Cameron receives endowment gift to support foreign language programs

The Cameron University Foundation has received a generous bequest from longtime CU faculty member Donna Clopton to establish a new endowment supporting foreign language programs at the university.

The endowment has been created in honor of the late Dr. George Edward Stanley, a beloved Cameron professor whose impact on students and colleagues continues to resonate years after his passing.

Stanley was widely regarded as a gifted educator and scholar. Known for his extraordinary linguistic abilities, he studied dozens of languages, was conversational in many and fluent in at least six, his favorite being Arabic. His classroom presence left a lasting impression on generations of students, many of whom credit him with inspiring them to exceed their own expectations.

"Dr. Stanley had a unique ability to help students believe in themselves," said Clopton, a senior instructor in CU's Department of Communication, English and Foreign Languages. "He encouraged them to reach beyond what they thought were their limits and to pursue their goals with confidence."

In addition to his work in the classroom, Stanley was an accomplished author. He wrote more than 100 children's books that introduced young readers to historical figures in an engaging and accessible way. His novel, Night Fires, received the Oklahoma Best Young Adult Book Award in 2009 and was praised for its compelling portrayal of racial tensions in 1920s Lawton.

Clopton's gift reflects both her admiration for Dr. Stanley and her commitment to continuing his legacy through future generations of students.

"For all the gifts Dr. Stanley gave his students through the years and the inspiration he gave to me, this is my gift to him," Clopton said. "May all future Cameron students use it in the manner he would have wanted."

The endowment will provide ongoing support for Cameron's foreign language programs, helping to expand educational opportunities and ensure that students continue to benefit from the kind of transformative learning experiences he championed.

Stanley always reminded Clopton, "Just remember, when you go through that door, it's showtime," a reflection of the enthusiasm and dedication he brought to teaching each day.

Clopton still hears it today.

"Bequest gifts like this one are especially meaningful because they reflect a lifelong connection to Cameron University and a belief in its future," said Kristine McCarty, Vice President for University Advancement. "Donna's generosity ensures that Dr. Stanley's passion for language and learning will continue to shape students' lives for generations to come."

For more information about supporting Cameron University, please contact the Cameron University Foundation at [email protected] or by phone at 580-581-2999.

PR#26-045