Photographer’s gift to boost KU J-school

Lawrence native and nationally renowned photographer Rich Clarkson will leave more than $1 million from his estate to Kansas University.

Announcement of the gift, the majority of which will go to KU’s school of journalism, was made Friday during William Allen White Day festivities at KU.

The former director of photography and senior assistant editor of National Geographic magazine, Clarkson photographed for many years for Sports Illustrated, Time and Life magazines.

Named as one of the 100 most influential people in photography by American Photo magazine, he also has worked for newspapers in Topeka and Denver.

He was a lecturer on the KU journalism school’s adjunct faculty for seven years, was a two-time Pulitzer Prize juror and has co-authored several books.

A 2000 inductee into the Lawrence Lions Alumni Assn. Hall of Fame, Clarkson now operates Rich Clarkson and Associates, a photography, publishing and multimedia company in Denver.

New Baker scholarship to honor alumna

Baker University has created a scholarship to honor Renee Sudduth, an alumna and employee who died in a car accident Dec. 22 on U.S. Highway 59 south of Lawrence.

At the request of her parents, the Renee Sudduth Endowed Memorial Scholarship will go to a full-time female student from a single-parent home who was a member of the National Honor Society in high school.

Financial need also will be a consideration, Baker officials said.

Sudduth was a 2002 Baker graduate who had been on the volleyball and track teams. She was an admissions representative at the time of the accident.

Anyone wanting to donate to the scholarship fund can contact Jenee Armbrister at (785) 594-8447.