Greetings fellow Tigers!
During last week’s commencement ceremonies, graduates were addressed by U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley (’94) and U.S. Sen. Tim Scott. Haley spoke to the graduates about gratitude – a Clemson tradition. Haley encouraged our graduates to pay it forward and be grateful for what they have received as well as for what they have to give. To read more about Thursday’s commencement ceremonies and watch highlights, including Haley’s speech, click here. Tim Scott focused on overcoming challenges to reach your dreams. Our graduates may have faced obstacles and challenges pursuing their dream of receiving a Clemson diploma, but they have learned that with hard work and tenacity, they can reach their goals. You can read more about last Friday’s commencement ceremonies and watch highlights of the ceremonies and the Senator’s speech here. Welcome to the Clemson alumni family, graduates!
Rob and Claudia Hubbard have a deep history in Clemson. Rob says Clemson is in his blood. His father, class of 1940, was the department head of Agricultural Communications as part of the Cooperative Extension Service. His father’s love for Clemson prompted Rob to attend Clemson and major in pre-professional studies. Claudia became a part of the Clemson family when she was recruited by Dean Geraldine Labecki to be a faculty member in what was then the College of Nursing at Clemson. She served as an assistant professor in the College of Nursing on and off for 20 years. Rob and Claudia met in Clemson, and their love for this special place made it an easy decision for Rob to honor Claudia. Rob surprised her with a nursing endowment in her name on Thanksgiving in front of their children. Rob and Claudia established the nursing endowment for the accelerated second degree nursing program because of the lack of financial assistance for those students. They believe giving back to Clemson is one of the best investments one could make because the dividends truly make an impact on the students’ time here, and it makes a difference in the lives of future generations. The Hubbards also support the Brooks Center for the Performing Arts, the South Carolina Botanical Garden, the Alumni Association and IPTAY. Thank you, Rob and Claudia, for your commitment to Clemson and for investing in our students’ futures. You can read more about Rob and Claudia and the nursing endowment here.
The final pitches of Clemson baseball’s regular season will be thrown this weekend when the team travels to face Pittsburgh. The Tigers are looking to finish the regular season strong following a series win over Austin Peay last weekend and a win against Kennesaw State on Tuesday night. With the win, Clemson reached the 40-win mark during the regular season for the first time since 2006. The three game series against Pittsburgh begins tonight at 6 p.m. Good luck, Tigers!
With an economic impact of $33.4 billion, natural resources are major contributors to South Carolina economy and quality of life. To train people to help sustain these resources, Clemson University is establishing a Fisheries and Aquatic Center of Excellence to train professionals who can help sustain South Carolina’s natural resources. The center, also known as FACE, will be located in the forestry and environmental conservation department. Troy Farmer and Brandon Peoples, assistant professors of fisheries ecology, are leading the center’s establishment. FACE will be a collaboration of Clemson and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, as well as others associated with the outdoor recreation industry. FACE is being established because of the increasing demand for highly trained college graduates to work as fisheries scientists with state and federal agencies and private consulting firms. You can read more about the Fisheries and Aquatic Center of Excellence here.
B-open to the possibilities!
Our graduates walked across the stage last week and walked into a future full of possibilities. As Nikki Haley encouraged our graduates to be grateful and to pay it forward, I became inspired to express my gratitude to each of you. Your gifts have infinite impact, providing opportunities and experiences that enhance our students’ education and impact their futures. Thanks to our donors – like Rob and Claudia Hubbard – Clemson graduates are entering the next stage of their lives ready to make their mark on the world. We hope our newest Clemson alumni are inspired to give back to the University that made it all possible.
Go Tigers!
Brian O’Rourke
