department back in the 1960s, Garry Clarke has overseen a growing collection of music. The library will house the Music Department's collections of books, scores, recordings and video resources. "What touched me most is that a number of people recognized that books on music and musical scores are a main focus of my interest," noted Professor Clarke, "and that a music library would be such an appropriate gift."

300 Washington Avenue, Chestertown, Maryland 21620 | 410-778-2800 | 800-422-1782