Inside Clemson
Employee Shout-Outs – July 6, 2026
Esther Kauffman, Accounting/Fiscal Manager I, Architecture
“Esther worked tirelessly and efficiently to maintain the finances for the School of Architecture. But more than that, she is true professional, colleague, and friend to those around her. With her retirement on July 1, she deserves all the recognition for her years of service. I dare say she is irreplaceable!” – Anonymous
Elise Eggert, Lead Procurement Coordinator, Business Office (College of Architecture, Art and Construction)
“Elise consistently goes above and beyond her job duties in helping the Dean’s Office. You can give her a task and you’ll know it will get done right, and with kindness and a sense of humor.” – Anonymous
Tina Parker, Clinical Facility Manager, Godley-Snell Research Center
“Tina is always a big help! She provided key advice and we are super grateful!” – Anonymous
Leonard “Skip” Spooner, Senior Lecturer, Management
Leonard Joseph “Skip” Spooner, 80, of Greenville, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 19, 2026.
Spooner joined Clemson University as a faculty member in the Management program on August 15, 2011, after retiring from his law practice. During his time in the management program at The Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business, Spooner’s real-world experience was essential in connecting with students and colleagues alike.
“Skip’s generosity, professionalism, and ability to connect real-world experience with the classroom made a lasting impact on our department, college and our students,” Carl Hollingsworth, Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, said.
“Skip is going to be dearly missed by everyone who knew him. He was a gentleman’s gentleman and wanted to help everyone he met – his colleagues, his clients, his friends, and his students,” Department Chair Craig Wallace said.
“I am especially going to miss our banter concerning college sports. Skip loved Clemson, but also his Georgia Bulldogs. Here’s one for you, Skip ‘Go Dawgs’!”
Skip is survived by his loving and devoted partner, Leanne Fuller of Greenville, SC; his son, Casey Spooner of Berlin, Germany, and his mother Carole Raines Spooner; his brother, Charles (Deborah) Spooner of Jacksonville, Florida; his brother-in-law, Larry Shoemaker of Donalsonville, Georgia; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Pat Shoemaker.
A graveside service for immediate family and close friends will be held on Friday, July 10, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Friendship Cemetery in Donalsonville, Georgia.
Employee Shout-Outs – June 29, 2026
Hyma Priya Donepudi, Finance /Human Resources Development
“Hyma consistently goes above and beyond to support our team. Her dedication, responsiveness, and commitment have a tremendous impact on our team’s success. Whenever we reach out for assistance, she is always ready and willing to help, approaching every request with professionalism, positivity, and a genuine desire to find solutions. Hyma is exceptionally organized and proactive. She stays on top of critical tasks, follows through on commitments, and ensures important items are completed on time. Her contributions positively influence the work we accomplish and play an important role in helping us achieve our goals.” – Anonymous
Jen Groff and Cristina Shorts, Office Manager and Program Manager, Department of Automotive Engineering
“Jen and Cristina worked hard to pitch a new initiative at CU-ICAR for the students and were granted funding. They are working hard to build an outdoor terrace area for students at CU-ICAR.” – Chali Hunter, Undergraduate Student Services Coordinator
Anthony Bernarducci, Professor and Choral Director, Performing Arts
“Anthony is the best boss and coworker anyone could ask for. His work ethic is unmatched, and his genuine care for the department and our students shines through in everything he does. I’m incredibly grateful for his leadership, support, and the countless ways he makes a difference every day.” – Alyssa Conner, Administrative Assistant, Performing Arts
John Acorn, Emeritus Faculty & Chair of Art – June 14, 2026
John Thomson Acorn, Professor Emeritus of Visual Arts, passed away on June 14. Acorn was a founding faculty member in the Department of Art, joining Clemson University’s faculty in 1961 after graduating from Cranbrook Academy of Art. Acorn retired from Clemson in 1997 after 36 years of service and joined the Emeritus College on July 7, 2017.
