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Clarion University Foundation, Inc., Board of Directors has issued a resolution of appreciation for Dr. Ernest C. Aharrah’s 25 years of service to the board.
Aharrah, of Clarion, was appointed to the board from 1970 to 1971, and again from 1992 to June 30, 2016. In the resolution, the board cites Aharrah’s faithful and consistent participation in board and committee meetings, where he demonstrated careful preparation for all sessions, thoughtful consideration of issues and balanced judgment in decision making.
Aharrah served on the Planned Giving Committee and as its chair for five years; the Annual Fund Committee; the Nominating Committee, also serving as its chair; the Campaign Committee; and as the Alumni Board of Directors representative.
He was a key board member and participant during the Clarion University Foundation, Inc.'s, greatest period of growth and organizational development in its history, not only in his service, but through his and his family's financial support of and active participation in the university's endeavors, most profoundly as a beloved, long-time faculty member and as a member of Clarion University Alumni Board of Directors from 1991 to 1997.
In 2002, Aharrah was awarded the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Eberly Award for volunteerism.
Aharrah graduated from Clarion University in 1949 with a Bachelor of Science in Education, secondary education. He holds a Master of Science in Education from Penn State, as well as Master of Science and doctoral degrees from Pitt.
Before coming to Clarion, Aharrah taught high school at Ashland Township and Chief Logan Joint Schools. During his 29 years at Clarion, he spent 9½ years as a demonstration teacher, 1½ years as director of alumni affairs and 18 years as a faculty member in the biology department. He conceived and directed the Biological Travel/Study Program and has directed the study of numerous graduate students in the field.
His lifelong passion for natural history led to continued interest in conservation education, which included an association with McKeever Environmental Education Center, a summer as a naturalist in the Great Smoky Mountains and a 20-year stint writing a weekly column, Naturalist's Notebook, for Clarion News.
Aharrah and his wife, Margaret (Behringer '49), have a long history of financial support of Clarion University and Clarion University Foundation, Inc. In addition to contributing to other scholarship funds, the Aharrahs established the Cheri Aharrah Reid Memorial Scholarship in memory of their daughter.