In Loving Memory of Chris Sutcliff (1972-2011) By Alexandra Blockton ablockton@lc.edu
On Sept 28, 2011, Associate Professor Chris Sutcliff had departed his life unexpectedly. Here at Lewis and Clark, he was known to everyone as a friend and professor. In 1995, he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from Butler University as well as a Master’s Degree in Sociology from Indiana State University. In 2002, he completed the coursework for a Doctorate’s Degree in Sociology at the University of Akron. Unfortunately, by that time he had come to the conclusion that his real passion was for teaching students at college-level courses and not research and publishing. Professor Sutcliff started teaching at Lewis and Clark in the Fall of 2003. Prior to teaching at Lewis and Clark, he was on the Sociology faculty at Lorain County Community College and Cleveland State University. Dr. Linda Chapman, who is Vice President of Academic Affairs, said, “Chris was a gifted faculty member whose deep concern for his students was only matched by his comprehensive knowledge of sociology and society. He was a treasure not only for his students but also for his colleagues and his community.” He taught and developed thirteen different courses here at Lewis and Clark, among which were Introduction to Sociology, Culture Awareness in the Classroom, Social Problems and Race and Ethnicity. This consisted of both working with students face to face in the classroom and online. Professor Sutcliff had worked with college staff as well as other faculty to get the attention of speakers, poets, musicians and film-makers to bring them to Lewis and Clark. This meaning illustrated the diversity of the society we all reside in and the religious, racial, gender, the richness of ethnicity and also other human differences that emphasized our humanness. He also dedicated six years as the founding chairperson of the Lewis and Clark Diversity Council. His legacy of being passionate about his career throughout his lifetime is still held here at Lewis and Clark Community College. Photo via L&C Flickr.
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