Michael Clarke Receives “Elia G. Stratis CASTLE Award” from FDU

Madison, NJ (October 7, 2009) —In celebration of his accomplishments and activities as an outstanding alumnus of Fairleigh Dickinson University, Michael Clarke, a resident of Colleyville, T.X., was honored with the Elia G. Stratis CASTLE Award, the highest award the Alumni Association presents to its most distinguished alumni. To receive this award, an individual must have made significant contributions to the University or have served with distinction in University organizations. 

Since 2002, Clarke has donated nine times to the Elia G. Stratis Scholarship. This scholarship benefits FDU students and is one of the largest endowed scholarships at FDU.

Clarke graduated in 1981 ­­with a B.S. in Accounting from FDU. The recipient of a four-year athletic scholarship, Clarke played Division I sports at FDU’s Metropolitan Campus, where he played on the cross country team and the indoor and outdoor track teams. Clarke competed in both the 1976 and 1980 Canadian Olympic Trials in Men’s Discus and Hammer throw. Today, Clarke is a CPA and is currently a partner in the firm Buchanan Clarke Schlader LLP (Certified Public Accountants), which is based out of Dallas Texas.

The Elia G. Stratis CASTLE Award is the highest award that the Alumni Association confers and is given to alumni who have demonstrated a lifetime of outstanding loyalty and service to FDU. Elia G. Stratis, the namesake of both the alumni award and the scholarship, was a victim of the 1988 Pan Am Flight 103 bombing. His wife, Mary Kay, established these in memory of her husband Elia. The acronym CASTLE stands for Commitment, Allegiance, Support, Teamwork, Leadership, and Enthusiasm—all qualities Clarke exhibited during his years at FDU and since then.

The awards ceremony was held at FDU’s College at Florham on Saturday, September 26, 2009, in conjunction with the University’s Annual Family/Homecoming Weekend.