Cleary University

A treasured piece of Cleary history has found its way home. ⏱️

At our last Board of Trustees meeting, Pat Cleary II generously gifted to Cleary University a pocket watch that once belonged to his grandfather and our founder, Patrick Roger "P.R." Cleary.

Cleary President Alan Drimmer accepted the watch on the university's behalf.

The rose gold watch was a Christmas gift from P.R. to his fiancée, Helen Clarke Jenks. Inside is the inscription "Merry Christmas, HELEN, 1888."

Patrick and Helen were married just six months later, in June 1889, beginning a partnership that would help shape the future of Cleary.

The watch also carries a remarkable piece of family history. The cover originally held a gemstone, believed to have been a diamond.

According to the Cleary family, the stone was sold to help fund repairs to the college after the devastating Cyclone of 1893, a testament to the family's dedication to preserving the institution during one of its greatest challenges.

We are honored to receive this meaningful artifact and grateful to the Cleary family for helping preserve and share our university's rich history. The pocket watch is now on display in the glass case in the front lobby of Lyons Center for our campus community and visitors to enjoy.

Thank you, Pat, for entrusting this remarkable piece of our heritage to Cleary University.

Buckle Up! It's almost time for the 11th Annual Big Cat Golf Classic! ⛳🐾

Join us on Friday, July 17 at Chemung Hills Golf Club in Howell for a day of golf, camaraderie, and Cougar pride.

Proceeds help support Cleary University's growing athletics program, providing our student-athletes the support they need to succeed in the classroom and beyond.

Gather your foursome and let's make this the best tournament yet!

Register now: https://brnw.ch/21x3NGw