Philanthropist and businessman Clifford Kendall was honored by the Universities at Shady Grove Monday morning with a rededication of a campus building now bearing his name.
Kendall, a Bethesda resident who served 10 years on the Board of Regents for the University System of Maryland, died in March 2018 after battling pancreatic cancer.
“Cliff was an extraordinary friend and a true advocate for USG,” Stewart Edelstein, associate vice chancellor for academic affairs for the University System of Maryland and the executive director of Universities at Shady Grove, said in a statement. “We wanted to find an appropriate way to pay tribute to his legacy and to ensure that his commitment to the success of the institution and our students will never be forgotten.”
The building was formerly named after Kendall’s wife, and will now be known as the Clifford and Camille Kendall Academic Center.
Kendall was one of the founders of USG, and he and his wife started several scholarships and funds assisting college students. Hundreds of students have earned full tuition through these awards since 2007, allowing them to complete degrees at nine universities within the system, according to a USG news release.
“He and his wife, Camille, contributed millions of dollars to fund initiatives – from student scholarships to the establishment of The Universities at Shady Grove – that made higher education for Maryland students more affordable and accessible,” USM Chancellor Robert L. Caret said in a statement following Kendall’s death. “His legacy will live on for generations to come.”
The USG building has signs with the new name and a commemorative plaque.
Kendall was a graduate of the University of Maryland, College Park. He founded Rockville-based software company Computer Data Systems Inc. in 1968, running it for nearly 30 years before selling the company in 1997.
Kendall was a former chairman of the Technology Council of Maryland and the Greater Washington Board of Trade, and founded the Montgomery County Community Foundation.
Bethesda Magazine publisher Steve Hull is on the USG Board of Advisors.
Charlie Wright can be reached at charlie.wright@moco360.media
