The Legacy Continues
The Rev. Canon Thomas G. Clarke ‘59 has lived a life of service—to Campbell Hall, the Episcopal Church, and to the broader community. As Campbell Hall’s second Head of School (out of only three in the school’s history) for 32 years, he oversaw many of the institution’s most significant developments—from codifying the first CH mission statement to the construction of major building projects including the Academic Center and Ahmanson Library (ACAL) and the Garver Gym complex to the creation of the Financial Aid program. Having attended Campbell Hall from Kindergarten—8th grade, transferring out in 9th grade as there was no high school option for boys at the time, his lifelong dedication to the school started when he was just a boy.
“I grew up seeing my parents’ involvement in philanthropy and charitable causes both as donors and as volunteers,” Canon Clarke said. In fact, his father, Thomas W. Clarke served on Campbell Hall’s Board of Directors for 51 years, longer than any other member in the school’s history, and was also responsible for drawing up Campbell Hall’s articles of incorporation in 1945. His parents were also among the first to join the school’s Legacy Society, designating Campbell Hall as the charity beneficiary on a charitable remainder trust. “I inherited an attitude of service,” Canon Clarke continued, “and it has stayed with me throughout my lifetime.”
Building on the strong foundation laid by those who established Campbell Hall, Canon Clarke knew there was still important work to do. “When I came to Campbell Hall as Head of School, my charge was to further the legacy of the mission of the school,” he said. “Working closely with the Board of Directors, I knew that Campbell Hall could not exist on tuition alone. It was important to establish a culture of philanthropy that would not only support the school’s existing operating needs but would also secure its future.”
One of the ways in which Canon Clarke and the Board worked to accomplish this was by establishing Campbell Hall’s first endowment. The long-term viability of any nonprofit educational institution relies on such investment vehicles. “A strong endowment, which is grown in a number of ways including through legacy gifts, is a symbol of a strong community,” Canon Clarke said. “It helps the school endure the unexpected. If we learned anything from the COVID pandemic, it’s that we have to plan for any number of contingencies.”
Canon Clarke also helped start Campbell Hall’s professional development program because he recognized the need for faculty to build skills, learn about the latest research and technology, and stay current on best practices, all of which positively impact student achievement. Today, faculty and staff collectively engage in more than 2,000 hours of professional development each year. Like his parents before him, Canon Clark has chosen to include Campbell Hall in his estate planning, naming the school as a beneficiary. The importance of sustaining and growing CH’s professional development is of utmost importance to him, so he designated his gift to support this crucial school program. “Campbell Hall is my top charitable priority because my heart will always be there,” he noted. “I hope each of us values the community and will do everything we can to further that spirit, even when we are no longer here.”
Canon Clarke’s legacy at Campbell Hall is attributable to more than just including Campbell Hall in his estate planning—it is a lifelong commitment to an institution that he helped build and one that he believes should endure forever. His legacy gift will help the school do just that.