On July 1, Michael Clarke, executive director of the SMU International Center, represented the University at the inauguration of Ricardo Martinelli as president of the Republic of Panama. President Martinelli’s son, Luis, is a 2004 SMU graduate.
Michael Clarke Clarke also relishes his role’s new dimension as staff liaison for the international efforts of The Second Century Campaign. While he travels to introduce students in such countries as Guatemala or India to the University, he also reaches out to alumni and friends living there to support campaign efforts. “The ‘people’ aspects of my work are what make it so interesting: developing the relationships with students and their families that bring them to SMU and keep them connected to the University after they leave,” says Clarke, who joined SMU 14 years ago as director of international admissions and relations. An estimated 3,000 SMU alumni live in 90 overseas countries. Juan L. Elek of Mexico City and Helmut Sohmen ’66 of Hong Kong co-chair the campaign’s international steering committee and serve on SMU’s Board of Trustees. The outreach process hinges on creating a personal bond not only with alumni and donors, but also with their families. For example, during a November journey to New Delhi, India, Clarke spent time at several schools to meet potential students and visited with 10 graduates interested in starting an SMU alumni chapter in New Delhi. He also attended two weddings and a birthday party. A four-day trip to Panama in March also included a wedding – that of 2002 graduates Mercedes Ortiz of Panama and Luis Eduardo Toriello of Guatemala, who met at SMU. Clarke’s itinerary was filled with a party for parents of current students, an alumni reception and several recruitment visits to schools. In addition, he visited with Panama’ new president, Ricardo Martinelli, who serves on the advisory board of the SMU International Center, and his family. His son, Luis Martinelli-Linares, graduated from SMU in 2004. “Our approach is different because in most other parts of the world people don’t have the tax advantages or the tradition of giving that we do in the United States,” Clarke says. “So personal relationships become a motivating factor for giving. “It takes time and builds slowly, but the enthusiasm for SMU is there.” Clarke works with Vice President Brad E. Cheves, Development and External Affairs; Executive Director Stacey Paddock, Alumni Giving and Relations; and Associate Provost Thomas W. Tunks to coordinate his outreach efforts.
“The ‘people’ aspects of my work are what make it so interesting: developing the relationships with students and their families that bring them to SMU and keep them connected to the University after they leave.”