B-Note June 2, 2016
June 2, 2016
Greetings fellow Tigers!
What a great weekend it was for the Clemson Baseball team! After a marathon of weather delays and nail-biting close calls, our Tigers prevailed to win their 15th ACC Championship on Sunday. Congratulations to all the players and to Coach Monte Lee on this huge accomplishment in his first season at Clemson. Next up – Regionals at Doug Kingsmore Stadium! See highlights from the big win and view the upcoming regional game schedule for this weekend. And if you can, come out to cheer on our Tigers!
The Clemson Medallion is the highest public honor conferred by Clemson University, recognizing individuals who have demonstrated a long and sustained commitment and significant service to Clemson University. This year’s Medallion recipients, President Emeritus James F. Barker and prominent businessman James E. Bostic Jr., were honored at a reception on Saturday, May 28. See photos and watch video of Barker and Bostic and learn more about these amazing Clemson Tigers.
In case you haven’t had a chance to visit Clemson’s new Watt Family Innovation Center, I encourage you to do so next time you are on campus. The beautiful 70,000-square-foot Watt Center is designed to promote interdisciplinary student engagement, interactive learning and partnership with industry and government. Comporium is one of those industry partners. The Rock Hill based, family-owned company was recognized on June 1 for their $3 million gift that will enhance technology in the Watt Center. Thank you, Comporium, for being a Watt Center Founding Innovation Partner.
Please take a moment to read President Clements’ recent Op/Ed which appeared in local media and gives his thoughts on “A Year of Progress for Clemson.”
Volunteer Spotlight
This week we’d like to recognize an outstanding Clemson Tiger who goes above and beyond to give back to Clemson. Joe Turner ’71, M’77 is the co-founder, chairman and CEO of First Sun Management Corporation, one of the largest Wendy’s franchise owners with 50+ restaurants in the Southeast. Joe’s strong affiliation with Clemson includes eight years on the development office staff and six years in the athletics department as executive director of IPTAY.
According to Aaron Dunham, Associate Director of Major Gifts for IPTAY, “Joe has strong relationships from the corporate world and his IPTAY days, but he also really embraces trying to get to know newer Clemson people. Joe has been instrumental in developing relationships that support our campaign efforts.”
B-Strong
Our baseball players surely gave a strong showing on Sunday as they stayed focused during almost five hours of weather delays! We are grateful for strong volunteers like Joe Turner who are committed to the betterment of our university, and whose strong sense of loyalty and dedication can result in wonderful, lasting accomplishments. Good luck to the Tiger Baseball team, and thank you for keeping Clemson Strong!
Go Tigers!
Brian O’Rourke