B-Note October 17, 2019
October 17, 2019
Greetings fellow Tigers!
What an amazing and exciting time to be a Clemson Tiger! We are, again, celebrating the power of philanthropy across our wonderful University. As you heard Davis and I explain in the video, the Hendrix family has once again showed their unwavering support and dedication to Clemson through another great act of philanthropy. In honoring the memory of their beloved wife, mother and grandmother, the Hendrix family has named the Pam Hendrix Center for Education Abroad to celebrate Pam’s life and her love of travel and Clemson.
From the Hendrix Student Center to the Hendrix Family Paw Bistro, Clemson University Trustee Bill Hendrix and his family’s contributions have been an instrumental part of Clemson University and the lives of students, faculty and staff. Friday, I was honored to join President Clements, Clemson University leadership and members of our Clemson family to announce the Hendrixes’ latest transformational gift to Clemson, making them the sixth Academic Cornerstone Partner with a gift of $2.5 million. This gift will establish the Pam Hendrix Center for Education Abroad and support scholarships and the Dream Jar Curriculum.
In 2014, the Hendrix family became the first Cornerstone Partner for Athletics with a $2.5 million gift to Athletics for the Hendrix Family Paw Bistro. Their total Clemson University giving has eclipsed $7.5 million. Thank you, Hendrix family, for your powerful and far-reaching support at Clemson University. You are ensuring future generations of students receive a top education and have life-changing experiences. We are forever grateful to you! Please watch a video recapping Friday’s celebration and view photos from the event. You can also read more about the Hendrix family, their support across our University and their cornerstone gift to academics here.
Each year, the Clemson Young Alumni Council recognizes ten outstanding individuals for their impact in business, leadership, community, educational and/or philanthropic endeavors. The honor is given to those individuals who exemplify Clemson University’s core values of honesty, integrity and respect. Friday night, the 2019 honorees were celebrated for being “ever loyal” to Clemson and showing a determined spirit. Congratulations to this year’s Roaring 10 – Nadia Nadim Aziz ’09; Samantha Lynn Bauer ’10; Tyler Andrew Brown ’09, M’10; Amanda Jane “AJ” Hobbs ’14; Harold P. Hughes ’08, M’14; Ryan D. Lee ’09; Ramakrishna Podila PhD ’11; Dominique Jordan Sensabaugh ’12; Martin Tiller ’10; and Lt. Benjamin J. Winter, USN ’13. You can read more about this year’s Roaring 10 here and view photos from Friday’s event here.
After nearly 40 years of distinguished service to Clemson University – half as vice president of student affairs – Almeda Jacks will retire from the University effective Oct. 31. Almeda, who earned three degrees from Clemson, including a doctorate in educational leadership, is a nationally recognized leader among higher education student affairs professionals. Almeda has given of her time, talents and treasures to Clemson University and has greatly impacted our students for many years. There’s no doubt that her influence at Clemson will be felt among future generations of Clemson students. Thank you, Almeda, for your dedication and many years of service to Clemson! We wish you all the best in retirement! You can read more about Almeda’s 40 years of service to Clemson here. Clemson Associate Vice President and Dean of Students Chris Miller has been named interim vice president for student affairs and dean of students.
B-Impactful!
The support and generosity of the Clemson family is a testament to the philanthropic spirit on which our University was built. It is because of the generosity of those who came before us that we are a top university today. And it is because of the generosity of those who have followed, like the Hendrix family, that Clemson will be prosperous in the future.
The power of philanthropy at Clemson has never been stronger. And it’s because of each and every one of you. Thank you, Clemson alumni, donors and leaders, for your support, loyalty and dedication to our University! You are impacting Clemson students today, tomorrow and forever.
Go Tigers!
Brian O’Rourke