Gifts in Action - Clyde Davis

MEET CLYDE DAVIS

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign alumnus Clyde Davis knows how tough it can be to support yourself through school.

Growing up, he was no stranger to public housing and assistance. And though Davis came to UIUC’s College of Fine and Applied Arts (FAA) to study graphic design and swim competitively, financial difficulty soon forced him to leave. However, with hard work and determination, he was able to return to UIUC … but still struggled financially.

After graduation, Davis joined Klemtner Advertising. In 1984, he co-founded Cline, Davis and Mann, Inc., now an internationally renowned full-service pharmaceutical advertising agency.

WHY HE GIVES

Remembering his own struggles, Davis wants to help deserving students who otherwise couldn’t afford to study art at UIUC: “I don’t want to see someone impeded for lack of resources, or even grades, especially if they have talent.”

HOW HE GIVES

In 1999, he established the Clyde Davis Scholarship, the largest single award ever designated for undergraduates in UIUC’s School of Art and Design. This generous award provides $15,000 tuition annually for four years to an incoming freshman (preferably from Chicago) pursuing a FAA Graphic Design degree.

In 2006, he established the Clyde P. Davis Art and Design Scholarship for Study Abroad in Britain. The $5,000-each scholarships annually assist four undergraduates in the School of Art and Design who are studying abroad.

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

Anne Lindberg, the 2005 recipient of the four-year award, said, “It was [Mr. Davis’] drive and generosity that allowed me to fight for my own drive to continue on in the arts. I can’t begin to express how grateful I am for that.”

Another grateful recipient wrote to Davis: “What do I say to the person who changed my life completely? [...You’ve made my] dream come true.”