Rochester Christian University will formally name its School of Education for Lyle and Jean Clarke at a public ribbon-cutting Tuesday, Sept. 15.

The Clarke children, all RCU alumni, surprised their parents with the donation and the school naming in June in honor of the couple's 75th wedding anniversary, according to the university. The gift will support the growth of education programs, resources and the student experience at the Rochester Hills campus.

Rochester Hills Mayor Bryan Barnett will deliver remarks at the ribbon-cutting, alongside RCU Board of Trustees member Rob Clarke, university President Dr. Reggies Wenyika, Dr. Dave Hutson, dean of the Schools of Business and Education, and Liliana Tasich, a senior elementary education major.

Rob Clarke, a 1982 RCU alumnus, said in the university's announcement that the naming reflects his family's values. "Our parents believe deeply in the power of education, faith and service, and those values shaped our family," Clarke said. "Naming the School of Education in their honor is a meaningful way for us to recognize their legacy and their lifelong commitment to helping others."

The day begins with a chapel service at 11:10 a.m. in the Alumni Center Auditorium at 800 West Avon Road. Tim Morton, multi-area director for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes of Southeast Michigan, will be the featured speaker. Morton has been full-time with the organization since 2018 and currently serves more than 50 collegiate, high school and middle school campuses with a staff of 10.

A reception follows at 11:45 a.m., with the ribbon-cutting at 12:15 p.m. The public is welcome.

RCU's education program earned accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) on April 23, 2023, for a seven-year term. The university is also accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and authorized by the Michigan Department of Education to recommend teacher candidates for certification. Students completing the program have achieved a cumulative 92.3% pass rate on the Teacher Certification Test, according to the university's accreditation page.

The university did not disclose the dollar amount of the Clarke family's gift.