Professor Dave Clough, in back, gathers with members of the women's basketball team at the American University of Iraq, Sulaimani, where he helped develop the engineering curriculum.
We’re continuing to say thanks this week to one of the college’s longest-serving faculty members, Professor Dave Clough, as he prepares for retirement. Here’s the latest from former students and peers as they reminisce on their time together:
Katherine Powers (ChemEngr’15)
“When I arrived at CU freshman year and attended the general student orientation, hundreds of hands shot up to the prompt of 'Who is interested in studying abroad?' Mine had joined the masses, and I remember my heart sinking when I posed a similar question to my ChemEng orientation leader. The leader responded, 'Well, not really, if you expect to graduate within 4 years. Maybe you could travel during the summer?' A couple years later I investigated this opportunity further and I was directed to Dave Clough, who made my study abroad dreams a reality. He went above and beyond to assist in finding the right university in Australia and a class schedule to ensure a 4-year graduation. He is a symbol for students everywhere that if you have a drive and passion, he will support you and enable you to be the best student (and Buffalo) you can be. Cheers to you, Professor Clough, and G'day!”
Joost Groot (ChemEngrPhD’14)
“I have many fond memories of interacting with Dave from my time as an international grad student in ChemE. Clough was a friend of many an international student on campus, providing a welcoming office that was often filled with entertaining stories on international experiences - ranging from fjords in Norway to classrooms in Iraq. Besides that, Dave was supportive academically. I swung by his office to talk and learn about statistics and numerical modeling problems many times - which was always both informative and entertaining. Dave, wishing you many great years in your retirement - I will definitely be in touch once I get to Boulder again!”
Paul Pigeon (CivEngr’74,MS’76)
“Dave hosted me for a high school senior trip to check out CU in the late summer of 1969. I remember best the short trip we took into the foothills west of Boulder and the times he stalled his old sedan on steep grades in Sunshine Canyon and the Gold Hill area. I choose CU over Notre Dame after visiting Dave's self-made computer lab in the ChemE wing (Oh, and walking the beautiful campus, realizing that women attended CU and seeing a Buffs football practice didn't hurt, either). The rest is Buffaloes history.”
We’ll continue collecting Dave Clough stories for a few more days. Join the conversation on Facebook or Twitter using the hashtag #MyDaveCloughStory or submit your story online. Share this campaign with your friends to help us reach anyone we might be missing.
We’re also asking you to help us create an endowed faculty position in David Clough’s name. Through June 30, a generous donor has offered to match every gift dollar-for-dollar. To learn more, visit our crowdfunding page.
Kim Coates is the alumni engagement coordinator in the College of Engineering and Applied Science.