Plant a tree in memory of Dr. Clarence
An environmentally friendly option
Loading...
R
Robert E Dietrich, Shrewsbury,, MA posted a condolence
Friday, March 23, 2018
To Clarence and all of his family, I wish I got to know your father better. I only met him twice as I grew up in Geneseo, and his legacy will live on in his children. What a father says to his children will never be known to the world, but it will be known to posterity. Remembering my old classmate, there can be little doubt that Dr. Stephens was a role model for his family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
M
Marian Crawford posted a condolence
Tuesday, March 13, 2018
Dear Clarence...
My sincere condolences to you and your family at the passing of your father. Unfortunately, I never knew him personally, only of his contributions to the Math world and of course the inspiration you have been to me and probably countless others.
It is always a change in focus ..... to know that our parents are gone and we are now in full charge but it is also a gift that we have shared and will use as we follow in the footsteps of their ways.
God Bless you and your family!
Marian
O
Olympia Nicodemi posted a condolence
Sunday, March 11, 2018
My sincerest condolences to the family of the beloved Dr. Clarence Stephens. It is with deep respect and gratitude that I reflect on his widespread influence on our mathematical community. Not only did he inspire the students that he taught to achieve beyond their expectations, he set high standards for us who teach mathematics and he guided us in how we taught. His kindness and his rigor never lost its focus--- the student in front of him. Thank you, Dr. Stephens.
Most sincerely,
Olympia Nicodemi
Professor of Mathematics
A
Asamoah Nkwanta posted a condolence
Sunday, March 11, 2018
On behalf of the Department of Mathematics at Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD, I express my sincere condolences to the Stephens family.
Dr. Clarence Stephens, former Morgan mathematics professor and chair (1947-1962), known for his Morgan-Potsdam Teaching Model. The Morgan-Potsdam Model is the name given to a method of the teaching of mathematics developed by Stephens when he was at Morgan State College and then later refined when he was at the State University of New York College at Potsdam. Through his teaching method, he positively impacted the careers of many of his Morgan students. See the letter below from former student Dr. Earl R. Barnes.
Learning Mathematics with Dr. C. F. Stephens
By Earl R. Barnes
Dr. Stephens was a very effective teacher, though he did little of the traditional lecturing. He spent a lot of time talking to us about the power and beauty of mathematics. As he put it, once we developed a love for mathematics and discovered the joy of doing mathematics we would insist on learning it on our own. We would leave his classes, rush to the library and immerse ourselves in the math books trying to learn as much as we could. Instead of lecturing to us about mathematics Dr. Stephens used to talk to us about famous mathematicians he had known. After Dr. Stephens received his PhD he was invited to spend a year at the Institute for Advanced Study at Princeton. He used to tell us stories about mathematicians who were at the Institute during his visit. And he told some stories about himself. I remember one story about a consulting job Dr. Stephens had at General Motors in Detroit. This was after he had moved to Morgan State in Baltimore. He started work on a certain project in the fall, and evidently he promised to have the solution before returning to Baltimore for the Christmas break. As Christmas approached he still did not have the solution and was missing his family terribly. One night he could not sleep so he went for a walk. While walking he got an idea that seemed to point the way to a solution of the math problem he had been struggling with. Fortunately he had pen and paper with him. And there by the light of a street lamp he worked out the details, and indeed he had solved his problem. The next day he left for Baltimore. To my mind these stories seemed much like the police mysteries I enjoyed reading. In both cases one is given a set of facts about an unsolved mystery. When the facts are analyzed in just the right way the mystery is solved, and this can be very thrilling. When Dr. Stephens did lecture he would solve something that at first seemed a mystery to us. At the conclusion of his argument, when it was clear that he had unraveled the mystery, he would strut back and forth before the blackboard, arms raised in celebration. We all wanted to be like him, and to experience the joy he found in doing mathematics.
