B-Note March 5, 2020
March 5, 2020
Greetings fellow Tigers!
It is with great sadness that I share with you the loss of a special member of our Clemson family. Former Clemson University President and Trustee Philip Hunter Prince, 93, passed away last week. Phil, who was elected a trustee by the board of trustees in 1989, was named acting president in 1994. He spoke about his time of presidency as the “most challenging, demanding, exhausting and also rewarding.”
Phil received an athletic scholarship to Clemson College in 1944, but his time at college was interrupted by U.S. Army service in 1944-45. He returned to Clemson and was co-captain of the 1948 football team. Phil has a distinguished record of service to Clemson. He was a member of Tiger Brotherhood and served on the Board of Visitors and the Alumni National Council. Beginning in 1982, he served on the board of the Clemson Foundation and became its president in 1989. He led the Campaign for Clemson, which raised $101 million for scholarships, professorships and other academic needs. He and his wife, Celeste, donated $900,000 to the campaign and Phil donated his presidential salary to university academics. He earned the Distinguished Alumni Service Award, the Clemson Medallion and the Clemson Distinguished Athletes Award. Phil was recognized for his leadership and lifelong commitment to Clemson with an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree in May of 1995.
From a student-athlete to trustee to university president, Phil Prince left a legacy at Clemson that will never be forgotten. His contributions to Clemson were all-encompassing, leaving a mark on Clemson students for generations to come. His many recognitions and awards as a member of the Clemson family are a symbol of his dedication and commitment to our University. It was a tremendous honor to know him. You can read more about his amazing life here.
We are fortunate to have the opportunities to celebrate our University, our generous donors and their philanthropic support of our University. On Saturday, I had the pleasure of attending the annual Leadership Circle reception, where we heard first-hand from students about the impact that these gifts are having on their lives. The Leadership Circle was created to recognize those individuals who have built a tradition of giving $10,000 or more per year for unrestricted gifts. These gifts are vital to the success of Clemson because they can be directed to the most critical, promising and appropriate purposes in support of the University. You can view photos from the event here.
Following the Leadership Circle reception, many of those who attended the event had the opportunity to watch our men’s basketball team during another nail-biting victory in Littlejohn Coliseum. The Tigers knocked off the No. 6 Florida State Seminoles 70-69 on a game-winning layup with one second remaining. Al-Amir Dawes drove the length of the floor for the go-ahead basket, coming up clutch and providing the Tigers with their third victory of the season over a top-10 opponent at Littlejohn Coliseum. Congratulations, Tigers, on another exciting victory! The Tigers’ final game of the regular season is tomorrow at 7 p.m. in Littlejohn Coliseum against Georgia Tech. Next week the team heads to Greensboro for the ACC Tournament. Go Tigers!
I recently had the opportunity to join President Clements, Chief of Staff Max Allen, the Clemson Alumni Association and Annual Giving in Tampa to gather with the Tampa Bay Clemson Club. Around 30 members of the club attended the event, including the club’s board members. I always enjoy speaking with our clubs across the country about the amazing things happening at Clemson and how their involvement in local clubs is supporting our University. Through their local scholarship this year, the Tampa Bay Clemson Club awarded four local students in Florida with scholarships to Clemson.
The 4th annual Men of Color National Summit brought some “Magic” to this year’s group of African-American and Hispanic males in its mission to close the opportunity gap and develop clearer pathways to college for this group of students. Every year the summit brings an impressive lineup of speakers to the energetic two-day event hosted by Clemson University’s Division of Inclusion and Equity, and this year was no exception. The summit welcomed Earvin “Magic” Johnson, who shared his inspiring story of athletic and entrepreneurial success. Other keynote speakers and entertainment included: Alberto Gonzales, 82nd United States attorney general; Jim Murren, chairman and CEO, MGM Resorts International; Akbar Gbaja-Biamila, host, American Ninja Warrior and former NFL football player; Robert E. Johnson, chancellor, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth; Johnathan Holifield, executive director, White House Initiative on HBCUs Domestic Policy Council; Peter Villegas, vice president and head, Office of Latin Affairs, Coca-Cola; and Victor Robertson, Three Mo’ Tenors.
B – inspired!
The example set by those who came before us – including Phil Prince – is among the best gifts that be bestowed upon our Clemson family. Their legacies continue to inspire us to impact future generations of Clemson students. Phil was the epitome of a Clemson Tiger, and we can honor his legacy by continuing to make Clemson the best it can be – today, tomorrow and forever.
Go Tigers!
Brian O’Rourke