A student award fund to honor Dean of Spiritual Life Mark Duntley has been created just in time for this year’s Day of Giving.
Dean of Spiritual Life Mark Duntley plans to retire in August of this year, having served the Lewis & Clark community since 1989. His office has supported all religious life programs that take place on campus and has its roots in the Presbyterian heritage of the college. In his own words, Mark has created ways for students “to explore their own spiritual identity and to grow spiritually by engaging with other human beings in opportunities to help and to be of service, and then to reflect together about those experiences.” Mark has served on college-wide committees and taught in our Core Curriculum.
The award fund was created by James W. Rogers Professor of Music Eleonora M. Beck to represent her appreciation for all Mark has done for the campus community.
“Mark embodies a spirit of love and giving,” Beck said. “For many years he has shared his precious wisdom about the entire arc of life, from its joyous beginnings through challenges and successes with the LC community. With empathy and humor, Mark has created space for questing, for searching, and for questioning while providing steady friendship and care. He is the conscience of L&C: his spirit emboldens us to do better, carry on with a smile in the knowledge that we are okay now, reminding us of hope for tomorrow.”
Duntley’s role has been especially important during Covid. He volunteered to deliver food to students who were self isolating at the beginning of the Fall 2020 term. He helped students gain special access to the chapel for prayer and meditation, and continues to give the community support during this challenging time.
If you would like to participate in honoring Duntley’s many years of service, please make a gift to the Rev. Mark A. Duntley Award Fund. Students will be selected through a community nomination process, and recipients will demonstrate Mark Duntley’s spirit of giving, wisdom, caring, enthusiasm for life and deep understanding of the human condition and spirituality.
If you have questions about the fund or about making a gift, please reach out to senior advancement officer Rebecca Holt at RebeccaH@lclark.edu or 503-866-0340.
