The University of Dayton will award an honorary doctorate to Clayton Mathile, former owner and CEO of The Iams Company whose entrepreneurial vision and philanthropy has had a significant impact on people near and far, with a very strong passion for the people of southwest Ohio.

"Clay Mathile is a man of deep faith and action who is devoted to his family, and these values extend to all he does as a civic leader and businessman. He embodies the ideals of the University of Dayton — an entrepreneurial spirit, reading the signs of the time, and servant leadership, especially for the common good. He and his wife, MaryAnn, have built a philanthropic legacy that will extend multiple generations," said UD President Eric F. Spina. "They have worked quietly, humbly and largely behind the scenes to make a tremendous mark in the Dayton region. 

"As a past board member, past executive-in-residence in the School of Business Administration and donor, countless University of Dayton students have benefited from his generosity. We hold him up to our graduating students as a model of how to live a meaningful and fulfilling life."

Mathile will receive his honorary doctorate in business administration at the University's undergraduate commencement ceremony at 9:45 a.m. Sunday, May 7, in University of Dayton Arena.

"Dayton is a city where the American dream is alive and well. Here, because of the intentional work of this University and this community, entrepreneurs turn their dreams into realities. Small businesses are bolstered by a supportive ecosystem, business owners can build something meaningful and lasting, and, as a result, individuals and families thrive," Mathile said. "I’m grateful to have been able to contribute to a region that prioritizes the noble and life-changing work of entrepreneurship.

"This region has created opportunities for my family and for thousands of others like us who sought to build something bigger than ourselves. It’s why we choose to continue to be part of this thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. Dayton is a model for what it means to come together in support of small businesses and the opportunities they create for families, communities and our nation. I am honored to have played a small role in it."

Mathile became the seventh employee of The Iams Company in 1970, and, by 1982, he was the owner. Iams became a world leader in dog and cat nutrition and, in 1999, the Mathile family sold Iams to Procter & Gamble for $2.3 billion.

He then invested in the next generation of entrepreneurial leaders who give themselves and those around them the grace to fail, the opportunity to learn and thrive beyond expectation and; in accord with the Marianist charism, the practical wisdom and ability to adapt and change for the times. By establishing Aileron, a 114-acre campus for entrepreneurs, Mathile set out to coach leaders seeking to take their businesses to the next level. 

Beyond building infrastructure to create leaders, the Mathiles built a philanthropic legacy through the Mathile Family Foundation, funding non-profit organizations transforming the lives of children and families in need.

With a special place in their hearts for Catholic education, the foundation is benefactor of Empowering Children with Hope and Opportunity, a partnership between UD's Center for Catholic Education and local Catholic schools which provides Dayton’s urban schools with licensed counselors and social workers.

The Mathiles also have established The Glen at St. Joseph to be the bridge for mothers and children as they journey out of poverty. The Glen offers mothers the opportunity to complete their education, graduate and begin careers while their children attend a 5-star early-learning center on the grounds of the 22-acre residential campus. 

The Mathile Institute for the Advancement of Human Nutrition tackles world hunger and malnutrition. It strives to create innovative, effective, collaborative and sustainable solutions advancing the nutritional health of the world’s children.

"Even with all these accomplishments, it is clear Clay's faith and his family give his life the greatest meaning," Spina said. "He is a devout Catholic and a devoted family man, whose most cherished roles are as husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather."

Also this weekend, law students and master's and doctoral students will graduate in separate ceremonies at 9 a.m. and 12:45 p.m., respectively, Saturday, May 6, in University of Dayton Arena. The University will hold its baccalaureate Mass at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, May 6, in UD Arena as well.

All graduation ceremonies and the baccalaureate Mass will be streamed live at https://graduation.udayton.edu/. Tickets are not required and there are no seating limits.

Read the University of Dayton news story about graduation weekend here.

For a headshot of Mathile, please contact Shawn Robinson, associate director of news and communications, at srobinson1@udayton.edu.