The building, which houses meeting space for professional development and school district events, a display of HPISD and alumni memorabilia, a natatorium, athletic offices, a locker room and a training facility, will now be known as the William P. Clements Jr. Leadership Center.
"Bill Clements truly exemplified what it means to 'Go Forth to Serve,'" HPISD Board President Tom Sharpe said. "In addition to serving as Governor of Texas two times, Clements was the U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense for four years."
The naming of the building not only recognizes Clements for his lifetime of achievements and community service but also his family who, in 2018, provided an unprecedented $10 million gift from the Clements Foundation to establish the William P. Clements, Jr. Fund. The gift is still the largest in the history of the Highland Park Education Foundation and is designated to support, develop, reward and retain HPISD teachers and staff.
Clements lived from 1917 to 2011 and was both the Senior Class President and "Most Popular Boy" in the HPHS Class of 1934. All of his children, grandchildren and many of his great-grandchildren have attended HPISD schools.
Prior to being elected in 1978 as the first Republican Governor of Texas in more than 100 years, Clements founded SEDCO, which went on to become the largest offshore drilling company in the world. As a teenager, Clements earned the rank of Eagle Scout, which led to his active support of Scouting throughout the rest of his life. He was a major supporter of SMU and UT Southwestern Medical Center, which has a hospital named in his honor.
"We are truly grateful that this beautiful facility is being named the William P. Clements Jr. Leadership Center," said Pauline Neuhoff, President of the Clements Foundation and granddaughter of Gov. Bill Clements. "Thank you to the HPISD Trustees and the Highland Park Education Foundation for honoring his life and legacy in this meaningful way."
The William P. Clements Jr. Leadership Center is located at 6900 Douglas Avenue, at the corner of Douglas and Grassmere.