Posted by DEAN SKIP RUTHERFORD – The only award we give at Clinton School graduation honors Shannon Butler of Little Rock who was instrumental in the opening of the Clinton Presidential Center and the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service. As the deputy executive director of the William J. Clinton Foundation, Shannon was a strong advocate for the Clinton School and our students. During the complicated process of construction and opening, Shannon was a “bridge builder.” Throughout it all, she made sure Clinton students were included in all activities. She worked tirelessly and never sought any personal credit or recognition. She always put others first–particularly Clinton School students, faculty and staff. In the early stages, our school couldn’t have had a better friend and a stronger advocate.
When I became Dean, I thought her example was one that should be permanently recognized. Last year during the festivities surrounding our first graduation and shortly after Shannon announced her intenton to resign and pursue an advanced degree in social welfare, we announced the establishment of the Shannon Butler “bridge builder” award. It will be presented for the first time Wednesday evening to a deserving 2007 Clinton School graduate with Shannon in attendance. The award includes a $1,000 stipend.
Responses