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Document Type
Video
Abstract
Executive Summary and Transcript by Dr. Gordon Patterson
Mr. Perry Clendenin, one of Florida Tech’s earliest financial administrators, recounts his 30-year career with the university. Recruited by his neighbor and friend, Dr. Jerome Keuper, Mr. Clendenin joined the fledgling institution after a career in accounting in West Virginia. As Chief Accountant, Controller, and Business Manager, he was responsible for all of the university's financial work during its most critical period of growth.
Mr. Clendenin shares anecdotes about the tight finances of the early days and his primary role in securing the university’s future by traveling the state and country to sell the bonds necessary to construct the campus. He fondly remembers the "can-do" spirit of the era, where everyone did a bit of everything, including joining Dr. Keuper in his passion for collecting and planting palm trees across the campus.
He reflects on his close working relationships with Dr. Keuper and Dr. John Miller, his involvement with the Jensen Beach campus, and his immense pride in seeing the university grow from a small collection of buildings into the major institution it is today. His message to the future is one of deep affection for the university and gratitude for having played a foundational role in its success.
Publication Date
2006
Recommended Citation
Clendenin, Perry and Taylor, Robert, "Florida Tech Pioneer Interview: Perry Clendenin, Early Financial Administrator" (2006). Oral History Videos. 17.
https://repository.fit.edu/oh_videos/17
Interview Transcript - Clendenin