Clarence P. Caldwell was born on July 12, 1921. He graduated from Roanoke College with a BS in 1941 and had a major in Business Administration and a minor in Engineering. Clarence went on to obtain his MBA in 1949 from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. There he majored in Finance and Banking.
Clarence served on Salem's city planning commission for 24 years, serving as chairman in 1974-1978 and in 1981. He was also a member of the Salem Rotary Club for over 40 years, including a stint as president and Paul Harris Fellow.
A variety of civic and educational organizations have benefited from his leadership, guidance, and vision. They include the Salem Historical Society, the Salem High School hall of Fame selection committee, the Blue Ridge Region of Signet Bank, ad Brandon Oaks Retirement Community, the Lutheran Children's Home of the South, and the Town Club of Salem. Clarence also served his church with great distinction. As a member of College Lutheran, Salem, he led the congregation as a council member and council president. He was treasurer of the Virginia Synod the Lutheran Church of American for five years.
He served Roanoke College as vice president of finance and treasurer of the board of trustees for 36 years. He was known for his sound fiscal management and was also a part-time teacher in the department of business administration and economics. His loyalty and commitment to the college were rewarded with the Roanoke College Medal, an honorary doctorate in commerce and membership into the college's Athletic hall of Fame.
Clarence had an active membership in the Southern Association of College and University Business Officers, as well as the National Association of Educational Buyers. He served as a member of the Council of Business and Finance Officers of Lutheran Colleges and Universities, and was part of the Treasurers and Business Officers of Virginia "Little-Six" Colleges.
Clarence P. Caldwell, Jr. received the Roanoke College Medal in 1977.