On an otherwise quiet March evening, the St. John’s Law cafeteria was buzzing with excitement. Walking through metallic streamers, Law School students, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends were met with an abounding display of guitars, microphones, and a Law School Hall of Fame at the rock ‘n’ roll-themed 2025 Public Interest Auction.
As the auctioneer took the stage, the event’s VIP, Professor John P. “Jack” Clarke ‘55CBA, ‘57L, ‘24HON, took his seat at the front and center of the cafeteria. Clarke generously provided the financial support to make the event possible as this year’s Auction Platinum Sponsor.
The Public Interest Auction, hosted by the St. John’s Law Public Interest Center annually, brings the Law School community together to bid on a wide range of goods, services, and experiences. Proceeds support the Center’s programs and initiatives, including the Summer Public Interest Fellowship Program, Spring Break Service Program, Center Fellows Program, and pro bono programming, including the Center’s Pro Bono Working Lunch.
Clarke’s pillar support of the Auction is just one characteristic of a man who personifies generosity, paying it forward, and supporting St. John’s Law students. That’s why, last year, the Professor and Chair of the Department of Law at the St. John’s Peter J. Tobin College of Business (TCB) received a Special Lifetime Achievement Award from St. John’s Law Public Interest Center students. This recognition shines just a glimpse into a life dedicated to providing long-term support of the Law School.
“I support St. John’s because St. John’s has supported me,” Clarke says, reflecting on his lifetime of giving.
After losing his father at the age of nine and navigating financial hardships throughout his youth, when it came time to apply for college, Clarke appealed to the leadership of St. John’s in a letter. Abiding by the mission of the University, they graciously responded. “I came to St. John’s because of the Vincentians’ charity,” he shares. “They replied to my letter and provided me with a substantial scholarship. I paid for 20% of my tuition, which amounted to $100 per year, all the way through my second year as a law student.”
Clarke graduated from the Law School in 1957, worked two years at the Kings County Supreme Court, and in 1959, returned to the University as Director of Alumni Relations. After eight years in that role, Clarke joined the full-time faculty where, over the years, he taught more than 10,000 students in the TCB. He also prides himself on knowing at least one member of the Law School classes of 1928 through 2024.
Widely known throughout the community as Mr. St. John’s, Clarke is also regarded as a connector, bringing generations of people together with opportunities and professional experiences.
“I see how people can help people,” Clarke says. “So much in life is fortuitous. I tell my students all the time that they need to get out there and network. You never who you’re going to meet.”
Clarke credits knowing the right people with his success and expansive career at St. John’s. “I’ve worked for seven University presidents, 14 deans at TCB, 14 basketball coaches, and I’ve known every dean except the very first at the Law School.”
While recounting the tremendous changes over the years, he shares that one facet of a St. John’s Law education has remained constant.
“In the 1950s when I was a student, and even before that, everyone went into public service,” Clarke says. “While more students now go into big law, the students who go into public interest work help keep the value of service an integral part of St. John’s Law.”
“That’s why supporting public interest initiatives is important to me,” he shares. “I worked in public interest while in law school. I was only paid a dollar an hour, but I gained value experience and connections.”
Today, Clarke is motivated to give to the Public Interest Center so students can have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience while giving back to their communities. “These dedicated students are willing to work for no compensation this summer. If I can help it, they should be paid.”
As St. John’s Law enters its 100th Anniversary, Clarke believes the School is positioned for success, saying, “I’m optimistic about the next 100 years. Although we have changed and grown, we haven’t lost the sense of family. This is not a cutthroat school. Students still feel supported, and that’s what really matters.”
On that March evening, Clarke watched the conclusion of the Auction and listened as excited students filed to the checkout table to purchase their items. He rose from his seat in the cafeteria, as he has done many times before, and he shared a reflection about his 66 years at St. John’s.
“I was in the right place at the right time. I’ve been very lucky, and very blessed.”