Sara Jasper Clark (’97)

“CBU and the Iota Xi chapter of ZTA gave me so many leadership opportunities while I was a student. These leadership roles prepared me for my future. They helped me learn how to work with varied groups, resolve conflicts, and be an effective leader. They gave me practice in time management and prioritizing the important things. They also gave me many opportunities for fun!”

Sara Jasper Clark joined the Zeta Tau Alpha sorority while at CBU and was named Collegiate Zeta Lady in her senior year and the Outstanding New Grad for the State of Tennessee following her graduation with a BA in Liberal Studies for Professional Education.

Sara taught elementary school and preschool for 19 years at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School and Vollentine Elementary School before retiring in 2020. Today, she still regularly serves as a substitute teacher at St. Francis.

She also remains active in Zeta Tau Alpha, currently serving as the New Member Advisor for the Iota XI chapter at CBU, the Vice President for Programming for the ZTA Memphis Alumnae Chapter, the Auction Chairperson for the ZTA Memphis Think Pink Luncheon, and on the National Alumnae Programming Committee. She has also served as President and VP of Membership of the Memphis Alumnae Chapter, District President (working with five alumnae chapters in Tennessee), and General Advisor for the Iota Xi Chapter. She received the Certificate of Merit in 2007 and the Honor Ring in 2018, the highest awards given to alumnae.

Sara is also active in her parish, having served in the Confraternity of Christian Mothers at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in the roles of Secretary and Vice President. She was also a member of the CBU Alumni Board from 2010 to 2015.

She says that one of her favorite memories of her time at CBU was the ice storm of 1994. “We woke to very strange sounds that we had never heard before,” she recalls. “It was the sound of the ice-covered tree branches breaking and falling to the ground. Classes were canceled for the day, and we got cafeteria trays to slide down the hill at Nolan Field and the soccer field. Eventually, classes were canceled for the entire week, and I got to fly home to Biloxi for Mardi Gras!”

Another of Sara’s favorite memories reflects one of the singular qualities of a CBU education. “I had a Spanish class at 8:00 am with Brother Francisco Martin. One morning I was sleeping in my Maurelian dorm room and my phone rang. It was Brother Francisco calling to tell me I was missing my Spanish quiz! I threw on some clothes and ran to Kenrick Hall to take my quiz. I was mortified because everyone in my class and in the Language Lab knew I overslept and that the professor called me. However, I was very grateful that he took the time to call. He truly cared about me. I told this story to my Dad and brother who both attended a big state school. They could not believe I was telling the truth because that wouldn’t happen at other schools. CBU is a special and unique place!”

Sara also met Matt Clark (Accounting & Finance ’97), her husband of 23 years, as a student at CBU. Their daughter Emma is following in their footsteps and is currently a junior majoring in Psychology.

I appreciate that CBU enhanced my Catholic faith and that the Lasallian values continue to influence my life in a very positive way. I love to volunteer and help others, raise funds for causes that are important to me, and work with young people to encourage them to be their best selves. I am grateful to the Brothers, professors, and CBU staff for their influence on my life.