Two alumni join Board of Tulane

Mike Strecker mstreck@tulane.edu
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Tulane University alumni Clement Benenson and John C. Williams have joined the Board of Tulane, the university's main governing body.

Benenson, who earned a bachelor's degree in history from Tulane in 2004, is a board member and co-president of Industrial Manufacturing Co., a multinational conglomerate of diverse industrial businesses. Benenson is a current member of the Tulane President's Council and a past member of the School of Liberal Arts Dean's Advisory Council. He also served on the Tulane College Dean's Advisory Council. He is a board member of the Vesper Foundation and Tabor Academy in Marion, Mass.

Benenson, along with his family, is a longtime supporter of Tulane, having provided for the Clement Chambers Benenson Professorship in Colonial History, the beautification of the Gibson Hall entrance to campus, as well as the rehabilitation and beautification of McAlister Drive and the planned transformation of Newcomb Place into pedestrian walkways.

Williams, who joins the board as the Tulane Alumni Association representative effective July 1, is the principal of the New Orleans-based John C. Williams Architects. He holds two Tulane degrees — a bachelor's degree in psychology (1973) and a master's degree in architecture (1978).

In addition to serving as the executive architect for Brad Pitt's Make It Right rebuilding program, Williams' many projects include the Rouse's Market in the Central Business District, the Audubon Institute Insectarium, the New Orleans Fairgrounds, the Mahalia Jackson Early Childhood and Family Learning Center in Central City and the Ritz-Carlton Hotel on Canal Street.

His firm also has provided architectural services for several Tulane facilities, including the Woldenberg Art Center, the renovation of the Bea Field Alumni House and the Annual Giving House and the newly constructed Weatherhead Hall.

“These two men, from different generations, reflect the Tulane tradition of giving back and making a difference,” Tulane President Scott Cowen said. “We are delighted that they will now share their visions and enthusiasm for Tulane and New Orleans as members of the Board of Tulane.”