B-Note January 30, 2020
January 30, 2020
Greetings fellow Tigers!
Last Thursday we honored a very special couple. Don and Hayden Quattlebaum are supporting their vision for Clemson University and honoring the memory of their son Andy with an Academic Cornerstone gift of $2.7 million. Most of the funds are in support of the Outdoor Education Center at the Snow Family Outdoor Fitness and Wellness complex, which will be named the Andy Quattlebaum Outdoor Education Center. The remainder of their gift – $500,000 – will be used to support the Baruch Institute of Coastal Ecology and Forest Science in Georgetown, along with the Clemson students who have the opportunity to work at the institute.
Andy was a student in the Bridge to Clemson program, and he enjoyed spending time on the grounds of the facility that now bears his name. Along with an interest in wildlife conservation, he also enjoyed camping, rock climbing, boating, and many of the same activities that the center offers. Resembling more of a large cabin than a traditional university facility, the new structure adds a unique style to the area. The Andy Quattlebaum Outdoor Education Center will serve as a national model for recreation and leisure space, bringing attention to not only Clemson University but also the state of South Carolina. Created to be a destination that brings students together and connects them with outdoor recreation, the center and its activities place an emphasis on wellness, relaxation and experiences that promote physical, mental and emotional health. It will enrich the lives of students now and create experiences that will shape their future, providing an ideal environment in which to memorialize and celebrate the life of Andy. Along with other tributes through the Andy Quattlebaum and Blackwell Family Foundation, his legacy will influence generations of students and their impact on the world. You can view photos from the dedication here, watch a video recapping the event here, and read more about Don and Hayden’s commitment to Clemson and future generations here.
The Clemson Softball program held its ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday for the official opening of the Clemson Softball Stadium. President Clements, Director of Athletics Dan Radakovich, Head Coach John Rittman, and student-athletes MK Bonamy and Cammy Pereira all spoke to the group of approximately 150 supporters. The Tigers then hosted their first-ever Fan Day at the Clemson Softball Stadium on Saturday, Jan. 25. It was an afternoon full of free activities, featuring an autograph session, a hitting demonstration with the team and Rittman, and tours of the facility. Clemson kicks off its inaugural season on Friday, Feb. 7 at 10 a.m. against St John’s at UCF’s Black & Gold tournament. The first pitch will be thrown in the Clemson Softball Stadium on Feb. 12 at 2:30 p.m. in a doubleheader against Western Carolina. You can watch a video recapping the ribbon-cutting ceremony here.
B – committed to the future!
Our University was founded because of one couple’s vision to improve the lives of South Carolinians and to impact future generations. We honor their legacy by preserving their vision to ensure that we are impacting students today, tomorrow and forever. Don and Hayden Quattlebaum are a wonderful example of those who are committed to the future of Clemson. Their strength, philanthropic spirit and support is an inspiration to all of us. Because of their vision for the world and their devotion to honoring their son’s memory, they are forever impacting Clemson, our community and our students. Large goals can seem insurmountable, but with the support of our Clemson family – as we’ve proven many times before – anything is possible.
Go Tigers!
Brian O’Rourke