A generous spirit, wise counsel, and commitment to education are distinctive qualities of individuals who make the world and our school a better place. Those are a few of the words that describe Constantine L. Clemente, who passed away on March 3, 2024.
Constantine (Tino) Clemente was a graduate of Fordham Prep, College of the Holy Cross, and Columbia Law School. The majority of his legal career was at Pfizer, Inc. where he rose to the position of Executive Vice President--Corporate Affairs; Secretary and Corporate Counsel. He also served as chairman of the intellectual property committee of the United States Council for International Business.
Tino and Ann Clemente raised three children: Arthur, Stephanie and Emily. Both Stephanie and Emily attended The Ursuline School in the 1980s.
Tino and Ann with Sr. JB Nicholson, September 10, 2010.
Out of their deep commitment to education and a desire to help Ursuline flourish for all students, Tino and Ann invested in Ursuline thoughtfully and with exceptional generosity. Over the course of many years, they donated to build science labs and a broadcast studio and a new Admissions suite. They endowed a scholarship, funded a graduation award, and provided major financing to launch our global education program. They enhanced the physical campus and they transformed the lives of Ursuline students.
Certain of their philanthropy was a result of great tragedy turned into opportunities for young women. After the heartbreaking loss of their daughter Emily, in her senior year at Ursuline, Tino and Ann Clemente established the Emily Clemente Memorial Scholarship, in memory of Emily, an outstanding student and leader at Ursuline. It is the only full-tuition scholarship offered annually at Ursuline. Since 1989, this cherished Scholarship has been awarded to 35 students. The Clementes endowed the Scholarship to ensure that it will exist in perpetuity.
Tino and Ann with Renee Hogan DiBenedetto '93, June 20, 2013.
Inaugural Emily Clemente Memorial Scholarship recipient Renee Hogan DiBenedetto ‘93 has written, “Words cannot express the extreme and intense gratitude that I have for the opportunities the Emily Clemente Memorial Scholarship provided me. Without it, I would not have been able to attend Ursuline and I am not certain my story would have turned out the same. I have always been so proud to be the first recipient, and I will strive to continue to live my life with love and integrity and keep Emily’s spirit alive.”
Emily Clemente Scholar Gabriella Nanna ‘19 expressed what it meant to meet Tino and Ann: “I was struck by their passion for education and genuine interest in the ambitions of myself and other scholarship recipients. Mr. Clemente embodied values of empathy and generosity that will be carried in the hearts and minds of all those impacted by his kindness. Such values are at the core of an Ursuline education, and continue to influence my life in the years following graduation.”
Ann and Tino with their grandchildren at the SCBS dedication, April 15, 2015.
The Clemente family at the SCBS dedication, April 15, 2015.
Thousands of Ursuline girls have benefitted from learning in the Emily Clemente Science Labs and exploring the world of journalism in the Stephanie Clemente Broadcast Studio (SCBS), named in memory of their oldest daughter, Stephanie ‘83, who died in 2013. Tino and Ann consistently upgraded the educational programming at Ursuline, providing enhanced opportunities for students.
The Clementes with student leaders at the second annual Global Symposium, April 16, 2015.
Tino addressed the student assembly at the second annual Global Symposium, April 16, 2015.
Recognizing the importance of students understanding global issues, the Clementes gave generously to Ursuline’s Global Education & Serviam Program, providing the matching funds needed to secure the Edward E Ford Foundation grant in 2017. Tino also helped us build our program.
He served as keynote speaker at our second annual Global Symposium and leveraged his contacts to create an expert panel on the symposium topic, trachoma, the leading cause of blindness in the world.
Most recently, as part of the Innovation Campaign, the Clementes made possible the Ann Clemente Admissions Suite, a modern and welcoming space for prospective families.
Tino and Ann, their niece and Ursuline trustee Dr. Deirdre-Noel Engels, Dr. Colleen Melnyk P'18 and students with K. Anton in the Innovation Hub, October 14, 2021.
Director of Philanthropy Cathy Fay McCarthy ‘84 P’14 shared, “It is tremendously sad to imagine the world without Tino Clemente, one of the finest men I have ever known. Tino was so much more than a generous donor. He was a brilliant collaborator who really partnered with you to get things done. He asked questions, helped problem solve, offered guidance and made Ursuline better. I will greatly miss his wisdom, goodness, elegance and humor.”
Tino and Ann with student scholarship recipients, Eileen Davidson H'12 P'90 GP'19, and Cathy Fay McCarthy '84 P'14, April 15, 2016.
The Ursuline community mourns the loss of this visionary longtime donor and stalwart supporter. His extraordinary generosity was matched by his devotion to family, his leadership in business and his loyalty as a friend. May he rest in peace.
Tino and Ann at the alumnae reception they hosted in Sarasota, FL,
January 29, 2015.
- News