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Clark Ahlberg Obituary

Clark D. Ahlberg, who as president of Wichita State University helped lead some of its more significant expansions, died in Gig Harbor, Wash., on Friday, friends said. He was 88.

He was born and raised in Wichita, and graduated from North High. He was president of WSU from 1968 to 1983, when enrollment grew from 7,000 to more than 17,000.

He did more than merely make the campus big and more important, said Jim Rhatigan, the former vice president for student affairs. Dr. Ahlberg made it beautiful.

Under his tenure, thousands of trees and shrubs were planted and grew into the canopies that shade WSU students today. He and his staff arranged for the purchase and installment of most of the dozens of bronze sculptures that decorate the campus.

He accomplished much without much fuss; calmness was his marked character trait, Rhatigan said. On Dr. Ahlberg's first day at work, he walked right into a noisy student protest on the campus. Edmund Muskie, a senator and candidate for vice president of the United States, was giving a speech; Students for a Democratic Society, a student group, was leading a noisy protest. Dr. Ahlberg looked around at the yelling students and said, "It's kind of an exciting first day."

"Nothing ever seemed to upset him, and that was a tremendous asset," Rhatigan said.

Ahlberg confidently managed a huge expansion at WSU.

Undergraduate programs in women's and minority studies began. Fran Jabara, a WSU accounting professor and former business school dean, laid the groundwork for what became the Center for Entrepreneurship, one of the first institutions of its kind in the country.

The College of Health Professions, the Elliott School of Communication, the Hugo Wall School of Urban and Public Affairs, and the National Institute for Aviation Research began at WSU under Ahlberg's tenure.

"Ahlberg had been director of the budget for New York state when Averill Harriman was governor," Rhatigan said. "He'd done a good job with that, and he knew how to manage big numbers very well. So the problems he took up here, at a time of great expansion, were things that he handled with a lot of skill and confidence."

Jabara, now in private business, remembers Ahlberg fondly.

"I always felt very close to him because I thought he was very able and he was very considerate. His gentle nature is probably what I'll remember most about him. He was fair, but he was smart. Whenever I had a problem, I knew I could go to him. In a university administration, sometimes that's not possible."

After leaving the university, Ahlberg stayed in town; he was here when Don Beggs took over as president in 1999.

"We would talk sometimes," Beggs said Friday. "I would tell him that I was dealing with this problem or that problem, and he'd chuckle and say, 'Some things never change.'

"He had a lot of pride in the community and in the university," Beggs said. "He liked to go to Shockers games and liked to talk about the university. We had a good friendship, based on being two guys who had held the same job and felt the same pride in this place.

"He said this was a good place to be."

Memorial arrangements are pending.

Published by Wichita Eagle on Jan. 27, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
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6 Entries

I was a student at Wichita State and worked for Dr. Ahlberg as a student secretary. He was the most gracious man I ever knew. When I graduated he gave me a little butterly pin and a kiss when I walked received my diploma. I will forever be grateful to God for allowing me to meet such a great man. RIP, SIR.

Barbara Watson

March 9, 2014

Dr. Ahlberg's legacies are many. I send condolences to the family and communities feeling his loss. We all have been so enriched by his generosity and vision. Remembering a man who accomplished so much in his public life, should not overlook what an extraordinary husband, father and grandfather he was. Remembering his warm spirit is comforting to me. I hope is is to all who read this.

Michael Boyle

February 5, 2007

Clark was a great guy and a great friend of the arts at Wichita State. Rowena and my mother were good friends and I recall with fondness the day she asked me to their home for lunch because she wanted to share some memories she had of my mother. Two good people. My condolences to the family.

Diana Kitch

February 2, 2007

I was the very first Dean appointed during the tenure of Clark Ahlberg. I was reluctant to leave the University of Illinois for the position; what a major mistake that would have been. Clark was an incredible mentor, friend, academic administer, President. The accomplishments of his Presidency set the standard that have not previously nor since been matched. Karolyn and my most memorable remembrance is the incredibly beautiful relationship with Rowena. Genuine role models in the academic, social, and family community. We truly loved them. Paul and Karolyn Magelli

paul magelli

January 27, 2007

Not only was Dr. Ahlberg an outstanding educator but he was a gentle and understanding leader in many areas. I have fond memories of his activities at WSU. It was always an honor to be in his presence.

Robert Stephan

January 27, 2007

My first encounter with Dr. Clark Alberg was as a freshman at Wichita State University. I remember it well, as an incoming freshman, Dr. Alberg spoke about all the great opportunities we all had in front of us and how education was the key to reaching our goals in life. In a time when many of our role models had disappointed us, Dr. Clark Alberg truly embraced the values of leadership and lived as a true role model. We all will miss him greatly. Roger McCafferty “Class of 84”

Roger McCafferty

January 27, 2007

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