Stacy Thompson

What made you want to come to Lewis & Clark?

Lewis & Clark’s association with the Presbyterian church (at that time) and the recommendation by my high school counselor. I also really wanted to attend college out of California but not too far from home.

What have you been doing since graduation?

I have earned three graduate degrees: two master’s (child development and education) and an EdD in educational leadership. I have been married to my husband, Martin, for 35 years; have two handsome sons, Chad and Brandon; and two grandchildren, Lola and Jaden. During my career I was a preschool teacher, tenured faculty (child development) at a community college, dean of humanities and social science, and vice president of instruction. I am now happily retired!

How did Lewis & Clark prepare you for work and school?

Lewis & Clark prepared me to effectively prioritize tasks. While in college I worked, studied, organized Black Student Union activities, and attended class.

What would you say is the most important thing you learned at Lewis & Clark?

How to travel independently and how to meet deadlines.

What’s your favorite part or most memorable experience of serving on the Board of Alumni?

Along with other Black alumni, we started the Lewis & Clark Black Alumni Association in collaboration with the current Black Student Union. I also enjoy collaborating on the mentor program for current Black students and alumni.

How do you stay connected to Lewis & Clark as an alum?

I attend class reunions, Board of Alumni meetings, Homecoming and Family Weekend, Black and Orange parties, and Board of Trustees meetings.

Have you been to Alumni Weekend or other programming, like Homecoming, etc.? What did you enjoy about the event(s)?

Yes. I enjoy reunions and graduation.

How do you encourage other alumni to give back to the college?

I have encourage other Bay Area alumni to get involved in reunions, Alumni Weekend, and local Black and Orange events. I encourage Black alumni to get involved through the mentor program and the Black Alumni Association.

How do you describe the liberal arts?

My 30-year work experience in higher education has given me lots of opportunities to respond to this question. Some of the general learning outcomes one expects from a liberal arts education are students’ ability to:

• Think critically
• Communicate effectively
• Engage in civil and global activities

Why did you major in political science?

I had plans to attend law school after graduation. Though I decided not to attend law school, I did use my degree to become involved in local politics and work with community-based nonprofit organizations.

What was your favorite class? How did it expand your knowledge?

American government classes on my off-campus program in Washington, D.C.

Where did you find your community on campus?

Black Student Union.

Who was your mentor on campus? Why do you consider this person your mentor?

Michael Ford believed in my leadership skills, and he encouraged and supported me with the BSU.

If you studied overseas while at Lewis & Clark, how did you choose your program? What did your overseas study add to your L&C experience?

Egypt/Israel. It is the cradle of three religions and is in Africa. I learned how to explore new places with an open mind.

Black Student Union Black Alumni Association