A three-sport athlete, Forrest Norris was a member of the baseball, basketball, and soccer teams during the early years of Clark athletics.
A four-year soccer goalkeeper, he was a team captain his senior year and a two-time All-New England selection. As the leading scorer on the 1941 JV basketball team, Norris advanced to the varsity squad.
He was also a competitor on the baseball team. In 1943, the Clark Athletic Department recognized Norris's career accomplishments, awarding him the Hebert Trophy, given annually to the senior male athlete who has made a significant contribution to the intercollegiate athletic program.
After graduating with a bachelor's degree in chemistry, Norris enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He was called to active duty in 1943 and served in the Pacific during World War II. From 1946-1957, he continued his military service as a member of the Reserves.
Norris also had a long career as a research chemist and consultant, and worked at the Monsanto Company and United Technology. He completed doctoral work at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, receiving a Ph.D. in polymer science in 1955.
During the 1970's, Norris taught for two years as an associate professor at Springfield College. Following his professorship, he spent ten years abroad as a missionary and teacher in Japan and Turkey. After returning to western Massachusetts in 1985, he worked at Longmeadow High School as a one-on-one and small-group tutor.
Throughout his life, Norris remained in athletics, playing basketball and baseball for the Monsanto Company team and participating in bowling and golf leagues. He also enjoyed playing golf and tennis. Moreover, Norris was active in local youth sports and was a referee with the Pioneer Valley Soccer Association for 30 years. He also spent many years as a basketball official at the high-school and college levels.
Forrest and his wife Blanche had five children; Blanche, Susan, Brian, Jeffrey, and the late Scott Norris.
PRESENTER:
Roy Andersen ’43, classmate and long time friend, accepting Blanche Norris, Forrest Norris' daughter
