Remembering Dude Stephenson
Interlochen mourns the passing of alumnus and longtime faculty member Dr. Clarence “Dude” Stephenson.
Dr. Clarence "Dude" Stephenson volunteering in the Archives office in 2014.
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Dr. Clarence “Dude” Stephenson (AS 45-46, IAC Fac 53-09).
He first came to Interlochen as an All-State Camper in 1945 and 1946. He returned in 1953 as an operetta instructor, and touched the lives of many young artists in a career that spanned more than 50 years. Dude served in a variety of roles at Interlochen Arts Camp, including director of high school and intermediate operettas and director of intermediate musicals. He was often joined by his brother, the late Jim Bob Stephenson, Ph.D. (IAC Fac 55-66, IAC St 87-05) during his summers at Interlochen. Dude continued to inspire young artists, alumni, faculty and staff after his retirement as a valued volunteer. He will be greatly missed.
We cordially invite you to join Catherine Stephenson, the Stephenson family, and the Interlochen community to celebrate the life and legacy of Dude Stephenson. Please join us for a celebration of his life on Sunday, July 29 at 10 a.m. in Kresge Auditorium at Interlochen Center for the Arts.
All guests are invited to join us for a reception immediately following the celebration. To reserve your seating for the service, please contact Carolyn Purcell at 231.276.7855 or carolyn.purcell@interlochen.org.
Stay through the day for a performances by the Interlochen Philharmonic and the World Youth Symphony Orchestra, or join us for Generations Weekend, a special weekend gathering held July 27-29 celebrating Camp families with multiple Interlochen ties. For information about Generations Weekend, visit interlochen.org/reunions.
For campus lodging accommodations, please call 231.276.7570 or visit interlochen.org/lodging.
