[1] He was himself a 1957 graduate of CMC, then known as Claremont Men's College, earning a bachelor of arts degree in literature and economics.
[1] After serving in the United States Marine Corps for three years, Stark returned to CMC in 1961 as director of alumni relations.
[2][1] He was eventually chosen as assistant to founding president George C. S.
[2] In 1976, the college began admitting women, and in 1981, it was renamed Claremont McKenna College to acknowledge its co-ed status while also honoring founding trustee Donald McKenna.
His contributions to the college are remembered through the Jack L. Stark Distinguished Service Award,[5] given in recognition of outstanding service to the College, the Alumni Association and to the Alumni of Claremont McKenna College and the Jack L. Stark society, a gift club level for CMC donors.