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About The Clackamas print. (Oregon City, Oregon) 1989-2019 | View Entire Issue (March 8, 2000)
- Feature _____________ L A chapter in history closes WedNEsdAy, M arc I h 8, 2000 The CI ac I< amas P rint Dr. Donald Epstein retires after thirty years of teaching SALENA DE LA CRUZ Opinion Editor SARAH WELCH/ Clackamas Print Dr. Donald Epstein, social sci ences instructor, will retire at the end of winter term and shelve his history books forever. Epstein began as a part-time instructor in 1969. When he started his career at Clackamas he was still going to school at the University of Oregon. He earned his BA at New York Uni versity and received his MS de gree at the University of Michi gan. After two years at Clackamas he conquered his studies for a Ph.D. at the Univer sity of Oregon. However, Epstein did note there was some lag time in between, due to “economic change” or more accurately, “I ran out of money,” said Epstein. “Instead of wasting my time on the street corners, I wasted my time in school,” said Epstein. Epstein has been married to his wife Katharine “for several years.” She has been by his side for the duration of his time at Clackamas. Epstein has been at Clackamas for more than 30 years and in that time he has seen many changes take place. He has seen the Art Department in the old Smuckers factory. He’s seen that same factory o up in smoke. When he first came to Clackamas there were four build ings: Randall, Barlow, McLoughlin and Clairmont. They had modular buildings down where the jail is, on Warner Milne Road. Since he has been here, buildings have been added, older ones have been remodeled and walls have. been knocked out. “I’ve seen this college gutted out,” said Epstein. Epstein has been the sole contact for the Holocaust survivors who visit this campus every year. “I wouldn’t be here if not for Dr. Epstein,” said Eline Hoekstra, Holocaust survivor, in reference to her visit on Feb. 14. For years Epstein has been known as a man of many words and even more opinions, but that is what many students have FILE PHOTOS/ Clackamas Print The above pictures of Dr. Donald Epstein were taken from the 1971-72 CCC yearbook and May 3, 1995 edition of the Print. come to know and love about this He has also been famous for in viting the social science depart man. “I’ve ruffled a lot of feathers ment over for Hanukkah parties. “He would open his home and through the years,” said Epstein. Many students have been en his heart,” said Loren Ford, so thralled during his lectures as he cial sciences instructor. “Regard refers to Cleopatra as a “bitch,” less of faculty and students’ while others have been offended. rights Don’s a really good guy.” Epstein is known for his abil Some students have sat as tounded at his teachings and ity to just pull up a chair and be knowledge about history. He has gin conversation with anyone. been known as a demanding, but He is an easygoing, free-spirited guy, according to some col thorough instructor. “Epstein teaches with inspira leagues. “I’ve certainly enjoyed chat tion and demands his students to critique and analyze history,” ting with him,” said Robert said Tim Ruppel, architecture Keeler, anthropology instructor. Some students felt he chal major. He’s currently enrolled in History of Western Civilization lenged them; he was at times a more difficult instructor, but they with Epstein as the instructor. Among his colleagues and say that’s what they loved about friends he is considered a great him. “I think Epstein really knows scholar. He is well known for his knowledge of history and his his history. It’s a shame that he won’t be teaching anymore,” said heart as a person. “He clearly knows his stuff,” Kimberly Blazejewski, biology major. said Dean Darris, “I think political science Epstein has a lot instructor. Epstein teaches of insight on “I am im topics he lec pressed with the with inspiration tures on. I enjoy caliber of him as and demands his lectures and a historian,” said learn more that Jackie Flowers, students to critique way,” said Eileen history instruc and analyze his Brito, education tor. tory. Tim Ruppel major. Epstein has Architecture Major Epstein offi taught various cially retired on classes on his March 1, 2000, tory since he has been at Clackamas, including but will remain at Clackamas to History of Western Civilization finish out the term. Details of his retirement plans are not yet final and Judaic Studies. “History of Western Civiliza ized. “Hopefully, everything will tion is my favorite class,” said work out,” said Epstein. Epstein. Epstein’s plans after retirement Many instructors and stu dents commented on Epstein’s include going to London over efforts to make new colleagues the summer. While in London he will attend a conference that is and old friends feel welcome. When Jackie Flowers came to held to remember the Holocaust. When asked if he had any fi Clackamas she flew cross-coun try for an interview with Epstein. nal thoughts to share before he She was overwhelmed with his retires, Epstein was philosophi cal. compassion toward her. “There’s a lesson to be learned. “I really appreciated it. It was far more than I expected anyone Rights are pretty precious? if you deny them to one person, you to do,” said Flowers. During his years at Clackamas, deny them to everyone. Where’s Epstein invited students to his the next inquisition going to house for dinners and lectures. fall?”