Another thing I remember about how Dr. Stephens motivated us to achieve is that when I, and my classmates Arthur Grainger and Scott Williams, were sophomores Dr. Stephens put us in his advanced calculus class with seniors. This prompted us to study hard to show Dr. Stephens that his faith in our abilities was justified. And the seniors worked hard so as not to be embarrassed by three brash but inexperienced sophomores. He used this same technique later at Potsdam.
Speaking of inexperience, in Dr. Stephens’ class on set theory it seemed to me that any set of real numbers should contain a largest member. I was wrong but I had a vigorous argument for my point of view. Actually, my main argument was that I could not imagine the contrary. This is the same argument people used to use to prove that the earth is flat. The thing I remember is that Dr. Stephens never explained my error to me, but encouraged me to keep thinking about the problem. He knew that if I figured it out on my own I would never forget the proof. On the other hand he knew that if he gave me the standard 30 seconds explanation I would soon forget it. Dr. Stephens Always emphasized learning a few things thoroughly over learning many things superficially. He stated it this way “teachers should go fast slowly”.
The last event I want to recall about Dr. Stephens is the way he prepared us for graduate school. As sophomores he enrolled a group of us in a program which today would be called an REU. He gave each of us a set of graduate level textbooks; The list included: Abstract Algebra by Nathan Jacobson, A Survey of Modern Algebra by Birkhoff and McLane, Introduction to Topology by Hall and Spencer, Real Analysis by McShane and Botts, Advanced Calculus and Functional Analysis by Angus Taylor, and several others. When I arrived at graduate school I was assigned to an Advisor who recommended I start my first semester with advanced calculus, on the grounds that he thought students from Morgan needed remediation. But when I told him about the things I had learned at Morgan he allowed me to register for first year graduate courses. My teacher in the real variables class used to give exams with questions that counted for up to 50 points each. On the first test I scored 350 points and the next highest score was 100 point lower. Dr.Stephens had taught us much of what we needed to get through the first year of graduate school. I’m sure my classmates Scott and Art had similar experiences. The three of obtained our PhDs and in 2009 were awarded NAM’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
T
The Stephens Family uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, March 10, 2018
/public-file/73/Ultra/2993aba9-11a4-4077-9e6a-fdc21fe8ca65.jpg
S
Sharon Hewitt posted a condolence
Saturday, March 10, 2018
Dear Clarence;
Please accept my sincerest sympathy at the passing of your dad. I recall him and your lovely mother from church and as the parents of a friend and schoolmate. Dr. Stephens was a genuinely gracious and kind man who looked at a child and saw another individual. What a gift, Clarence. Our dad, Holly's and mine, has the same ability. That vision helped us grow, with confidence regardless of what befalls, to be what is expected of adults. Perhaps that is why I am so affected, and know that you are, by your dad's death. Our dad is 99, hail and fully engaged; we aren't ready for him to go, either. Those Depression era kids who became the young men and women of WWII, then led us into modern society just by being themselves in spite of whatever came at them were something else, weren't they.
D
Deborah LaBelle posted a condolence
Friday, March 9, 2018
Dr. Stephens was an inspiration to all, but especially to the women Math students. I first met Dr. Stephens at a freshmen gathering of Math students in the fall of 1974 at SUNY Potsdam. He talked to everyone individually, and when he came over to talk to me he told me that he was happy to see me and other women here to study math, "we need more women in Math", he said. Then he asked me where I was going to go to get my Ph.D. He planted that seed in my head, that a lowly freshman like me could get her Ph.D. I never forgot that question and was determined to somehow get a Ph.D. In 2008 I did just that. Thank you, Dr. Stephens, for giving me encouragement during my years at Potsdam and for many years since. You were truly one of a kind. I retell this story to my own students now, in hopes that someday they too will continue their education and know that they are capable. Dr. Stephens words live on.
J
Johnny L. Houston, PhD posted a condolence
Friday, March 9, 2018
THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF MATHEMATICIANS INC.
TO: DR. JEANETTE STEPHENS ,
On behalf of the National Association of Mathematicians (NAM),
the larger Mathematical Sciences Community and the hundreds/thousands of lives that your father's life positively impacted, please accept our Heartfelt Sympathy and our Sincere Condolence to you and the entire Stephens Family regarding the passing of your father.
