Rochester Christian University's School of Education now carries a family name, after five siblings pooled a gift to honor their parents' 75th wedding anniversary.

The Rochester Hills university announced Monday, Aug. 24 that its education program will be known as the Lyle and Jean Clarke School of Education. The Clarke children surprised their parents with the naming in June 2026, tying the gesture to the couple's anniversary milestone.

All five children are alumni of the institution, attending when it was a two-year school called Michigan Christian College: Margie Crutchfield '72, Carol Clarke '73, Sharon Ground '75, Kathy Dillard '78 and Robert Clarke '82. Their graduation years stretch from 1972 to 1982.

Rob Clarke, the youngest sibling and a member of the RCU Board of Trustees, said the naming reflects what their parents modeled at home.

"Our parents believe deeply in the power of education, faith and service, and those values shaped our family," he said. "… We are grateful for the opportunity to give back to a university that has meant so much to our family and to support the educators who will shape future generations."

The dollar amount of the gift was not disclosed. RCU said the funds will go toward expanding the school's programs and resources for future teachers.

A career in classrooms

Lyle Clarke spent his career teaching at Cass City High School in Michigan's Thumb region, taking a sabbatical in 1971 to teach in Australia. Jean Clarke was also an educator. After both retired, the couple joined the Peace Corps and taught in Botswana.

Back in Cass City, Lyle served on the Rolston Rawson Memorial Library Board for 30 years. Jean volunteered at the local hospital for 25 years.

What it means for RCU

The School of Education, which moved to the Alumni Center on campus in 2023 according to the university's history page, offers degrees in elementary education, secondary education and early childhood studies. The program earned full accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Education Preparation in April 2023 and holds Michigan Department of Education certification.

Dr. Dave Hutson, dean of the Schools of Business and Education, said the gift will allow education programs to grow and expand opportunities for future educators.

RCU is a private Christian university on an 85-acre campus in Rochester Hills. The institution adopted its current name in 2024 after operating as Rochester University, Rochester College and Michigan Christian College in earlier decades. Dr. Reggies Wenyika became its eleventh president in 2025.

As we reported Monday, RCU also recently launched new theology bachelor's and master's programs. The Clarke naming is the latest in a series of moves to expand the university's academic footprint.