Paul Clikeman Teaching Fellowship established at the Robins School

Larry and Cindy Borger first met Paul Clikeman on the course of a cross-country race, cheering on his son, Miles, who was competing for University of Richmond. Their son, Peter had just joined the team.

“Miles became a true role model for Peter as a student athlete. Miles was able to balance a very successful running career at Richmond, while succeeding in his academics at the same time,” Borger said.

The Borgers got to know the Clikeman family over the years cheering on their children.

“We continually had the opportunity to see and meet up with Paul and Margaret Clikeman at many cross-country invitational races, as well as during races in the track and field season,” they said. “We enjoyed many of our conversations with Paul and Margaret as we cheered on the entire Richmond cross country and track teams. One of our fondest memories was during a cross-country invitational in Leesburg, Va., where Miles came in first place and our son Peter came in second. It was a wonderful race run by both Miles and Peter, and it was fun to celebrate with the Clikemans, as both our sons had run so well at a competitive race.”

Larry and Cindy were shocked and saddened when Paul passed away, and wanted to find a way to help honor his legacy at the Robins School. They were inspired to create the Paul Clikeman Teaching Fellowship.

“We wanted to honor Paul and have a positive and direct impact on students and professors within the Robins School,” they said. “As we talked with Paul about his teaching experiences at Richmond, we continued to learn more about his role as a professor. We realized that Paul truly embodied the excellence and commitment that the professors within the Robins School demonstrated both in and out of the classroom to students with impactful guidance and support.”

Peter and their daughter, Julia, are attending classes in the Robins School, and it has shown their family the incredible talent and dedication among the business school professors. 

“We have continually been impressed by the quality of the classroom experiences our children have received within the Robins School,” they said. “The fellowship can provide continued support and appreciation for outstanding business professors, as they mentor other junior professors and students. Paul’s memory will continue forever within the Robins School and the University of Richmond by honoring professors who continue to positively impact students.”

Paul Clikeman passed away in November of 2020. He received the Robins School’s Outstanding Teaching Award in 2002, served as the David Meade White Distinguished Teaching Fellow for two years, and was named the M.B.A. program’s Outstanding Professor in 2019. In September of 2019, Dr. Clikeman was installed as a Robins Teaching Fellow, and in August of 2020, he received the University’s Distinguished Educator Award.