James Clowes
S. Sterling Munro Public Service Faculty Award
Recognizes a Faculty Member Who Encourages Community-Based Instruction
James Clowes
DEPARTMENT: Comparative History of Ideas and Jackson School of International Studies; 13 years at UW
COURSES TAUGHT: The Question of Human Nature; The Idea of the University: Ways of Learning, Exploring and Knowing
ACHIEVEMENTS: Jim Clowes, who died on March 1, touched the lives of teachers, students and community members at the UW, in Seattle and in international countries. Early in his UW career, Clowes launched new study-abroad programs, acting on his vision of sending students beyond Europe. He created programs with a service-learning agenda in Northern Ireland, South Africa and Cyprus to prompt students' awareness and discussion of the clash of identities, which had been a central theme in each location. When a Husky football player studied in Cape Town, South Africa, it inspired him to be where he is today—running a non-profit that helps kids in South Africa. Clowes not only encouraged students to question the perceptions, attitudes and notions of self and others in international countries, but also in the Seattle community. He created The Bridging Program, which linked the University with the broader community through service learning opportunities such as tutoring at Seattle high schools, stimulating creativity through art and theater organizations or volunteering with social service groups.
QUOTE: "Jim has been a gift to the UW; he is sort of a modern day Santa Claus-he has a merry laugh, a warm heart, he drinks coffee with cream and sugar, and gives gifts of passion, inspiration and education to people of all walks of life." —Student Monika Jones
DEGREES: B.A., Montana, 1982; M.A., Montana, 1988; Ph.D., UW, 1996