B-Note May 26, 2016
May 26, 2016
Greetings fellow Tigers!
With spring graduation behind us, it is time to celebrate the beginning of another beautiful South Carolina summer. It’s also a great time to honor our veterans on Memorial Day, spend time with family and friends, and enjoy the ultimate American pastime — baseball!
The Clemson Baseball team is making us all proud this season. The ACC announced that Seth Beer was both Freshman of the Year and Player of the Year in the conference. Seth is the first player in ACC history to win both awards. In addition, Chris Okey was named first team All-ACC and Pat Krall was named to the second team. Read more about these awesome Tiger Baseball players, and about Beer’s amazing freshman season. Way to go, Tigers!
In case you find yourself near Doug Kingsmore stadium anytime soon, be sure to check out a remarkable site! A large floating garden — shaped like a Tiger paw — was recently installed in the old Seneca River Basin near the stadium. The garden, which is technically called a “floating treatment wetland,” is laced with plants and flowers that will beautify the pond and benefit the environment. Read about Ryan Medric, the recent Clemson grad who assembled the project, and how his unique concept will help our environment and celebrate our Clemson Tigers at the same time.
Congratulations to Austin Herbst of Easley, who was awarded the 2016 Norris Medal. The Norris Medal was established in the will of D.K. Norris, a Clemson trustee, to honor the one graduating senior who exemplifies the best qualities in a Clemson scholar. The Norris Medal is considered the highest honor for an undergraduate student. Read more about Herbst’s many academic accomplishments and his exciting future plans.
B-Determined
We often talk about the Clemson determined spirit. That spirit is beautifully portrayed through the story of Clemson student Amanda Todd ’17, who was inspired by her father’s health crisis to stay determined and not let financial challenges prevent her from continuing her Clemson education. Family crisis often means the end or disruption of a college plan. But through the help of a very special “fellow freshman,” Todd was able to receive funds from Clemson’s Leadership Circle, enabling her to come back to Clemson and continue her education. What a blessing to the Todd family during difficult times!
This is just one example of how your gifts to Clemson literally can change lives. Thank you for all you do for the University, and for helping keep the Clemson determined spirit alive and well!
Go Tigers!
Brian O’Rourke