Much of the growth of Cranbrook’s Alumni Association can be attributed to Carleton McLain Jr.

McClain graduated from Cranbrook School in 1943. After completing his undergraduate work at Princeton University, he returned to Cranbrook in 1949 and was appointed as the school's first-ever alumni secretary.

Considered a visionary in the field of alumni affairs and development, McLain established effective methods for soliciting donations and volunteer work, including the “Pyramid of Literature for Giving.” Upon his switching to director of development in 1963, McLain took charge of events such as homecoming, Operation Friendship and the alumni soccer game.

McLain's tenure ended abruptly in 1977 when he died of a heart attack at the age of 52. His efforts helped make Cranbrook's Alumni Association one of the most active and extensive of its kind in the nation.