President Jon Wallace in the Munson Courtyard of Honor on Saturday unveiled a new plaque paying tribute to the late professor and music instructor Alvin Clifft.
The crowd looks on as former student Wendy Hinkel speaks Saturday. Photo credit: Savanna Cowles
The crowd looks on as former student Wendy Hinkel speaks Saturday. Savanna Cowles Photo
His memorial, initiated by the university and president, was placed on a pillar closest to Gladys Wilson’s, former leader of Heart-to-Heart ministry at APU, who passed away in 2009.
Clifft’s plaque is appropriately located where music students go to practice and take their classes.
“What Gladys and Al have in common is their deep love for others and their willingness to give sacrifice and make a difference,” Wallace said.
Don Neufeld, associate dean and associate professor in the school of music, spoke first at the event, recalling 50 years of friendship with Clifft. Their relationship began with their time at Pasadena City College and continued to their marriages in the 1950s to when Clifft began teaching at APU in 1972.
About 50 people were in attendance as those who were close to him shared nothing but kind and loving words for the late professor. Former students expressed their admiration for Clifft as well.
“He was the most patient, hardworking person I knew at the time [freshman year], and I learned how to be those things from him,” said Sarah Nolan, a fifth-year music business major.
The crowd looks on as former student Wendy Hinkel speaks Saturday. Photo credit: Savanna Cowles
The crowd looks on as former student Wendy Hinkel speaks Saturday. Savannah Cowles Photo.
During his time at APU, Clifft taught introductory-level classes such as music theory and conducting and he directed University Choir and Orchestra, Bel Canto, Wind Ensemble and Jazz Ensemble.
In the last three years, Clifft created a small musical group called Saints, which consists of four men and a pianist.
Clifft is remembered as a man who not only cared deeply about his work but made a conscious effort to help his students through challenges.
“He was patient, but didn’t spoonfeed us. He didn’t give us all the answers and made us work hard,” Nolan said. “But through all that, he was still encouraging.”
He impacted his students and fellow faculty members not only musically but spiritually as well. He lived out a Christ-centered life and shared with everyone he knew, admirers remembered.
“His relationship with God was a vital part of who he was and how he dealt with people,” said Letitia Ugwueke, a former student and director of APU gospel choir.
Many said his legacy highlights his kindness, how much he cared for students, consistency and intention in his teaching and his hard work over the years.
“He wasn’t just a teacher. He was like a second father to many of his students,” Nolan said.
According to Ugwueke, much of how she approaches her students and how she directs was learned from Dr. Clifft both as a student and professor.
Clifft was known for his ability to recognize and address each of his students by name. Whether he had them 30 years ago or three, he remembered each and every one.
“Al really had a commitment to learning student’s names,” said Wendy Hinkel, an APU alum class of 1996. “He took Polaroids of all his students and carried them with him wherever he went, even on family vacations.”
The intention he put into his work will not be forgotten. This includes the relationships he had, how he treated his students and approach to the music he taught and directed.
“We were always surprised,” Ugwueke said. “At concerts there was no set list. We didn’t know what songs we were going to sing until he held up a sign telling us; he liked to keep us on our toes.”
Clifft had the rare opportunity to impact thousands of college students and faculty members during his time at APU. His legacy will never be forgotten.
“There is a stamp that he has left in [the] School of Music; he’s influenced us all,” Ugwueke said.