A Willimantic native, Clyde was born in 1930. He retired from Eastern's Health and Physical Education Department in August 1987 after serving as a head coach for 22 years. Washburne coached men's basketball (133-88) from 1968 to 1977, and women's softball (284-110-1) from the program's inaugural season as a varsity sport in 1977 to 1987, and again in 1993. In 1981, the Warriors won the AIAW softball championship, Eastern's first national championship in any sport. The fund is used to support team travel, gear, events and more.

Students are encouraged to file the FAFSA by March 1