During World War II, Clement worked at the forefront of scientific innovation as a physicist on the Manhattan Project at the Radiation Laboratory of the University of California, Berkeley. After the war, he earned his master’s degree in physics and his doctorate in philosophy from UC Berkeley before embarking on a career in the electronics industry. Throughout his career, Clement was an avid investor who committed himself to “the nonprofessional quest for knowledge.”

Clement’s bachelor’s degree from Colorado College was made possible through a scholarship funded by alumni in Illinois, Clement’s home state. Such generosity inspired him to donate to like-minded organizations throughout his life.

While attending Colorado College, Clement served as the editor in chief for the Tiger, the school’s newspaper, where he honed his skills in journalism and embraced the power of free speech. In a commentary Clement published in 1940 in the Tiger, he emphasized the need to challenge students and not fear upsetting them by offering alternative perspectives: “One of the prime requisites of any speaker or teacher is that he be a challenge to his audience, to his students … why not shake us, rouse us out of some of our milky self-complacency?” His words are just as prescient in today’s educational climate.

Clement’s journey from scholarship recipient to philanthropist epitomizes the power of self-actualization and the extraordinary opportunities available thanks to the free-market system Clement so passionately defended. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations, keeping the flame of liberty alive.

This landmark donation will help Cato play a transformational role in safeguarding individual liberty, promoting free-market principles, and bringing libertarian ideas to life. With the resources entrusted to us by generous Sponsors who value Cato’s mission, as Clement did, the Institute will increase our impact, accelerate our plans, and grow our investments to build a more prosperous future for the next generation.