By Charlie Grecco | Observer Contributor
Gregory Clement, Associate Dean of Student Services, announced his early retirement after 15 years of innovative and dedicated service to MWCC.
Clement has spent the past 38 years as an academic forerunner in the psychology of embracing commuting students, emboldening their college experience, while at the same time contributing significantly to the culture and life-blood of the campus. His success is well documented by the impact he has made on the lives of so many students who, for logistical reasons, would have missed out on the comradery of campus life and most importantly, the friends and memories that students treasure for a lifetime.
When asked about the positive impact he has had on students’ lives Clement said, “I spent my early career in student government. I realized very early on how valuable the connection and the sharing of cultural wealth between students would add to their college life and to the institution as well. I believed that commuter students were being somewhat short-changed of the college experience.” He said there was a direct impact on student’s grades and quality of life when fully integrated in campus life and activities.
His past experience at Bradford College as Coordinator of Student Activities, the University of Southern Maine, and Salem State led to his track record of success at MWCC.
During his tenure at MWCC, he was responsible for the Student Activities Program and was a strong advocate for the Student Center – the epicenter of our campus where students enjoy time for relaxation, reflection and making new friends. He served on the team developing the center, making sure students played an active role in its development.
As a forward thinker and a bold change-leader, he introduced numerous new concepts throughout his career that were designed to enrich all students, making inclusivity of paramount concern, ensuring commuters would never be left behind.
“I am so grateful to be working with him one last time on the commencement ceremonies this coming May. As trying of an experience as it is to coordinate hundreds of people both in and out of the gym due to crowd overflow, his leadership and, quite frankly, his loving and truly caring demeanor will be missed for sure,” said a Student Advisor.
One student said he was disappointed when he heard Clement was retiring and moving back to his childhood home in Bar Harbor, Maine saying, “Every student who pilgrimages to this student conclave or participated in an activity or club owes a debt of gratitude to Dean Clement for his dedication to uniting students with one common goal.”
And what is that goal?
The student said, “All for one and one for all. I have met my best friends right here on this couch!”
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