Two vital University programs use the talents of the Emeriti faculty to fill an essential need. The Conversations with International Students (CIS) is a mentoring program designed to assist international graduate students improve their English speaking ability and adjust to life at Clemson and Clemson English Speaking Proficiency (CESP) is a test administered to international graduate students seeking assistantships. It is designed to measure the student’s ability to answer questions proficiently in English. This partnership enhances the relationship between Emeriti and the University as well as it is very rewarding for the Emeriti to have the one on one interaction with the International Students. These mentorships not only improve the international student’s speaking proficiency but also helps him/her learn and experience the current culture right away after enrolling. The program is directed by Professor Emeritus of Chemistry Adolph Beyerlein, PhD. If you are an emeritus faculty member, please feel free to contact Dr. Beyerlein at albrl@clemson.edu with any questions about volunteering for this great program!! Dr. Beyerlein also was the 2017 recipient of the Distinguished Emeriti Award!
MENTOR SPOTLIGHT: Vice Provost and Professor Emeritus of Economics Ralph Elliott, PhD
Dr. Elliott made a huge impact during his time at Clemson. At Clemson, Ralph was Director of Professional Development, Associate Dean for Executive Education, and Vice Provost for Off-Campus, Distance and Continuing Education. At the same time, he worked through the academic ranks from Assistant to Associate and on to full Professor of Economics. An annual award, the Ralph D. Elliot Endowed Award is given yearly in his honor and recipients of this award may be seen on a permanently displayed plaque in the Clemson University Madren Center. Dr. Elliott has continued to stay busy after retirement from Clemson with a successful consulting firm that provides strategic marketing advice to institutions in the United States and throughout the the world:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rdeclemson/
Ralph is mentoring two students this year. Jun and Ming are both from China and are very willing and eager to improve their English. Jun’s wife, Linyu, also joins the group from time to time! As a first time mentor, Dr. Elliott states that he thoroughly enjoys the experience with these students and appreciates their hard work and willingness to learn.
Pictures L to R:
Picture 1: The group enjoys some fun during one of their meetings.
Picture 2: The students stand in front of the plaque honoring Dr. Elliott’s award recipients at the Madren Center.
