Greetings fellow Tigers!
The excitement around campus is still eminent following the Tigers’ big win against Alabama for the National Championship. On Saturday, our fans lined the streets of downtown Clemson and filled Memorial Stadium to congratulate and celebrate our team during the National Championship Parade and Celebration. Though they may have reached the top of the mountain, our players and coaches remain humbled by the experience and have taken many opportunities to express their gratitude and appreciation for those who supported them throughout the journey. We had the opportunity to hear from many of our players during the celebration on Saturday, and I continue to be amazed at the sportsmanship, character and humility of the Clemson family – including our national champions.
U.S. News & World Report once again has ranked a Clemson University College of Education program as the best online graduate education program in the nation in 2019. The college’s Master of Education in Teaching and Learning program retains the top spot for the second year in a row. You can read more here.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. fought until his death for the equity of all people. On Monday, Clemson University will join the nation in celebrating Dr. King. Maya Wiley – who is recognized nationally as a leading legal authority on racial and social justice – will join Clemson University in honoring the life and legacy of King. Wiley will deliver the keynote address for the MLK Commemorative Service at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 22 at the Brooks Center for the Performing Arts. In addition to Wiley’s visit, the Gantt Multicultural Center will host:
- A blood drive from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Jan. 21, at the Hendrix Student Center in meeting rooms A and B. Donating blood reflects King’s commitment to helping others.
- An oratorical contest at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 23, in 100 Vickery Hall. The contest gives students the opportunity to reflect and speak on the MLK celebration theme by considering Childish Gambino’s song, “This is America.”
- The return of the Tunnel of Oppression from noon to 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 24, in Hendrix Student Center ballrooms A and B. The Tunnel of Oppression is a series of simulations that depict real-life scenarios of power, privilege and oppression.
You can read more about how Clemson will honor Dr. King here.
The Clemson Alumni Association recently named Janice Childress McCrary as an Honorary Alumnus. This distinction is intended for steadfast Tiger supporters whose “blood runs orange” but who never attended Clemson. An individual recognized with the Honorary Alumnus designation is considered an honorary member of the Alumni Association in the class year in which they are presented with the honor. Jan is passionate about Clemson University and has given generously of her time, talent and treasures to our University, including serving on many of our University’s boards and committees. I would like to officially welcome Jan to the Clemson family as an alumna! Thank you, Jan, for your devotion and commitment to Clemson.
I had the opportunity to attend the Greenville Meal Club – along with Clemson leadership – on Tuesday. This is a wonderful opportunity for this group of professionals – comprised of Clemson alumni and friends – to gather, network and discuss the many wonderful things happening at Clemson, including academics, athletics and research initiatives. Clemson University President Jim Clements addressed the club on how Clemson University has become a model institution because of our success in academics and athletics and because of our commitment to doing things the right way. Clemson has an incredible $1 billion impact on Greenville County in terms of output generated and has created more than 7,800 jobs. Clemson is the primary research partner with the Greenville Health System, helping GHS achieve the status of Academic Health Center in 2013. The Greenville ONE Building is home to our MBA and MBAe programs, and Greenville is home to two of our Innovation Campuses – CU-ICAR and CUBE, Inc. These unique centers attract more industry partners, create jobs and further develop the economy of South Carolina.
B-the best!
I enjoy having the opportunity to discuss with you all the wonderful things happening on our campus. When the Clemson family joins together to celebrate our accomplishments – like the National Championship – it becomes even more evident the special bond among Tigers. Because of the support from you – our alumni, fans and friends – our University can proudly say that we are the best – academically and athletically. We continue to prove this year after year with our groundbreaking research, national academic awards, top-ranked programs and athletic trophies. Thank you for your continued support and commitment to make Clemson the best!
Go Tigers!
Brian O’Rourke
