Memorial honors business adviser

By Campbell Massie

Published Oct. 23, 2007

The MU College of Business held a memorial on Sunday for Clarence Wine, an academic adviser and coordinator of diversity programs, who died this past May.

Mr. Wine received his bachelor's degree in elementary education from Lincoln University in Jefferson City, where he became a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity.

After serving in the U.S. Army for two years, he received a master's degree in guidance and counseling from the University of Texas at El Paso. Mr. Wine continued his dedication to education as he received certification in vocational rehabilitation and became involved in the process of obtaining his doctorate in counseling psychology before he passed away in May.

Mr. Wine worked at MU for 33 years, spending 25 of those years as a senior academic adviser in the College of Business. The last 11 years of his career were also spent as a coordinator for diversity programs.

Mr. Wine acted as faculty adviser to the Black Business Student Association and founded the Big 12 Conference on Black Student Government. During the memorial, BBSA President Jatasha Silas spoke of Wine's commitment to his students and his willingness to help them succeed.

Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Programs Mary Beth Marrs spoke of Mr. Wine's commitment and passion for the success of students, especially minority students, and his laid-back attitude toward everything but academics.

"When it comes to the classroom, he had very high expectations for those students," she said.

Marrs said he was known for helping students "with little things that would help them succeed."

His commitment went beyond his affinity for his students, reaching to friends and family that knew him. Family friend Rose Tippin described Mr. Wine's thirst for education and his tendency to be there whenever his help was needed. She said he walked her son home from school and helped patch the grass in her backyard.

Marrs described him as a "very funny guy" who loved MU and MU athletics, as shown by the black and gold boots he wore. He was well known for his tailgates and extensive football knowledge.

"When I had a question about football, I knew who to ask, and I knew I had better set aside 30 to 40 minutes for it," Marrs said.

Many speakers said they would like to see a befitting memorial to be placed at MU for Mr. Wine.

Academic adviser Marvin Burns said in Mr. Wine's 25 years as an adviser in the College of Education, he was able to touch the lives of countless of people, especially black students.

"He leaves a legacy of excellence in advising and student service," Burns said.