Helping to make the whole university “ecosystem” strong
Faculty of Science donor Don Clague, BSc’83, gives back after a rewarding career in oil and gas
By Mark Lowey
When Don Clague walked into his first-year chemistry class at the University of Calgary, he was astounded to see more students in one room than the entire student body at his hometown high school in Rocky Mountain House.
“I see this little guy way down at the front with a microphone, talking, and I realized: ‘We’re no longer in Kansas, Toto!’”
That was in 1979, and Clague was a 17-year-old, wide-eyed undergraduate from small town Alberta. His second-year geoscience class was taught by Dr. Don Lawton, a highly regarded professor of geophysics in the Faculty of Science’s Department of Geoscience. “He was such an inspirational professor that I stayed in earth sciences,” says Clague, who graduated in 1983 with a BSc in Geophysics.
After a 35-year career in the oil and gas industry, Clague retired in 2018. Soon after, he became a member of the Faculty of Science Dean’s Circle, an advisory committee that assists the dean in achieving the Faculty’s strategic goals.
One of Clague’s fond memories as an undergrad is forming a study group with three other students. “We helped each other survive and become successful in our academic studies,” he says, noting that all four became geophysicists in downtown Calgary. “Industry is all about working together in teams. So the university helped prepare me for that team aspect.”
Eventually, Clague ran oil and gas operations, which meant he had a lot of engineers reporting to him. So as an alumnus, he initially got involved with the Schulich School of Engineering, including becoming a member of the Schulich Industry Advisory Council (on which he still serves).
Reconnecting with the Faculty of Science
A couple of years ago, he attended an event where geoscience students got the opportunity to network with industry representatives. There, he met Faculty of Science Dean Dr. Lesley Rigg, who asked him to get re-engaged with his home faculty.
Don is one of over 25,000 alumni world-wide using the knowledge they gained in the faculty to make the world a better place. Dean Lesley Rigg is always keen to listen to our alumni and learn more about their journey to help current students achieve their personal best.
She says Clague is a shining example of someone who sees the big picture of how the university and community can work together to address some of society’s biggest challenges and questions.
“We couldn’t be prouder to call Don one of our alumni in the Faculty of Science. Don gives of himself through volunteerism, leadership and financial support for students and research at the University of Calgary. He is always first to step up whenever there is an opportunity to get engaged,” adds Lesley Rigg, dean, faculty of Science.
Priority areas for Science
Clague and wife Kathy have for years donated to student scholarships at UCalgary. Last year they contributed to both the Faculty of Science and the Schulich School of Engineering.
In its most recent giving opportunity, the Faculty of Science offered donors the ability to pick and choose from a “menu” of different areas needing support. Clague says this approach appealed to his view that a university needs to work together as an entire “ecosystem,” keeping every area strong. “The Faculty of Science’s list was all geared towards making this a better experience for faculty, staff, students and the institution.”
Clague’s gift included contributions to Innovation Fellowships, the Geoscience Field School program, and Precision Action Centre research. (For this year’s Giving Day, on April 25, here are the Faculty of Science’s Priority Areas).
“The University of Calgary can double your Giving Day donation because they’re able to leverage matching donor dollars,” Clague notes.
“Part of my commitment is that I’m proud to be an alumnus, but I’m also grateful for what my university education did for me and my family,” he says. Also, giving back is not just about financial support, it’s also about donating time and offering mentorship for students, he adds. ‘When you look at our city and our province, we need a strong university to educate and graduate more people, to spur innovation and help diversify and strengthen our economy.”