Sam Elliott, a Clark College graduate, headed to the Oscars

 The 1965 graduate is a supporter of his alma mater

Photo by N2N Entertainment Inc.

Sam Elliott ’65 is fond of his memories as a student at Clark College. He’s told a member of the community college how he received “great support” from Clark’s faculty. Clark College Foundation, the fundraising partner of Clark College, is hopeful that Elliott will be recognized on the national stage at the 91st Academy Awards ceremony on Sunday, February 24, for his outstanding work in “A Star is Born.”

Elliott talked about his 50-year career, the types of parts he prefers to play and the 2019 California wildfire that almost engulfed his home on the CBS Sunday Morning show on February 3, 2019.

“Clark penguin alumni all over the Pacific Northwest will be watching the Oscars in support of your well-deserved nomination. Your incredible talent and dedication to the craft continues to captivate us all. You truly are the pride of the Penguin Nation,” said Clark President Robert Knight and Clark College Foundation CEO Lisa Gibert in a joint statement.

While at Clark, Elliott studied theater and ran track. Clark’s 1965 yearbook shows Elliott passing the baton to teammate Bob Maley in the mile relay. He was also crowned King Cupid during a special campus event called the Valentine’s Ball in 1965.

As a supporter of Clark College Foundation, Elliott lent his iconic voice to the college’s fundraising campaign in 2013, helping to propel public awareness of the effort, which ultimately surpassed the $20 million goal by more than $6 million. The foundation won a national award in 2015 for the campaign’s marketing and communications efforts, which included Elliott’s tag on its video productions.