Clark Jarrett, Alumnus of the Year, 2008-2009
A filmmaker, actor, professor, and historian, Saddleback College's
2008-09 Alumnus of the Year Clark Jarrett is like a modern-day Indiana Jones. After touring the globe to document stories about the lives of World War I veterans, Jarrett has written and produced a documentary entitled "The Return of Paul Jarrett," a film that follows Clark Jarrett's 93 year-old grandfather, a decorated World War I veteran, as he returns to France. The documentary has received a number of awards, including two Telly Awards and six P.A.C.E. Awards.
While at Saddleback College, Jarrett played on the 1973-74 Gaucho football team and graduated in 1974 with an associate's degree in social science. He transferred to California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, where he graduated magna cum laude in 1979 with a B.A. in political science. In 1995 he earned a teaching credential and a M.A. in humanities from California State University Dominguez Hills.
Jarrett's teaching career is extensive. Since 1993, Jarrett has taught at Downtown Magnets High School in Los Angeles, in the Academy of Finance, as well as serving as the Assistant Director. Jarrett is also adjunct faculty at Los Angeles Mission College, where he teaches humanities. He has also taught creative writing courses in the UCLA extension.
Jarrett has been a working actor for the past 25 years and has appeared in film, television and theater. He has served as a host on many cable network game shows, direct response video, and corporate videos. Jarrett was in the film "Bobby Jones: Stroke of Genius," where he was featured as Chick Evans. He has had recurring roles on daytime television dramas including, "Santa Barbara," "General Hospital," and "Days of Our Lives." Jarrett was the host of the "Homework Hotline" on PBS.
Jarrett is a strong supporter of the Saddleback College Alumni Association and stays involved with the school. In 1980, Jarrett was inducted into the Saddleback College Athletic Hall of Fame for football. He served on the Saddleback College Veterans Memorial Committee and was the keynote speaker at the 2009 Saddleback College Dean's List Honors Night.