Remembering Clay Felker, Part II

A few days ago, Neil Henry, Dean of the Graduate School of Journalism at the University of California at Berkeley, sent out a note to alumni of the school about Clay Felker’s death. There are some very nice thoughts in Neil’s note about Clay and the enormous legacy he left behind that are worth sharing. Please see the note below.

Also, check out the current version of New York Magazine, which is pretty much devoted to honoring Clay. I was hoping New York’s editor in chief Adam Moss would put Clay on the cover and create a tribute to the man who literally created the magazine. And he came through with flying colors. The lead essay by Tom Wolfe alone is worth the price of admission. But the really cool and illuminating part of the cover package is the oral history of Clay’s life and career. It’s filled with amazing stories and anecdotes from Gloria Steinem, Milton Glaser, Richard Reeves, Felix Rohatyn, Gore Vidal, and others.

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Subject: [J-School_Alumni] Message from Dean Henry on Clay Felker

Dear Colleagues, Students, and Friends of the J-School:

I’m saddened to inform you that Clay Felker died this morning in New
York City after a long illness.

As the namesake of our endowed Felker Magazine Center, a
distinguished member of our faculty, and one of the 20th century’s
greatest American editors, Clay brought tremendous passion, dignity,
and deep conviction about the importance of journalism in American
society to his teaching.

As so many of you well know, Clay shared his remarkable background
and wisdom as a journalism pioneer with his students at North Gate as
if they were equal partners in the enterprise of publishing a
magazine from concept to the printer.

He was, in short, a treasure.

Clay had been in ill health for some years, yet through it all he
never ceased to amaze with his inner fire, determination, and grit.

Journalism is far the better for his life.

Funeral arrangements at present are pending. We extend our
condolences to his wife, Gail Sheehy.

all best, Neil

Tags: Clay Felker, Felix Rohatyn, Gloria Steinem, Gore Vidal, Graduate School of Journalism at the University of Cali, Milton Glaser, Neil Henry, Richard Reeves, Tom Wolfe