An Elizabethtown College education is for people who feel the pull to contribute to the world. With a network of 24,425 living alumni, our graduates leave Etown to become the influential advocates and changemakers the world needs more of.

Meet R. Clair Sauder ’72, an accomplished Accounting alumnus who enjoyed a remarkable career. Sauder is a current Partner at C&D Enterprises (a real estate investment partnership) and has previously served as VP of Finance and Operations at Good Furniture and Carpet and as co-owner of the retail home furnishings business Encore Enterprises. Sauder is passionate about giving back and is currently working to develop and construct affordable housing units in Lancaster County.

“Etown provided me with the education and confidence to serve on multiple boards including 501(c)(3), bank, university, and mutual fund boards.”

R. Clair Sauder ’72

What defined your Etown experience?

I began as a non-traditional student, starting with one class five years after high school and studying part-time while working full-time. After being drafted and serving two years in alternative service, I returned to complete my final two years. Dr. Ed Bitting (Professor of Accounting Emeritus) was a significant advisor and mentor, both academically and when I later returned as a recruiter for L&H. Dr. Ken Kreider (Professor of History Emeritus) also played a valuable role as a professor.

How has your Etown degree benefitted you and your career success?

Thanks to Etown’s well-regarded Accounting program and Ed Bitting’s support and recommendation, I obtained a role at a national firm. My education at Etown prepared me well for the CPA exam, passing the first time.

How have you made a difference in the lives of others through your career and/or personal life?

Etown provided me with the education and confidence to serve on multiple boards including 501(c)(3), bank, university, and mutual fund boards.

What is your passion? Where do you place your energy besides your career?

My faith and family teachings have emphasized giving back. My current interest is affordable housing. I am working with a group of persons, in cooperation with Chestnut Housing, who have raised the funds to purchase a property in the Conestoga Valley School district. On this property, we will be developing and constructing 15 affordable housing units.

View more Etown Changemakers at etown.edu/125.