Helen K. Leslie Society honors Rusty and Becky Clark for legacy gift

12/8/2023

The Helen K. Leslie Society was once again a cause for celebration this year with the announcement of a planned gift by the newest Society members, Rusty and Becky Clark. Rusty is a Professor Emeritus of Child and Family Studies, USF, and retired Director of the National Network on Youth Transition. Becky is a retired teacher from Plant High School in Tampa. The luncheon and reception also served as a celebration of their 80^th birthdays and 50^th wedding anniversary.

More than 50 members of the Society joined President Tonjua Williams and Foundation leadership at the luncheon. The program included opening remarks by acting Associate Provost Denotra Showers and a presentation by Titans Care team representative Austin Crawford. The library resources team, led by Matthew Brodie and Paul Vermeren, announced the inclusion of Rusty’s book, “Transition of Youth and Young Adults with Emotional or Behavioral Difficulties,” into SPC’s library resources.

The Clarks’ gift is designated 100 percent to Titans Care, including Pre-Collegiate, Brother to Brother, Veterans Services, and Accessibility. Rusty said he and Becky are both proud to support St. Petersburg College through their legacy gift.

“Becky and I are so pleased to be members of the Helen K. Leslie Society,” he said. “I’ve enjoyed providing some of the Titans Care team with informal consults over the past year. We are grateful for the recognition today and for allowing us to include a few of our friends on this special occasion.”