Acorn served as Department Chair for many years and was a cornerstone of Clemson University’s artistic community. In recognition of his extraordinary service and impact, Clemson named the Acorn Gallery in Lee Hall in his honor. Acorn’s “Friday Flyers”, the six oversized, aluminum paper airplanes scattered across main campus, were originally part of a larger art project Acorn developed in 1996 when he was the chair of the Department of Art.
Memorial service arrangements are being finalized. Details will be announced as soon as available.
Employee Shout-Outs – June 22, 2026
Ian Cummings, Lab Specialist II
“Ian works hard to keep the microbiology labs running as smoothly and well-maintained as possible; he plays a key role in giving Clemson Students the best possible lab experience offered. He is a valuable member of the Department of Biological Sciences!” – Anonymous
Susan “Su” Cole, Grants and Contracts Administration, Division of Research
“Su is a ray of sunshine and goes the extra mile! In my time at Clemson, she’s pushed an ice cream cart around the office while playing ice cream truck music and wearing popsicle sunglasses, led lunchtime crafts, and more! She is a joy to those around her and is much appreciated!” – Meredith Williams, Grants Administrator, Sponsored Programs
Laura Eicher, Director of Teacher Residency and Strategic Initiatives, College of Education
“Working so hard to submit a Department of Education grant!” – Anonymous
Employee Shout-Outs – June 15, 2026
Annette Parker, Accounts Payable, Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management (PRTM)
“Annette consistently goes above and beyond to support fellow staff members both within and outside of her department. She is always willing to lend a helping hand, share her knowledge, and step in wherever needed to ensure CU’s success.” – Anonymous
David Alexander, Jody Patterson, and Lee Ann Gowin; University Facilities
“Our department needed a grab bar because one of our employees was injured and needed assistance in standing from a seated position. We submitted a work order and received immediate and outstanding service in a friendly and helpful manner.” – Linda Rice, Director, Risk Services
Abby Buck, Administrative Coordinator, School of Nursing
“Huge shoutout to Abby Buck for organizing our department’s pack-out for our temporary relocation. Your dissemination of information, planning and positive attitude is making a stressful experience as smooth and efficient as possible for your School of Nursing teammates—thank you for your hard work!” – Anonymous
Employee Shout-Outs – June 8, 2026
Jim Grieger, Executive Director, Occupational and Environmental Safety
“Jim was instrumental in helping us get our hoods up and running so we could continue our cell research. He and OES are a great resource for the University.” – Cassie Gregory, Lab Manager, BIOE
Caroline Brunson, Administrative Assistant, Public Health Sciences
“Rising to the occasion in completing both her duties and that of a vacant position, all while managing the relocation of an entire department from one building to another in advance of renovations.” – Rebecca Moses, Graduate Student Services Coordinator, Public Health Sciences
Andie Eaton, Associate Director/Training Director, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
“Andie spearheaded the comprehensive redesign of the psychology internship program, ultimately securing its APA re-accreditation.” – Amy Massingill, Associate Director/Clinical Services Director, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
June 2026
Employee Shout-Outs – June 1, 2026
Cassidy Karker, CRM System Specialist
“In her short time at Clemson, Cassidy has proven herself to be a fantastic resource and campus partner. I am so appreciative of her generosity and flexibility – we couldn’t have gotten through this application cycle without her!” – Caleb Rogers, Director of Honors Admissions
Andrea Ward, Manager of Payroll Ops (supports CECAS)
“Andrea first listened to me vent about a problem I was facing until I felt better. Then, she found a solution that I didn’t think was possible and got it implemented to the benefit of a student.” – Anonymous
Suzanne Turner, Director of Donor Communications, Central Donor Relations
“Suzanne’s attention to detail and dedication to her work streamline complicated behind-the-scenes processes, resulting in intentional touchpoints that truly resonate with donors. She is a valued partner and a joy to work with.” – Grayson Miller, Art Director, Advancement
Brooke Sunshine, Senior Manager, Human Resources Customer Service
“When I reached out to HR with a complex and confusing situation, Brooke responded promptly, listened with genuine empathy, and made me feel like a priority. She took the time to fully understand my needs and guided me to the right solution with clarity and care. Her professionalism and compassion made a stressful experience feel manageable.” – Anonymous
