Rachel Mayeri
I met Clive, strangely enough, through his daughter, Miriam, who is an artist working in the Bay Area. Both father and daughter struck me as brilliant, creative, quick, and witty. I was surprised and happy to discover Clive’s dry sense of humor, his candidness, and love of the arts. He became an ally from upstairs, and even pulled me aside to ask if I knew someone who could draw a cartoon for an idea he had. In hindsight, I realize (apologies!) that he taught me how creative engineers and engineering can be.
Rachel Levy
I remember with fondness the times that Clive took the time to check in with me. I was not a faculty member in his department (I am in Mathematics), but he took a kind interest in my experience at HMC. Even those small moments had impact and helped me become a part of the community. I wholeheartedly agree with Ran — the first word that comes to my mind when I think of Clive is “mensch.”
Ran Libeskind-Hadas
Colleague
Clive Dym was a “mensch” – that special attribute of being genuinely a good person with integrity and compassion. He always took interest in the lives and well-being of his colleagues. I will remember him always with great fondness and admiration.
Don Davidson
Former colleague
I had the very special pleasure of getting to know Clive while working as director of public relations at Mudd from 2005 to 2009. He had a commanding voice and presence, but also had a humorous side and a wry smile to go with it. During the early days of planning for the R. Michael Shanahan Center for Teaching and Learning, groups were convened to discuss the design and priorities for the space in the building. At one meeting, it was suggested that there would not be enough space for musical rehearsals or performances and after much debate, Clive spoke up and said the issue was non-negotiable: the arts were too important to Mudd’s mission to be left out. End of discussion. I was pleased and proud to hear this senior professor from the Department of Engineering come to the defense of the arts. Clive will be dearly missed. I send my condolences to Joan and all of the family.
Liz Orwin '95
Student, mentee, colleague, friend
There are so many moments with Clive – so many defining moments of my time at HMC as a student and as a faculty member.
I remember him scaring us half to death in E4 lecture at the beginning (before we knew his gruff exterior hid a very caring person)
I remember when Clive handed me back my first mechanics exam and took so much pleasure in whispering, “you high scored it” (never had done that before)
I remember when he helped me decide on a grad school by showing me the grad program rankings
I remember walking away from the interview here leaving him smiling at the end of the hallway
I remember my reaction when he called me to offer me this job (I was stunned – not until I sent a note later to all my HMC classmates telling them my decision did I really understand (through their response) the mixture of awe and excitement and fear and happiness that went through my mind in that moment and came out in something like “oh”)
I remember the look on his face when he realized I’d nominated him for an honorary alum award
I remember teaching E4 with Clive several times as a faculty member here, being there the last time he taught the course, watching his impact on the students he taught – learning from him always
I remember all the times he gave me advice on my career path, a friendly ear throughout it all –always a support, always believing in my abilities even when I had begun to doubt
Mostly, I remember that Clive defined my education and my time at HMC – his class, professionalism, high standards and vision have made a lasting impact. I will do my very best to do him proud.