The Edmon Low Library has received $1 million from aTulsa businessman the gift will create an endowed chair library dean’s chair
A Tulsa businessman gave $1 million in the largest ever gift to the OSU Library.
John Clerico, chairman of Chartmark Investments, made the gift to create an endowed chair library dean’s chair. The chair will be one of the largest such positions in the country.
Oklahoma A&M Regent Calvin Anthony and wife, Linda, added almost $80,000 to Clerico’s gift. The combined gift will be matched by T. Boone Pickens’ $100 million dollar gift. Because the gift was made before July 1, the state will match dollar for dollar.
“OSU Library is so grateful to have two great donors like Clerico and the Anthonys,” said Chad Haney, Director of Library Development for the OSU Library. “This gift is a great start to making us one of the leading land-grant university libraries.”
Clerico’s ambition for the OSU Library is to make it the premier land-grant university library in the country through a strategic plan evaluating student access, proprietary database systems, technology and facilities.
“I’ve had an allegiance to the library for some time, and of course the incredible generosity of Boone Pickens plus the state match made the timing of this an easy decision for me,” Clerico said.
The endowed chair will be first endowed chair at the Edmon Low Library. Endowed chairs and professorships are academic designations which provide support for faculty salary, graduate assistantships, equipment and research needs, as well as other support.
In 2005, Clerico gave $500,000 to improve the Library plaza in honor of his late wife, Beverly. The library plaza held a special place in the couple’s heart because they often would meet there while getting to know each other and dating. At the time, Clerico’s gift was tied for the largest in the history of the OSU Library. The plaza was completely renovated, with non-slip surfaces being added. The Beverly Clerico Plaza was dedicated Oct. 1, 2005.
Clerico graduated from OSU in 1964 with a business degree. He currently serves on the board of trustees of the OSU Foundation.
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