His life represents for us one of the rare and unique personalities that Stands Tall among us and we will always be honored to have known him and to have benefited from his talents, contributions and generosity.
He will be missed by us, but always remembered for the great impact that he had on our lives and on that of others.
It was NAM’s Good Fortunate, most distinct indeed, to have had the privilege to present to Dr. Clarence Francis Stephens three of NAM’s Distinguished Honors:
A. NAM’s Lifetime Achievement Award, 1998
B. NAM’s 2018 Centenarian Award, January 12, 2018
C. The Establishment (Jan. 12, 2018) of the
NAM’s Stephens – Shabazz Teaching Award to given
Annually at the JMM, during NAM’s National Meeting
Again we share deeply with you and the family in this great lost.
With Highest Regards,
Edray Herber Goins, PhD; President
The National Association of Mathematicians, Inc. (NAM)
Email: ehgoins@me.com
Johnny L. Houston, PhD; Executive Secretary Emeritus
The National Association of Mathematicians, Inc. (NAM)
Voice: 252-267-2222-C; Email: jlhouston602@gmail.com
J
Joseph Dempsey SUCP '84 posted a condolence
Friday, March 9, 2018
I did not have Dr. Stevens in class, but I knew him and had several conversations with him when he was chairman at Potsdam. His philosophies and methods of teaching greatly influenced my career as an educator, and continues to do so today as it has for many who knew him. I wish all the best for his family and hope they take comfort in knowing that his approach on Mathematics is living on for present and future generations to come.
www.downtheteachingroad.com
S
Stephanie Crissman posted a condolence
Friday, March 9, 2018
it was a rare privilege to share a small corner of Dr. Stephens' life, as a part of his Central Presbyterian church family. I remember him as a quiet, kind, reserved gentleman who was always considerate and respectful of his family, his acquaintances,those who called him life-long friends and those whom he barely knew. He was a true blessing as well as a definite role model and I stand in sympathy with his family who are blessed to have him for so many years. My heart and prayers are with you all.
In sincere sympathy,
Stephanie Crissman
Sarasota, Fl
formerly Genseo, NY
J
John Hettrick posted a condolence
Thursday, March 8, 2018
Dr Stephens was always a kind and gentle man. We used to toot the horn to say hello whenever we would pass their house. He was such a special neighbor and a great man. Blessings to all of the family.
The Hettrick family
J
Jayne Riesch Schrank posted a condolence
Thursday, March 8, 2018
What a wonderful man Dr. Stephens was! I had the privilege of having him as a professor for math while a student at SUNY Geneseo in the '60's. He was a very kind, caring individual who had his students best interests foremost in his teaching, and continued so even upon their graduation. Not only did he earn respect of those he taught but that of the faculty too. My late father, Dr. Kenneth Riesch, taught with Dr. Stephens at Geneseo; Dad always spoke very highly of Dr. Stephens, and I can only add my admiration of him as well.
S
Stephanie Smith & Nicolas Haldemann lit a candle
Thursday, March 8, 2018
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-gestures/Candle2.png
Clarence made a huge impact upon the minds of many and so will memories of him forever be cherished. Our thoughts are with you, Stephanie & Nic
S
Stephanie Smith & Nicolas Haldemann posted a condolence
Thursday, March 8, 2018
We will be thinking especially of Jeannette and her whole family during this sad time. We never met her father, Clarence. But through her, his unique and extraordinary story was told along about who he was: a gentle, patient and kind soul. Our hearts go out to you. With deepest sympathy, Stephanie and Nicolas
c
The family of Dr. Clarence F. Stephens, Sr. uploaded a photo
Thursday, March 8, 2018
/tribute-images/656/Ultra/Dr-Clarence-Stephens-Sr.jpg
Please wait
Share Your Memory of
Dr. Clarence
Be the first to upload a memory!
111 Main Street - Geneseo, NY 14454 - Phone: 585-243-0995 - Fax : 585-243-0984 - rhfhinc@frontiernet.net