B-Note March 19, 2020
March 19, 2020
Greetings fellow Tigers!
Throughout our nation and across the world, many of us are feeling uncertainty, anxiousness and worry. It is an especially difficult time for higher education. But it is times like this that we can lean on our fellow Tigers and come together as the Clemson Family to support one another.
As part of the state of South Carolina’s effort to mitigate residents’ exposure to COVID-19, Gov. Henry McMaster ordered the closure of all public schools – including colleges and universities – through March 31.
Following Spring Break this week, Clemson is moving to online instruction through at least April 5. Our University leadership carefully and thoughtfully made this decision in the best interest of our students, faculty, staff and community. Your health and safety are of the utmost importance to us. Therefore, the University has decided to suspend all events, programs and activities through April 5. This includes the 2020 Spring Ring Ceremony, the annual spring football game and all campus tours. You can see the University’s latest update here. Continue to look for updates via emails, our website and the University’s social media channels.
The University is exploring ways to preserve our mission and fulfill our promise to make education accessible during this unique situation. As always, Clemson is committed to the academic success of our students. Following the guidance being provided is the best way to ensure that we can complete the semester and allow our students to continue their path toward a Clemson degree without interruption. You can read how Clemson has been preparing for online teaching since August here.
Our University was founded more than 100 years ago and has faced many difficult times throughout the years. But we are resilient, and today we stand stronger than ever. It is often the hard times that have a way of bringing out the best in people – and I know this is especially true of Clemson Tigers.
Clemson has lost another special member of our family. Clemson University Emeritus Trustee Dr. Fletcher C. Derrick Jr., 86, recently passed away. A native of Johnston, Dr. Derrick graduated from Clemson with a Bachelor of Science degree in pre-medicine in 1954. In 1958, he earned his medical degree from the Medical University of South Carolina. Dr. Derrick was elected to the Clemson University board of trustees in 1980. He had been a member of the Clemson Fellows Donors Club and was the recipient of a Distinguished Alumni Award in 1973.
Dr. Derrick had been a clinical professor of urology at the Medical University of South Carolina, where he helped start the kidney transplant program. He was also a professor and chairman of the Department of Urology at the George Washington Medical Center in Washington, D.C. He retired from his private practice in June 2019 and was known as one of the oldest practicing urologists in the country. Dr. Derrick was a consultant to the surgeon general of the U.S. Army and served on medical missions to Nepal and Nigeria. Dr. Derrick was a valued leader for our University, a pioneer in the medical field, a respected veteran and a talented artist. We can honor his memory by making impacts on future generations of Clemson students. You can read his full obituary here. Please keep his family and loved ones in your thoughts and prayers.
B – Together!
These are turbulent and unprecedented times for our University, the nation and the world. But just as we’ve done since our University was founded, we stand together as the Clemson Family during difficult times. With the current state of our world having a financial impact on many, it is inevitably causing ambiguity within higher education and fundraising. While our fundraising efforts may look different during these uncertain times, our division of Development and Alumni Relations remains steadfastly committed to building and fostering our relationships with donors, alumni and members of the Clemson Family. Through our business continuity planning, our division is working remotely, and we are dedicated to maintaining business as usual. If we can help you in any way, please reach out to any member of our team, and please feel free to contact me directly.
I extend my most heartfelt and best wishes for the health and safety of you and your families. Our alumni and friends throughout the nation and across the world are impacted by this issue, and our concerns and support also extend outside of the Clemson Family to everyone who is affected by this health crisis. We continue to keep you all in our thoughts during these challenging times.
Please take care of yourselves, your families and your neighbors.
Go Tigers!
Brian O’Rourke