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The University of Idaho has a 120-year history of producing leaders, thinkers and global citizens. The Legacy of Leading Award was developed to honor an individual who exemplifies the University of Idaho’s leadership qualities. The University of Idaho is honored to bestow the inaugural award to Senator James A. McClure.

Senator McClure served three terms in the United States House of Representatives for the State of Idaho before moving to the United States Senate in 1973. He served Idaho as a Senator for 18 years before retiring in 1991 at the age of 66. Senator McClure graduated from the University of Idaho College of Law in 1950 and in 1995 the College of Mines and Earth Resources at the University was dedicated as James A. McClure Hall. In 2007 the University of Idaho recognized Senator McClure and his wife Louise for their significant contributions to the university, state and nation by renaming its Bureau of Public Affairs Research the James A. and Louise McClure Center for Public Policy Research.

The Legacy of Leading Award is presented to individuals who have made significant contributions in leadership to their communities, the state of Idaho or society in general.