Legendary SU alum Dick Clark dies

American Bandstand and New Year’s Rockin’ Eve icon Dick Clark passed away Tuesday at the age of 82.

Clark, a Syracuse University alum ('51), died after “a massive heart attack,” according to a statement released by his agent Paul Shefrin.

Clark was a beloved alumnus of the university, where he majored in business and was an active member of his fraternity, Delta Kappa Epsilon and ultimately donated DKE’s current house on Walnut Street.

During his time in college, Clark’s fraternity brothers managed the SU Chimemasters for more than 50 years. The Chimemasters is the student group responsible for ringing the Crouse College bells.

SU Chancellor Nancy Cantor issued this statement on Clark's death:

"The entire SU family mourns the loss of our family member, Dick Clark. More than an American icon, he was a superb guide to tectonic shifts in American popular culture for generations.  We at his alma mater will remember him most fondly, however, for the warmth and generosity with which he helped guide generations of SU students as they set out to navigate the landscape of careers in the entertainment industry.  Our thoughts are with Kari and the entire Clark family, and we will miss Dick greatly."

After graduating from SU, Clark moved to Philadelphia and started American Bandstand in 1962, according to ABC News. The music and dance show was an instant hit and helped launch him to mega-stardom.

Clark’s other iconic show, Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve, started in 1972, and he was the host for 32 years until he suffered a major heart attack in 2004.

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.