Quoted: Francois Clemmons and Karl Lindholm ’67 on StoryCorps

MIDDLEBURY, Vt. — National Public Radio aired a StoryCorps piece today featuring Middlebury’s longtime Twilight Artist in Residence Francois Clemmons, who was interviewed by Karl Lindholm ’67.

Clemmons, a highly accomplished opera and spiritual singer with a Grammy to his credit, is most famous for his recurring role on Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood as the friendly, singing Officer Clemmons. In the StoryCorps interview, Clemmons reflects on his 25 seasons with Fred Rogers, and on becoming what is believed to be the first African American actor to have a recurring role on a children’s television series. Clemmons retired from Middlebury in 2013.

Lindholm, assistant professor emeritus of American studies, is well known by Middlebury students and alumni, having served in student affairs as dean of Cook Commons, Atwater Commons faculty head, dean of students, and dean of advising. He retired from his long Middlebury career in 2010.

Listen to the interview, which aired Friday, March 11, 1016, on National Public Radio.