Dr. C. Clyde Jones, who some call Mr. Manhattan, celebrated his 100th birthday on Friday, albeit about six months before his actual 100th.
Organizers decorated the Atrium lounge in K-State’s business building with balloons, signs, banners, and a photo montage. Jones served as the first dean of K-State’s College of Business and was instrumental in its creation in 1962.
After serving as an administrator for many years, Jones returned to teaching for a period of time before his retirement in 1986. He has since then spent most of his time dedicated to improving the local community, and is heavily involved with philanthropy, most notably through work with Shepherd’s Crossing.
Event organizer and good friend Melanie Horton tells KMAN about the hard work and dedication Jones has shown throughout his life.
Approximately 300 people attended C. Clyde’s party, and the line of guests waiting to talk with Jones snaked all throughout the Atrium lounge.
Jones says he was very happy to see so many friends and family at the party. He also talked about his deep love for the community and all of the people in it.
A private ceremony was also held Saturday and he says he plans another get-together near his actual 100th birthday on Dec. 21, later this year.