Clemson University Trustee Emeritus Les McCraw dies
May 26, 2011
CLEMSON, SC – May 26, 2011 – Clemson University Trustee Emeritus Les McCraw of Greenville, 75, died Wednesday, May 25, at his home after a lengthy battle with cancer.
McCraw was named a life trustee in 1995. He retired from the board in February 2010.
“Les McCraw was a Clemson Tiger through and through,” said David Wilkins, chairman of the board of trustees. “He was a strong leader on the board of trustees for many years. When Les spoke, people listened. He will be sorely missed by the entire Clemson family.”
McCraw served on Clemson’s College of Engineering and Science Advisory Board, the President’s Advisory Council and was a member of the Thomas Green Clemson Engineering Academy, which honors distinguished alumni in the engineering profession. He played a leading role in the successful $2.5 million company campaign to construct the Fluor Daniel Engineering Innovation Building on the Clemson campus.
“Any success Clemson University is experiencing is the direct result of Les McCraw’s vision and energy. He stands tall in his record of commitment and leadership to Clemson,” said Clemson University President James F. Barker.
McCraw also was instrumental in raising funds to build the Class of 1956 Academic Success Center, which is currently under construction. The lobby of the building will bear his name, in honor of his family’s gift to the project.
“Les McCraw was a visionary leader and avid supporter of the academic mission of Clemson University,” said Provost Dori Helms. “His role in development of the Class of ’56 Academic Success Center serves as a legacy to his interest in students’ achievement and personal growth.”
McCraw retired as chairman and CEO of Fluor Corporation in 1997. He graduated from Clemson in 1956 with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, and then served a brief stint in the U.S. Air Force. After serving, he was hired by DuPont, where he worked for 15 years. In 1971, McCraw was hired by Daniel Construction, which later merged with Fluor Corporation. He was named chairman and CEO of the company in 1991.
McCraw served as director of the United States Chamber of Commerce, as director of the National Committee on United States-China Relations and as a member of the President’s Export Council. In 1998, he received the Order of the Palmetto, the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a civilian by the state of South Carolina.
