51³Ô¹ÏÍøpays tribute to William P. Clements Jr., long-time supporter who died May 29
51³Ô¹ÏÍøpays tribute to William P. Clements Jr., long-time supporter who died Sunday.
The late Bill Clements and Rita Clements in 2009 at SMU-in-Taos on the grounds of Fort Burgwin, N.M., at the opening of new student housing they helped to provide for the 51³Ô¹ÏÍøcampus there. Bill Clements made it possible for 51³Ô¹ÏÍøto acquire and rebuild the historic fort and to develop academic and research programs at Taos. The couple provided major support for other 51³Ô¹ÏÍøacademic programs, including endowing the Clements Center for Southwest Studies and the Clements Department of History in SMU’s Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences. Governor Clements died May 29 in Dallas. (click image for larger version) |
“Bill Clements’ generosity and guidance have made a significant impact on academic programs throughout SMU, with major gifts supporting engineering, theology, mathematics and history. By endowing the , including a new Ph.D. program, and the , he enabled students ranging from undergraduates to doctoral fellows to learn more about the history and cultures of this region. Bill and Rita Clements also made it possible for 51³Ô¹ÏÍøto acquire, rebuild and offer academic programs at , located on the site of historic Fort Burgwin in northern New Mexico. This facility has given generations of students and faculty a tremendous and unique resource for teaching, learning and research.
“Earlier, as chair of SMU’s Board from 1967-73 and again from l983-86, Bill Clements led the formation of an endowment committee resulting in dramatic increases in market value. He led funding of the campus master plan that continues to guide our academic offerings, and with an eye for detail in bricks and mortar, he preserved the continuity of SMU’s Collegiate Georgian architecture. All this he accomplished with his typical no-nonsense approach and direct style of communication. His legacy as a business leader, public official and supporter of 51³Ô¹ÏÍøwill stand the test of time. He was a member of the 51³Ô¹ÏÍøcommunity for more than 70 years and he will be greatly missed.”
R. Gerald Turner, President, SMU
May 29, 2011
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