OM 1.1.0 History
About This Policy
| Effective Date: July 1987 Last Updated: October 2006 Responsible University Office: President's Office Responsible University Administrator: President |
Policy Contact: Office of the President president@clarkson.edu |
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Policy Statement
Clarkson University was founded in memory of Thomas S. Clarkson, a northern New York resident characterized by both his varied successful business operations and by his deep concern for humanity. When he died, as the result of an accident in his sandstone quarry in 1894, his sisters, Elizabeth, Frederica, and Lavinia, established a memorial to his name by building and endowing an institution that would embody his philosophy. When the first building was completed, the first classes were held for 17 young men and women on September 2, 1896, at the Thomas S. Clarkson Memorial School of Technology.
In 1913, the charter was amended, and the name changed to the Thomas S. Clarkson Memorial College of Technology. Steady growth and development resulted in the New York State Board of Regents designating Clarkson a University on February 24, 1984.
Clarkson's motto, "A Workman That Needeth Not To Be Ashamed," is taken from Thomas S. Clarkson's favorite biblical verse: "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." -- II Timothy 2:15.
Clarkson's colors, green and gold, were selected because the goldenrod was Thomas S. Clarkson's favorite flower.
Revision History
July 1987
March 1995
Editorial Revision October 2006