Here I am at 2:00am reading every sweet word everyone has to say about Matt.  With every one of those words my heart aches a little more.  I don't think there are words that could express who Matt was or how he carried himself with such true integrity.  If even half of the people in this world would move through life, treat people the way he did, and showed the true compassion that he had for people, this world would be peaceful, accepting and full of kindness and love.

Matt was not only my colleague, but someone that I called friend.  I "think" he knew how special he was to me, but I have SO MUCH regret for not telling him exactly how and why he was so important to me.  Matt supported me.  He saw me.  He saw that I worked hard.  He saw right through me when I tried to act like things were "ok."  He would always ask..."Everything OK?"  It seemed every time I got upset and stormed out of my office, he was there.  He was there to encourage me, to make me want to keep going, to fight the battle(s) I was facing.  He saw me. 

With Matt there was no separation between Full-time Faculty, Part-time Faculty, Classified Staff, Administration. No group was "better" than the other. To Matt, we were all just HUMANs.  He treated us all the same. No, he wasn't perfect.  He often turned in schedules late, evaluations late, etc.  Because, guess what...he was HUMAN! But the way he treated people should somehow put into words and developed into curriculum to be offered as a degree at every college.  This world lost Matt Clark...WE lost Matt Clark.  There will never be another MATT CLARK!!!  ONE IN A MILLION$$$$

Teri, Diane and Ryan...thank you.  Thank you for sharing Matt with us.  I know Ryan.  I met Diane once, maybe twice.  Teri, we have not met...at least that I can remember.  But, I already see that you have some of the same qualities that Matt had.  The fact that you are responding to each note/memory is so incredible and kind.  If I just lost my "person," I would be curled up in a ball in bed.  It shows that you too have the same integrity and likely the reason Matt loved you so deeply.

Matt will forever be one of the most influential people that helped form the person that I am today.  I will live the rest of my life with intention to live it the "Matt Clark Way."  I will cherish every chat, every word of advice and each and every memory.  

Love and Miss you Matt!

Joan Penning

Matt was a huge part of my growth and success. Before I even took his dreaded 730 AM stats class, I was privileged to have him in my life. I served as Student Trustee, I was heavily involved in campus events, sociology club, I was hard to ignore. He offered his extensive knowledge of navigating the system, of who to talk to, how to gather research and make it make sense. (Also, thank you, Nili, to pushing me to just ask for help, “Matt is the nicest person, just ask.”). He even donated to a fundraiser I did in my personal life—he cared in all aspects: academic, professional and personal  

It is hard to find the level of compassion and empathy that Matt held for his students at the CC level, or really any level, now. He not only had a plethora of knowledge to share (not only about statistics but about social problems within the system), but he advocated for students rights and did his best to ensure balance between governance and student success. 

Matt gave himself to the CC system and Woodland, which was and is needed. I feel honored to have been a student of his, to have made him proud, and to have just known him. 

Deeply saddened to hear of his passing. I send all the love and comfort to Teri and all family, friends, colleagues, and students. 

My heart grieves deeply for the loss of our dear colleague, Dr. Matt Clark. He was an exceptional professor who earned the admiration of his students and made a profound impact on countless lives throughout his teaching career. Matt was a rare gem whose absence leaves an irreplaceable void. To me, he was not just a colleague but a supportive big brother who extended his care to every individual in our college, district, and community. His genuine concern for others, always reaching out during difficult times, epitomized his compassionate nature. Matt's legacy of kindness and dedication will forever resonate with all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Matt meant a lot to me as a mentor, colleague, and someone like an older brother. His influence on my life was huge, and I'm finding it hard to believe he's gone. Matt was a guiding light whose presence profoundly impacted my life. His sudden departure has left a void that is difficult to comprehend. Since Matt hired me at WCC, he always guided me and supported me with his wisdom. Even after I moved to Yuba College, I kept seeking his advice because I knew how valuable it was.

His legacy will live on through the lives he touched and the lessons he taught. We'll always feel the gap he leaves behind. Matt was a rare gem among us a person whose knowledge, kindness, and guidance left an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to know him. His dedication to his work and his caring nature set an example that will be remembered and cherished by all.

The loss of Matt is deeply felt by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy will endure through the countless lives he touched and the lessons he imparted. The loss of Matt leaves a void that cannot be filled. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.

As we come together to remember Matt's life, let's treasure the memories we have of him and think about how much he influenced each of us. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.

Rest in peace, Matt. We'll miss you greatly, but your legacy will stay in our hearts forever.

With sincere condolences,

Talwinder Chetra

Devastated learning of Professor Clark’s passing. I’ll never forget him! He was an incredible teacher and an even more incredible person whom I had the pleasure to meet. I will miss him dearly. I loved  Professor Clark’s 7:00am  Statistics class and I looked forward to it because of the way he taught us. 

He managed to teach us (some kids, some not), Statistics at 7:00am. It amazes me while that sinks in. He had a special connection with his students and I am very sad to hear of his passing. Witty, calculating and charming, he was a treat to be around. Sending warm condolences and prayers to his family and loved ones. 

Hana G.

Hearing about Dr. Clark's passing is a terrible surprise. He was one of my favorite professors. He had an incredible ability to make statistics fascinating. His humor was clever and just funny. He was an advocate for teaching young, dumb kids, and some older people, critical thinking 😆

Though I already graduated WCC and transferred to his school, UCD, I thought of him with fondness. I saw him recently, since I worked at TRiO and, though some time had passed since I aced his class (entirely because of his support and help), he was happy to see me, knew exactly who I was, and said he'd stop by more often. I was looking forward to that. 

He spoke often of his family and,  especially his beloved granddaughter, Amara. I hope they can find peace in knowing he was a man worthy of the respect and admiration of our community. 

I had told Dr. Clark before I left his class that teaching is an art and he was a master of his art. I will always remember you, Dr. Clark. Thank you for making such a tedious subject so fascinating, and being such an enthusiastic master of teaching.

Dear Teri & family—he will be SO missed. To know Matt was to love him. 

Love 

Teri, Diane, and Ryan,

The world has truly lost one of its brightest lights with Matt's passing.  A wonderful host and fellow educator, I always forgave him his love of the Giants over the Dodgers.  He had a big heart, a caring spirit, and a wicked humor that could zap you at times.  My heart goes out to your family in this loss and hope you find comfort in each other and your loving memories of Matt.

Teri, Ryan, and family,

Matt was a true mentor to me. He was the first I came to know when I got to WCC, and the person I have always tried to emulate. Anything I ever needed, he was there for me.  He was selfless and had compassion for everyone. I always valued his integrity and wish mine was even close to his level. 

I am forever grateful for the time I got to get to know who he really was. I will never forget the values and morals he adhered to. I can only hope someday to be even half the faculty member/colleague he was. 

My absolute sincerest condolences during this difficult time,