Clemens Delivers Founder’s Day Keynote

Richard G. Clemens delivered the keynote address at Founder’s Day 2018 as we honored Isaiah V. Williamson on Thursday, February 8, in the Clara Schrenk Memorial Chapel.

Clemens joined Williamson’s board in 2006, but his knowledge of the school goes back to 1954-65 when he lived on campus while his father, James Clemens 3W4, served as president from 1954-1979.

An attorney, he retired after a long and distinguished career at Sidley Austin LLP, a major international law firm, as a senior partner, and since then has spent much of his time helping a variety of organizations and nonprofits.

Clemens has supported Williamson in many ways over the years, most recently arranging for Williamson to become a partner college of the Give Something Back Foundation. He also was the Commencement speaker in 2005 and spoke at the dedication of the Strine Learning Center and officiated at the dedication of the center’s James and Jeanette Clemens Educational Wing in 2006. He has received the board’s Isaiah V. Williamson Award and was recently named a Distinguished Honoree on National Philanthropy Day.

Other talks included an Alumni Tribute by James J. Simpson 1W2, Alumni Association president, and a Student Tribute by Raymond P. Drulik, senior class president.

Awards given included: the Sons of the American Revolution’s Outstanding Citizenship Award to John T. Coleman 1W9, and the Board of Trustees’ Isaiah V. Williamson Award to Kevin R. Blackney 7W6 and The Clarence W. Schrenk 4W9 Young Alumnus Award to Corey A. Jackson 0W3.

View a replay of the Founder’s Day service below.