At the National Championship game, with Tim Hurlburt, assistant director of bands (left), and Mark Spede, director of bands. Congratulations to both, and to all members of the Tiger Band and support staff for representing Clemson so beautifully on a national stage.
Dear Friends,
For those of us in academia, the rhythm of a school year is punctuated with predictable and familiar events – events that ground us and remind us why we are here. Beginning with convocation in August and ending with commencement in May, the days and months of the academic year are marked by a succession of highly anticipated events that connect us with our students, our peers, our alumni and our community. Spring is a special time on campus – trees begin to bud; daffodils are popping out of the ground and a marked acceleration toward the conclusion of the academic year takes place.
In the coming months, I look forward to a special luncheon with college donors, not only to relay our gratitude and articulate the importance of private support to Clemson, but also to invite them to see how their support is making a difference for our students and faculty. Separately, many of the college’s volunteer boards will be coming to campus to strategize their support for the coming year.
In February, Clemson’s premier scholarship candidates, the National Scholars, will be on campus. Their arrival reminds us that spring is when we have the opportunity to recruit the best and brightest students from across South Carolina, the nation and the world. For all of us on campus, “selling” Clemson to prospective students is a joy because of our strong academic reputation, the tremendous caché of the Clemson brand, unparalleled campus life and the promise of a transformative educational experience. (Having a top-ranked football program helps as well).
In March, I will be traveling to visit two of our Fluid Campus locations in Charleston and Genoa. Our villa in Genoa, Italy, the Charles E. Daniel Center for Building Research and Urban Studies, is a prime example of how a dedicated group of Clemson supporters come together to provide amazing educational and life-changing experiences for our students. Our Fluid Campus is also a reminder of the vibrancy and strength of CAAH’s increasing global engagement opportunities for our students.
On April 8, one of the most important days of the academic year will occur as we spend a few hours with our best and brightest students and their families during the College of Architecture, Arts and Humanities annual Honors and Awards Day. It is an privilege to join our faculty to honor students who have earned special recognition for their academic work over the past year. I also take great pride in thanking our students’ parents for their role in shaping these outstanding honorees lives.
It is with pleasure that I note several additional “new” CAAH initiatives that have become part of the familiar fabric of Clemson life:
As February gets underway in earnest, the sights and sounds of spring are almost upon us and the end of another academic year will be here before we know it. Let’s make sure we take time to embrace the season.
In closing, and with a heavy heart, I share the news that our friend and colleague – Molly Atkinson Greene – passed away last week. Molly worked as an administrative assistant in the department of languages. We will miss her terribly. More information on services and condolences can be found here. Our hearts go out to Molly’s family and friends.
Best wishes from campus,
Rick
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