Happy Autumn, Alums! As the leaves turn and a crispness returns to the air in New England, we’re leaning into all the joys of fall at Clark and bringing that energy straight to your inbox.  
 
In this edition, you’ll find stories that celebrate both change and tradition:

Whether you’re pulling out your favorite sweater or just enjoying a slower shift in season, we hope this issue brings you a bit of that Clark warmth, wherever you are. Happy reading! 

P.S. Know a Clarkie-owned small business? We're featuring them in our November issue's Small Business Spotlight!  Got a small business to share? We’d love to hear about it!

What is it about pumpkin spice, and Pumpkin Spice Lattes (PSL), that has such a hold on us each fall? We asked Mike Miller, Visiting Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology, to help unpack the seasonal obsession. 

* This is a light-hearted take on the season from Professor Miller and an AI model that he works with for research, Nesbo+ (ChatGPT4o).

See more details and register »

As a student at Clark in the late 1970s, Dan Portnoy ’79 helped turn Clark into a stop for some of the era’s most iconic performers. From booking The Cars before they hit the charts to signing Talking Heads months before their debut album, Portnoy found himself at the center of Clark’s thriving live music scene.

“Funny story: Whenever a Talking Heads (or Cars, among others) song comes on the radio, I always call out, ‘Booked ’em!’ My kids, of course, roll their eyes. Hey—it’s only been a couple thousand times.”

Read more about how Dan brought major acts to Clark, and what it was like to run the show behind the scenes.

The original Talent and Booking Directory Dan used to book concerts at Clark.

Dan reached out and shared his story after being inspired by our call for alumni stories in the September newsletter. Got a story to tell? We’d love to hear from you!

Haven’t been to campus in a while? Check out our newest building on campus, the Center for Media Arts, Computing, and Design (CMACD)! 

As the leaves change, so can our moods. Here are a few ways to care for your mental health as the season shifts.  

🗓️ Manage the Overwhelm 
Fall can mean packed schedules and rising stress. Make time for small breaks. Even 10 minutes to yourself can reset your brain. 

🎃 Find Joy in Little Rituals 
Whether it's your favorite drink, playlist, or walk route, simple routines can add structure and comfort to your day. 

🧠 Talk About It 
October 10 is World Mental Health Day. Use it as a reminder to check in with yourself and those around you.  

🌟 Start Small 
If you’re feeling off, you don’t need to overhaul your life. Even a small act, like texting a friend or drinking water, can shift your mindset. 

Have you ever experienced something eerie, unexplained, or just plain weird at Clark?

Reply to this email or click here to share your spookiest Clark story. Whether it's a haunted dorm room, mysterious campus happenings, or a chilling coincidence. The strangest (and truest) tales will be featured next month! 

Northern Lights on campus captured by photography intern Collin Hamilton '27.

This month, we’re diving into the archives of Jonas the Cougar’s mascot costumes. From the friendly face of today to the downright eerie vibes of the ’80s, vote for the Jonas look that gives you the biggest chills! 

Which Jonas costume do you think is the creepiest? Click a pic to cast your vote now! 🪄 

Freud Poll Answers:

Q: What year did Freud visit Clark?
A: 1909

Q: What did he speak about?
A: All of the above (Dreams & the unconscious AND Psychoanalysis) Read the lectures »

We Asked. You Answered.
💬
Read stories submitted by alumni, for alumni »

Email us to share yours!

As always, this is your newsletter. We’d love to hear what you want to see next. Your stories, your ideas, and your memories help keep the Current going strong.

In November’s issue, we’re spotlighting Clarkie-owned small businesses just in time for Small Business Saturday and the start of the holiday shopping season. From handmade goods to big ideas, you’ll find some amazing ways to support fellow alumni and maybe even cross a few names off your gift list. Got a small business to share? We’d love to hear about it!

Keep changing our world,

The Clark Current Team

The countdown is on! 🐾 Mark your calendar for Cougar Challenge, October 22–24. A chance to come together, give back, and show your Clark pride. 

Know a fellow alum who’d love this? Pass it along! New readers can subscribe here.📬