Dean Neil Henry wrote the following in a message to faculty, staff, students and alumni on Tuesday, July 1:
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.
Several years ago, California Monthly magazine published a wonderful piece about Clay's life and times, with contributed works by Gloria Steinem, Tom Wolfe, and Ken Auletta about working with him.
It's a fine tribute to Clay, and I encourage you to visit the following link to read it:
http://alumni.berkeley.edu/Alumni/Cal_Monthly/May_2005/City_of_Clay.asp
-- Neil Henry, dean
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