With our Cleary Connections Oral History Project going on through February, 2025, we’re thrilled to share the story of alumna Helen Laing, rediscovered through a collection of historical documents recently donated to Cleary University.
The artifacts were generously gifted by a Bay City resident who uncovered them while renovating a new home. This extraordinary find offers a rare glimpse into Helen’s life, career, and creative pursuits as a Cleary College graduate.
A Precious Piece of Cleary College History
Among the stack of carefully preserved artifacts is Helen’s Cleary diploma, housed in its original black leather case embossed in gold. Helen earned her Associate of Science in Accounting on June 15, 1940, from what was then Cleary College in Ypsilanti, Mich. Remarkably, her diploma bears the signature of P.R. Cleary himself, the founder and first president of Cleary College, and is likely one of the final diplomas he signed before retiring later that year.
Helen’s Personal Artifacts: A Glimpse into Her Life
Beyond her diploma, the collection includes personal mementos that reflect Helen’s connection to Cleary. One striking item is a framed black-and-white photograph of a young Helen, capturing her in classic 1940s attire, with short hair and wire-rimmed glasses. The collection also contains her invitation to the 17th Annual Michigan State Convention of Pi Omicron National Sorority, held in Pontiac in 1952, and a folder of her class notes, job application letters, and a typed report on Thomas Edison—all slightly yellowed with age, yet remarkably preserved.
Helen’s Artistry: A Creative Soul Beyond Accounting
While Helen’s formal education focused on accounting, her creative side shines through in her art portfolio, which includes pencil and charcoal illustrations, a few paintings, and a beautiful copper repoussé. The spiral-bound sketchbook, branded by the M. Grumbacher company, is filled with detailed studies of clothing and accessories, hinting at a passion for fashion design that complemented her practical career training.
Yearbook Messages: Memories of Friendship and Love at Cleary
A true gem in the collection is Helen’s 1939-40 Clearyan yearbook, printed by The Huron Press in Ypsilanti. As Champion of the Flower Committee of the Women’s League and a member of the Publicity Committee of C.U. Hop, Helen’s photo appears alongside the quote, “When she wields her pen, Behold! A work of art.” Friends and fellow students signed Helen’s yearbook in immaculate handwriting, a fitting homage to Cleary’s origins as a penmanship school. Mary Pintek, a fellow Flint native, wrote, “To another Flintiti,” while Chester “Chet” Nowak of Alpena penned, “It has been swell knowing you.”
A Love Story at Cleary College
Among the signatures is a message from Frederick “Johnny” Johnson, voted “Most Likely to be Married First.” He wrote, “Dear Mrs. Ashworth, it has been grand knowing you and Frank. Take care of him, and have lots of cute little ‘Franks.’” Later in the yearbook, we meet “Frank” himself—Franklin Ashworth, from Shepherd, Michigan, listed as a reporter for the Cleary College newspaper and described as “A finished gentleman from head to toe.”
In his message, he wrote, “To my better half… with wishes for best of luck and happiness… all my love,” hinting at a love that would endure well beyond college.
Helen and Frank’s Legacy Lives On
An online search revealed that Helen and Frank married and settled in Bay City, raising two sons, Franklin P. Ashworth, who enjoyed a career in the U.S. Air Force, and William Ashworth, who later moved to Fort Myers, Florida. Their legacy is part of Cleary’s history and community, kept alive through the generous donation of Helen’s personal mementos.
A Lasting Tribute Through Cleary Connections
We are grateful to preserve Helen Laing’s story as part of Cleary University’s legacy. As we launch our Cleary Connections Oral History Project, we invite alumni and friends to share their own stories, building on Helen’s legacy and connecting generations of Cleary students and graduates.
