Dr. Candice Eileen Clemenz

Our wonderful friend, Dr. Candice Eileen Clemenz went to her heavenly home on August 13, 2023. She was born to Stanley Clemenz & Eileen Wittkamper. She was preceded in death by both her parents, her sister Gloria Land, nephew Steven Land and too many cats over the years to name. Candice inherited her lifelong love for learning from her beloved Dad. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Florida State University, a master’s degree from the University of Tennessee and a doctorate degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. After graduating from Florida State, she worked briefly at the University as Director of Catering. She then moved to Houston and began a 15-year career with Club Corporation of America as Catering Director & Regional Director of Special Events. Her intelligence, work ethic & creativity were highly valued and she finished her career there as Vice President of Development. After leaving CCA and earning her doctoral degree, she was recruited by the University of West Florida to create, design and implement the curriculum for the inaugural School of Hospitality, Recreation and Resort Management Program. She wrote assessment criteria and determined measurable goals and outcomes for successful completion of the program. With that new school successfully established, Candice returned to Virginia Tech and advanced to Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs for Pamplin College of Business. While at Pamplin she was published multiple times, was awarded several grants, taught in the classroom, and hired and managed a staff. Everyone enjoyed working with Candi as she was exceedingly bright, efficient, quick witted and kind. She had high standards for her staff but she was an encourager and helped them be their very best. She finished her career as the Robert H. Dedman Chair in Club Management in the Hospitality Management Program at University of North Texas. She is survived by her nephews Kevin, Derek and Cameron Land; cousins Gary Clemenz & Jill Hessons, and an abundance of extremely close friends. Candi was a good friend to many and fun to be around. She was compassionate and one of those rare people you could count on in life. In return, her friends happily did likewise for her as her health declined. Among those friends who improved the quality of her life as it waned were Connie & Tom, Renee & Bryan, Joan, Melody, Kim and Cissi, as well as some very special caregivers. Candice had a way of making lifelong friends who cherished her loyalty, her laughter, her intelligence and especially her warmth. Candice was active at Blacksburg Baptist Church, now Church on Main, and served in leadership roles there. She was a strong Christian and has now moved on to a Greater Glory. Her friends look forward to connecting with her again in Heaven where she awaits each of us. Those wishing to make a donation in Candice’ memory please do so to the charity of your choice or to your local Humane Society. Her Memorial service will be held on Friday, September 8th, at 3:00p at Church on Main in Blacksburg.