Greetings fellow Tigers!
This week, we were thrilled to extend an invitation to Clemson’s Class of 2020. These future Tigers found out that they are Tigertown Bound in the fall. Check out the excitement as we welcome some of our newest members to the Clemson family.
As we prepare for new Tigers to experience everything that we love about this University for the first time, we continue to celebrate the success of our amazing students in and out of the classroom. Meet Stephen Clements, a deserving Clemson senior whose hard work is paying off. Stephen is an environmental and natural resources major who has just been named a 2015 Bartlett Tree Foundation scholar. Stephen was awarded one of 23 scholarships from the foundation for his continued achievements in the study of arboriculture. This is especially impressive because Stephen is paying his own way through school and works several on-campus jobs, some as a volunteer, while maintaining academic excellence. Stephen expressed his gratitude by saying “I’d just like to thank the Bartlett Tree Foundation for helping to ease that strain.” This is wonderful news for a young man who is a great example of the Clemson determined spirit.
The accomplishments of our young graduates are also impressive and far-reaching. Take Allison Pickett B.S. ’14, MBA ’15 for example. Allison was chosen from 1,500 applicants nationwide to be among ten businesswomen participating in MergeLane, a 12-week residency accelerator program for women-led companies. Read more about Allison’s Tiger journey, which started as an undergraduate and led her to this awesome learning opportunity and unlimited professional potential.
B-Proud
Successful energy is not limited to our students! I am so proud of three Clemson University scientists who have been awarded a National Science Foundation grant for $1.8 million to study gene expression in roots. This work could eventually pave the way for increased crop production, save the world billions of dollars in fertilizer usage and help rid the planet of a damaging pollutant. Read more about Julia Frugoli, Alex Feltus and Victoria Corbin, and how their work has the potential to improve our environment, agriculture and the world food supply, and contribute to the world economy. In addition to its research aspects, the project contains another important component: outreach. The grant provides funding to train other scientists, postdoctoral scholars and graduate students. Even more exciting, Clemson will also bring in economically disadvantaged middle school students from around the Upstate to learn about genetics and get a feel for what it would be like to be a real scientist.
Each week, I am amazed at the accomplishments of Clemson students, faculty and staff. They continue to make an impact in our community, our state and our world. Thank you for all you do to support Clemson. I am forever grateful for your leadership and commitment to the campaign and to our students and faculty.
Go Tigers!
Brian O’Rourke
