B-Note April 9, 2020
April 9, 2020
Greetings fellow Tigers,
It’s “something in these hills” that has brought us together through our greatest victories, profound discoveries and groundbreaking research. But it’s also brought us together during our greatest challenges. It’s a bond like no other. It is an unwavering bond that we rely upon during uncertain times – like today. The Clemson Family is responding to COVID-19 with strength and compassion for those in our community who are suffering through unprecedented challenges caused by COVID-19. The generosity of our Clemson Family is more important than ever – and urgently needed. Under the Division of Student Affairs, we have a Student Emergency Fund that helps provide financial support for students struggling with unforeseen emergencies. We have also set up a Staff and Faculty Emergency Fund in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on our Clemson employees.
If you’re able to do so, please make your secure online gift here. Your gift to the Student Emergency Fund or the Staff and Faculty Emergency Fund provides the Clemson Family with financial support during times of uncertainty. Thank you for your support of Clemson students, faculty and staff. We are forever grateful.
Now more than ever, the Clemson Family needs each other, and during these unprecendented times, our Clemson Alumni Association is commited to helping us stay connected as a community. Though we are not able to gather in person, there is profound power in coming together virtually to support and learn from each other. One way the Alumni Association is keeping us connected is through virtual interviews with Clemson alumni who are helping us navigate these uncertain times. We are lucky to have alumni with a wealth of knowledge and willingness to share that with their fellow Tigers.
Powdersville Elementary School Principal and Clemson alumnus Brad Moore ’01 joined Bubba Britton, Clemson Alumni Association’s director of philanthropic initiatives, to provide insight into balancing work life and homeschool life along with resources that can help your family navigate this new lifestyle. You can view the entire interview here or click the photo below.
Psychologist and Clemson alumnus Dr. Milt Lowder ’94 discussed the reality of the impact on mental health created by the uncertainties of a pandemic. He shared ways to cope with anxiety, depression and panic. Dr. Lowder also discussed activities that can positively impact a person’s mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic as well as with other life events that can create these same types of concerns. You can view the full interview here or click the photo below.
Bubba was joined by alumnus and fitness guru Tony Villani ’96 who walked us through the importance of fitness during this time and how to create a workout at home. You can view the full interview here to learn how to incorporate fitness into your new routine or click the photo below. Please continue to check the Clemson Alumni Association’s Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for opportunities to engage with the Alumni Association and your fellow Tigers.
Clemson University announced the transition of all undergraduate and graduate summer academic courses to online instruction through Aug. 7, the completion of the summer term, including sessions identified as Summer, Summer I, Summer II and Summer Mini A-D. With class registration, housing and other deadlines quickly approaching, Clemson’s leadership thoughtfully made the decision to extend online instruction through the summer. Academic support resources will remain available online to our students over the summer through the Class of 1956 Academic Success Center.
Additionally, new student orientation this summer will be conducted primarily through virtual sessions. The University is in the process of finalizing a robust orientation program and will be reaching out to all new students to provide details in the near future. Updates and information can be found on the University’s COVD-19 website.
The Greenville News and Independent Mail recently sat down with President Clements – over Zoom – to ask him about navigating the coronavirus as a leader, an educator and a Clemson Tiger. President Clements addressed Clemson’s response to the current crisis – including the decision to finish the semester with online instruction, the cancellation of all events and the pass-fail option for students. President Clements said, “We’re all living in a time we never expected we would see, facing challenges we never expected to see. But I’m thankful that I have good people around me and Clemson is a place where people know faculty care deeply about their students, students are good, hard working and doing their best, and the staff are dedicated.” You can read the full interview here.
Clemson is beyond fortunate to have leadership that is committed to making tough decisions that are always in the best interest of our Clemson students, faculty, staff and Clemson Family. We continue to navigate through uncertain times, but with the commitment of our leadership and the passion and understanding of the Clemson Family, we will get through this together and continue toward our goal of impacting future generations of Clemson students. Thank you for your patience and support during these stressful times. Please reach out to our team or me directly if we can help in any way. Take care of yourselves and your loved ones!
Go Tigers!
Brian O’Rourke