Three Generations of Buccaneers—as told by Terrell Swann Clark ’69

I was a member of the class of 1969; our sons, Whalen and Johnson, graduated in 1999 and 2004 respectively. Now, we have two grandchildren in Lower Division, Lucy ’35 and Jay ’37, daughter and son of Johnson and his wife, Erica Johnson Clark ’04, providing us a new perspective and a fresh lens.

Driving our grandchildren to school for drop-off means a new adventure every time. We get lots of information about projects and studies, friends, and unfiltered emotions. My husband, Joe, and I learn a lot and we love it! On the last leg of our drive, we turn onto Bray Road (which leads to the Harrod Entrance at the back of the school) and always say hello to the “tin man”—a statue standing on the porch of a home along the way. We wind through the beautiful campus arriving at the Casper Landis Buc Stop to be welcomed by students, teachers, and sometimes Headmaster Seivold, who open the car door and greet us as the students begin another magical day. We have even started a log of our hilarious conversations along the way.

I cannot help but flash back to when I was driving myself and our car pool from Clearwater to the Berkeley campus, then located in the old hotel on Davis Islands. Talk about a contrast! It was the late 1960s, and I was one of several students from Pinellas County. Lifers? No. High school newbies? Yes. Although we may have been a little wild (some might say more than a little), our fellow students could not have been more welcoming. Thank you Bobby Newman ’69 for the apple every day!

The academics were challenging; it was a big change, but we persevered and graduated having forged lifetime friendships. Years later, when the time came, the decision to have our sons apply to Berkeley was a no-brainer. We treasure memories of their growth and development: the sports, the adventures, and the teachers who impacted them in so many ways—a long, long list. I’ve heard them talk about how the transition to college was so much easier because of their Berkeley education; it’s so wonderful to have choices. The friends they made remain close-knit; indeed, Joe and I view them all as extended family.

Why do I give back to Berkeley? There are many reasons. What a great way to stay connected. I have the opportunity to support and be active in the programs of interest and to invest in the many areas of innovation that our school has developed and continues to develop over its history. It’s a meaningful and rewarding way of saying thank you.

Over the years, I have co-chaired the fundraiser Shades of Blue, served on the Board for the Berkeley Blazers, been on the Alumni Executive Committee, co-chaired the school’s 50th Anniversary celebration, and recently worked with Mary Margaret Dolcimascolo ’68 (another three-generation family) to raise support from alumni for the Berkeley Chapel. Our family has been particularly interested in scholarship opportunities and efforts to cover ancillary expenses for students.

Many years ago, my extended family supported the founding of the Academy Prep model and established an endowed scholarship for the first student to come to Berkeley from Academy Prep. The partnership with Academy Prep continues. And how about the Berkeley Academy! What an ingenious and visionary collaboration including the Hillsborough County school system with our Berkeley students, parents, and alumni. It has yielded life-changing outcomes preparing students to be the first generation in their family to have a college opportunity. I encourage you to visit the Berkeley Academy and witness something very special.

So, I am thrilled to have two of our grandchildren attending Berkeley, hopefully with more coming. I know they are getting the very best at every level and being prepared to pursue their dreams. Berkeley has been and continues to be a wonderful experience for me and an investment yielding rewards for those we love. So many friendships and wonderful memories. We are truly blessed.