Unveiling of Former Headmaster Clement’s Portrait

Former Headmaster Stephen M. Clement, III, who retired in 2016 after serving The Browning School for 28 years, returned with his wife Sally and family members on April 18 for the formal unveiling of his official portrait by artist Ronald Sherr. Along with faculty members, Browning Trustees and parents from the Class of 2016 (who helped underwrite the portrait) were present for this special occasion. Former Board of Trustees President James Chanos spoke of his years of service with Mr. Clement, while current Board President Valda M. Witt remarked on Mr. Clement’s accomplishments through a limerick she had written. She also read a congratulatory note from former Board President Allan Gropper.

Mr. Clement thanked Head of School John Botti for welcoming him back to Browning and expressed his appreciation to the Trustees and parents of the Class of 2016. With typical humor, he reflected on his years at Browning by organizing them in “a 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1” format, as follows: “Number 5: In 28 years I worked with five great Board Presidents. Number 4: the same Division Heads and I worked together for 10 years as a team of four. Number 3: In 28 years I worked with three directors of development/advancement. And together we raised a lot of money! Number 2: In 28 years I worked with two business managers who saved me and the School! Number 1: In 28 years of working with the faculty, one idea at the end of the day was always on our minds together:  ‘What is best for the boys at Browning?’ ”

Even in retirement, Mr. Clement leads a busy life by serving as a board member of Millbrook School (Dutchess County, N.Y.) Robert College (Istanbul, Turkey) and Scenic Hudson (Poughkeepsie, N.Y.), in addition to exercising, reading and working on personal projects. Since leaving Browning, he and his wife now have a grandson and granddaughter, who also keep them busy!