By Town Crier Report

Dr. Clements

Former Foothill College president Thomas Clements died Nov. 26 of congestive heart failure. He was 79 years old.

Dr. Clements received a bachelor’s degree from Whittier College, a master’s degree from Occidental College and his doctorate in guidance and educational psychology from the University of Southern California.

Dr. Clements served as president of Foothill from 1982 to 1994. During his tenure, he was known as a strong leader and advocate of many educational and athletic improvements at the college. Dr. Clements founded the Japanese Cultural Center, an international program, at Foothill.

Over 30 years, he held a variety of administrative posts in the Foothill-De Anza Community College District. He was the first dean of students at De Anza College when it opened in 1967. Under his guidance, De Anza College initiated a college-based program for disabled students.

In 1979, the California Association of Postsecondary Educators presented Dr. Clements the Lanterman Award for his work on behalf of disabled students striving to attend college.

Dr. Clements served on the Commission on Athletics (COA) for six years and in 2002 was inducted into the California Community College Sports Hall of Fame for his accomplishments. He also participated in the Mountain View Chamber of Commerce and the Los Altos Citizens Caucus and was chairman of the chamber’s Business and Education Committee.

Dr. Clements is survived by his children, Thomas H. Clements III of Los Altos, Clinton W. Clements of Hopkinton, Mass., Cynthia Louise Simpkins of San Jose and Jana Weber of Cupertino; and eight grandchildren.

There will be a private family memorial. Donations in Dr. Clements’ name may be made to the American Diabetes Association or the Foothill-De Anza Foundation at 12345 El Monte Road, Los Altos Hills 94022.