This Stephen Alonzo Jackson Weekend of Giving, March 1-3, we're asking you to make a tax-deductible donation to support a cause near and dear to the Delta-Mu Chapter – the creation of a new Scholarship-Leadership Award named in honor of Brother Thomas J. Clifford. 100% of your gift will help fund this special scholarship.
Our goal is to raise $50,000 to establish a permanent $2,000 annual Scholarship in Brother Clifford's name that will benefit a Delta-Mu Chapter Brother. In the event Delta-Mu does not reach the $50,000 goal, but reaches $25,000, a permanent $1,000 annual Scholarship-Leadership Award will be created. All amounts raised shy of $25,000, between, or over $50,000 will be directed to the existing Chapter Scholarship Fund to benefit Delta-Mu undergraduates.
Thomas J. Clifford (1921-2009) was a 1939 initiate of the Delta-Mu Chapter of Kappa Sigma at the University of North Dakota. Brother Clifford’s dedication to our Order began at the age of 18, and he continued that bond for the rest of his life. Brother Clifford’s commitment to the Chapter was first recognized when he was awarded “Best Dressed Pledge in 1939”. Clifford’s experience at UND began in 1939 as a member of Kappa Sigma, an accounting student, a law student, and a part-time instructor. He was just 29 when he was named dean of the College of Commerce in 1950 – the youngest dean in UND’s history. Nine years later, after earning a master’s degree in public administration at Stanford University, he became UND’s vice president for finance.
Brother Clifford was UND’s longest-serving leader, dedicating 21 years as UND’s president. Clifford spent over a half-century on campus as a student, faculty, dean, and finally president from 1971-92. He was the first North Dakotan to hold the office. Under his leadership, the University saw essential developments in student enrollment numbers, research, the medical school, aerospace programs, and the Energy & Environmental Research Center. From his namesake, Clifford Hall, he led UND’s Aerospace Foundation into his 80s.
Only his service to Kappa Sigma approaches his service to the University of North Dakota. Kappa Sigma has been honored to have Brother Clifford serve as Grand Treasurer and Grand Master of his Chapter, House Corporation Treasurer, Alumnus Advisor, and District Grand Master. The lives of countless undergraduate men have benefited from the guidance of Brother Clifford in his service to the Order. This scholarship, honoring Brother Clifford, will ensure his name and memory live on at Delta-Mu in perpetuity.
Now is the time to rally behind this historic initiative and honor the lasting legacy of Brother Thomas J. Clifford. Donate Now!
