- 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?”