How the 2026 Alumni of the Year are Shaping Eastern
Decades after meeting on Eastern’s campus, Steve ’91 and Cathy Clemens ’92 continue to influence the very place that so deeply shaped them. Through long walks by the pond and watching soccer games together on Kea Hill, their connection quickly grew into the lifelong partnership it is today.
Steve and Cathy, this year’s Alumni of the Year, channel their passion for Eastern’s mission toward today’s students. Their impact can be felt across campus, most notably through their funding of the nursing labs in 2019 and their support of last year’s Templeton Hall renovation.
Steve, outgoing Chair of the Board of Trustees, has guided the University with wisdom and vision. “Steve was the right choice as chair of the board at a most difficult time in Eastern’s history,” shares Dr. Ardell Thomas, former Chair of the Board and Trustee since 1980. “His legal mind was needed in the transition when Eastern was at risk of failing financially. Steve and Cathy have inspired the Board through their generosity to Eastern.”
"As Vice Chairman of the Board, it has been a tremendous pleasure to serve alongside Steve," says Chip Olson ’90. "I’ve known Steve and Cathy since our days as freshmen at Eastern, and they remain two of the kindest and most generous people I know. Their passion and commitment have strengthened Eastern in profound ways."
Beyond Eastern, in 2023, the Clemenses were awarded the Holy Child Medal for their commitment to the mission of the Holy Child community. Cathy also served on the School of the Holy Child Board of Trustees in Rye, New York, from 2017 to 2023 and currently serves on the Board of the Cornelia Connelly Center in New York City.
“Steve and Cathy Clemens embody the quintessential spirit of alumni commitment to Eastern. Their steadfast dedication, generosity, and servant leadership have positioned Eastern in its present season of flourishing and impact.”
As students, the Clemenses found in Eastern a community that lived out its belief of faith in action. “Eastern emphasized that value in all aspects of our education,” they recall. “We are called to serve and care for others, and Eastern helped us see what that conviction really means.”
For Steve and Cathy, the heart of their connection to Eastern runs deeper than new buildings, titles, or recognitions. It’s a circle that has come beautifully full, connecting their past as students to their legacy as leaders and supporters.
“When Eastern touches a person,” they say, “that connection stays with them forever.”