Student Spotlight: Lydia Terlizzi

August 22, 2022

Lydia Terlizzi joined Clemson University in the fall of 2022. Her path to Clemson was an unconventional one, but it is clear she has found a family at Clemson. Terlizzi, who is from Aiken, S.C., originally attended the University of South Carolina as an in international business and economics major. However, she fell in love with accounting after taking her first accounting course. She decided to make a change after two years in Columbia and found her way to Clemson — in part due to the strong accounting program.

Terlizzi says joining Clemson is the best decision she has ever made, and she has thoroughly enjoyed all of her coursework and professors in accounting. She described her professors as “very passionate about what they were teaching,” which has made her classes enjoyable. She says her professors have been so welcoming, are willing to help, and truly take an interest in getting to know the students. She looks forward to attending class and enjoys the real world application the professors provide. She has been able to relate the material to her internship experience at McGregor and Co. in Columbia, S.C.

Terlizzi’s advice to students considering a major in accounting is “don’t be afraid of the challenge,” as the courses are unlike any most freshman have taken. She says, “There is a constant challenge to learn more rather than remain complacent with the knowledge you already have, and it is so rewarding to grow in your understanding of brand new concepts.” Terlizzi also mentioned the number of opportunities an accounting degree can provide to those who want to work in business as another reason students may want to consider majoring in accounting.

In addition to focusing on academics, Terlizzi has been active on campus over the past year. She is the events committee head for the Transfer Council of student government, is a member of the student chapter of the IMA, and was recently inducted into the international business honor society Beta Gamma Sigma. She is also a member of Clemson Navigators, an on-campus ministry. Recently, Terlizzi was nominated for and awarded a $10,000 scholarship from the PCAOB Scholars Program.

Terlizzi said her experience at Clemson has exceeded her expectations and she will look back on her time here as the best college experience she could have had. She attributes this to the faculty, students, and organizations at Clemson that help students foster community and develop a sense of family.

During the summer of 2022, Terlizzi interned at Forvis, LLC in Greenville, S.C. She will graduate this December and plans to pursue a master’s degree after graduation.

Lydia Terlizzi, Clemson Tiger graduating in December 2022