Clarkson University Honors Two Alumni with Lifetime Engagement Award
Keith Klafehn ’61 and Salvatore Tilaro ’56 have been honored with Clarkson University’s Lifetime Engagement Award in recognition of their enduring service, philanthropy and commitment to their alma mater.
Presented each year during Clarkson’s Alumni Reunion, the Lifetime Engagement Award recognizes alumni who earned their degree at least 50 years ago and have demonstrated exceptional dedication to Clarkson through decades of engagement, service and support.
Keith Klafehn ’61
Klafehn earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Distribution and a Master of Science in Industrial Management from Clarkson University before completing a Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration at Kent State University in 1973.
He built a distinguished career in higher education, rising through the ranks of the University of Akron’s College of Business before retiring in 1996 as professor of management and healthcare administration. During his academic career, Klafehn coauthored two textbooks, published numerous scholarly articles, presented at professional conferences, and conducted research and consulting in simulation, an emerging field that helped lay the groundwork for many of today’s artificial intelligence applications.
An active community member throughout his life, Klafehn served in leadership roles within his church, including chairing Redeemer Christian School’s Board of Education. In retirement, he became an accomplished competitive bridge player, achieving the rank of Silver Life Master through the American Contract Bridge League and serving as a certified bridge teacher.
Klafehn’s connection to Clarkson spans more than six decades. After working for New York Telephone Company, he returned to Clarkson as associate director and later director of alumni relations before joining the faculty in the Industrial Distribution Department. He also served as advisor to the Delta Upsilon fraternity and has remained a dedicated supporter of Clarkson and Golden Knights hockey throughout his life.
A Loyal and Legacy member in Clarkson’s Good Knights Guild, Klafehn has achieved an extraordinary 66 consecutive years of giving in support of the university and its students.
In memory of his first wife, Muriel, he established at Clarkson the Muriel E. J. Klafehn Scholarship to support women pursuing degrees in Engineering and Management. Following her passing in 2003, Klafehn authored “It Was a Privilege to Care for Her,” a memoir chronicling Muriel’s journey with breast cancer.
Klafehn resides in Copley, Ohio, with his wife, Fran Krzak, and is the proud father of two children, grandfather of four, and great-grandfather of five.
Salvatore Tilaro ’56
Tilaro earned his degree from Clarkson University in 1956. As a student, he was a member of the Delta Upsilon fraternity, competed on the varsity basketball team, and was commissioned through the Army ROTC program.
Following graduation, Tilaro began his career with Central Hudson Gas & Electric before relocating to Albany, N.Y., in 1970 to continue his work as an engineer with New York state. Throughout his career, he earned a reputation for professionalism, technical expertise, and public service.
A devoted Clarkson alumnus, Tilaro has maintained a remarkable connection to the university for nearly seven decades. He attended nearly every class reunion from 1957 through 2006 and served as a Reunion Giving Volunteer for his 50th Reunion. He continues to value the lifelong friendships formed through Clarkson and Delta Upsilon and remains engaged with fellow alumni.
Tilaro’s commitment to Clarkson is also reflected in his philanthropy. A Loyal member in Clarkson’s Good Knights Guild, he has achieved an extraordinary 69 consecutive years of giving in support of the university and its students.
For more than half a century, Klafehn and Tilaro have remained deeply connected to Clarkson University through their service, generosity and enduring pride in their alma mater. Their selection as Lifetime Engagement Award recipients recognizes not only their remarkable commitment to Clarkson, but also the lasting impact alumni can have on the university and its students.
