Opinion: Clarendon College – the Pearl of the Panhandle

Now that another fall semester has commenced at Clarendon College, it seems to be a good time to consider the enormous contributions that Clarendon College makes to Clarendon, Donley County, and the Texas Panhandle.  Although Clarendon College is known as “The Athens of the Panhandle” it is also a gem of enormous value to our fair community.

As far back as I can remember Clarendon College has sat atop its hill, serving as a beacon to higher aspirations and the acquisition of knowledge.  I’ve always thought the campus looked magnificent, especially at night.

My late mother attended Clarendon College long ago, and was always proud of the formal education that she was able to acquire, an education that allowed her sustain herself in her later years.  She used the educational training she acquired at Clarendon College to serve the people of Donley County when she was the County Treasurer in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

I’m not sure that we fully appreciate the jewel that lies hidden in plain sight up on the hill.  Clarendon College contributes at least $75,000,000 (seventy-five million dollars) to our area, which includes campuses in Pampa and Childress.

In addition to its fine academic programs, Clarendon College also provides our citizens with opportunities to attend plays and other artistic programs.   The men’s and women’s athletic teams afford us the chance to see international student athletes compete at the highest levels of competition, providing us with a wide variety of entertainment options.

The Clarendon College Stampede, a NIRA College Rodeo, will be held for the first time in Clarendon this coming October 25, 26, and 27.  Student athletes from a wide geographical area will travel to Clarendon to compete in competitions that include:  bull riding, barrel racing, saddlebronc riding, along with several other events.

Academically, Clarendon College offers excellent educational opportunities to national and international students.  Students benefit from higher personal income, improved health, healthier lifestyle habits, an increased ability to think critically, and the ability to make better life decisions.  Society benefits from savings associated with reduced welfare and unemployment, improved health, and reduced crime.

Community colleges like Clarendon College promote economic development by increasing consumer spending and raising the skill level of the labor force.  This in turn leads to more jobs, increased business efficiency, greater availability of public investment funds, and eased tax burdens.

The city of Clarendon, Donley County, and the Panhandle area have received enormous benefits from Clarendon College since 1898. The college is an economic engine that will give us an important edge.  Combined with our strong ranching and farming industry, supportive banks, vital small businesses, an excellent newspaper, and a creative populace, we should prosper long into the future.

Let’s not forget the many benefits offered by Clarendon College and do all we can to support our fine institution, the pearl of the Panhandle.