In a tribute read by Librarian Mary Kay, Interim Library Dean Wayne Perryman described McClary as a strong proponent and frequent donor who made numerous financial contributions over the years. “He has frequently been sighted in the microfilm collection on the second floor, helping his students delve into our rich newspaper archives," Perryman said."
He has a long history of requesting books for the Library collection, to foster student and faculty research and support the journalism and mass media curriculum. We recognize his many achievements during a fruitful career, which continues to this day. We thank him for his many contributions to the Library with this commemorative plaque."
McClary holds degrees from Pomona College and UCLA, and did graduate work at the University of Minnesota. After serving as a daily newspaper reporter and editor in Los Angeles, he joined the HSU faculty in 1967. Officially retired, he teaches classes part-time as a lecturer in journalism and through the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. McClary published a book on media ethics in 2005.