News Releases for November 2002
November 23, 2002
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Hoeven Awards Thomas Clifford State's Highest Honor
BISMARCK, N.D. - Governor John Hoeven today presented the 32nd Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Award to Thomas J. Clifford. The award is presented to individuals who have achieved national recognition, reflecting credit and honor upon North Dakota and its citizens. The award ceremony took place this afternoon at the Ralph Engelstad Arena on the campus of the University of North Dakota (UND) in Grand Forks.
"Tom has been one of the most effective university presidents in the nation," Hoeven said. "Because of his entrepreneurial spirit and leadership, the University of North Dakota is regarded today as one of the finest and most comprehensive institutions in the region. Excellent programs such as Aerospace Science and Energy and Environmental Research were established under Tom's presidency. The impact of these programs and other quality UND programs is visible throughout the United States and many foreign countries. Honoring Tom Clifford with the Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Award once again proves that you can achieve great success living and working in North Dakota."
Clifford, a native of Langdon, N.D., became the eighth president of UND in 1971. His association with the University spans over 50 years, as a student, faculty member and administrator. He received a Bachelor of Science and Juris Doctorate from UND and a Master of Business Administration from Stanford University. Clifford was UND's first native North Dakotan to serve as president. Under his leadership, a four-year medical school, energy and environmental research center and aviation and aerospace science programs were established and became world-class, multi-million dollar enterprises.
Clifford was named to the North Dakota Aviation Hall of Fame earlier this year. He is highly regarded for his efforts to promote business leadership and economic development. He has served on several local, state and national boards, and was a key player in securing one of the nation's largest gifts to a public university, resulting in the finest college hockey facility in the world.
Clifford also has an impressive military record, serving in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II, rising from the rank of private first class to major, and earning a Purple Heart, Bronze Star and Silver Star in the Pacific Campaign.
Clifford's portrait will hang in the Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Gallery at the North Dakota State Capitol in Bismarck.
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