It represented equity, agency and access. In fact, it was precisely the sort of community building that has earned Clemons the respect of his friends, partners and peers as CEO of ConnCORP and ConnCAT.

Earlier this month, Clemons and Alexander Clark, members of Quinnipiac’s Board of Trustees, were honored by the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce at its 231st Annual Meeting & Business Leadership Awards.

Clemons, a longtime advocate of historically underserved communities, received the William Lanson Community Leadership Award, named after the 19th century business leader, activist and champion of the Black community in New Haven.

“To receive an award named after William Lanson — an incredible entrepreneur, a fighter for justice during a time of social discourse, and an innovative thinker — it’s a tremendous honor,” Clemons said.

Clark, the founder and CEO of Technolutions, received the Technology Innovation Award for his software development firm’s constant curiosity and innovation in the research, design and development of information management systems for higher education.

For both Clemons and Clark, success is always measured by improving access to opportunity.

“I've done well in life not because I was the smartest or the brightest or executed at the highest level,” Clemons said. “I've done well in life because I chose to help other people and to impact the lives of others in a positive way.

“If you can impact the life of just one person, you can impact generations of people,” Clemons said. “That’s what it’s all about for me. It’s not just about growing a business. It’s about lifting people up. And it’s about lifting up their stories so they can be retold.”

It’s no different for Carlton Highsmith, founder and board chairman of ConnCORP and vice chairman of Quinnipiac’s Board of Trustees. This month, Highsmith received the Thurgood Marshall Community Service Award from Quinnipiac’s Black Law Students Association.

Clemons credits Highsmith, Quinnipiac President Judy Olian and others for sharing their time and wisdom with him.

“I've been blessed to be able to do some pretty extraordinary things with extraordinary people,” Clemons said. “I think it’s really important for entrepreneurs to think beyond the bottom line. How can you make a difference today? How can you make a difference tomorrow? And the day after that?

“We need more leaders like Dr. Olian. She’s one of the most courageous leaders I've ever met,” Clemons said. “When she asked me to be a trustee, it wasn’t even on my radar. But there was something about her vision — not just for the university, but for the state of Connecticut that really inspired me.”

Clemons’ late wife, Sharon, was also honored at the awards ceremony. The Sharon Clemons Equity & Inclusive Opportunity Award was presented to Albertus Magnus College.

“This whole event, everything felt like it was happening all at once,” Clemons said. “I was just so overwhelmed with joy and gratitude. I think that’s the perfect word to describe it: gratitude.”