B – ALL IN!
October 29, 2020
Greetings, fellow Tigers!
The spirit of the Clemson Tiger remains steadfast and strong, and that was on display last weekend when Clemson juniors and seniors gathered for what will be one of the most memorable moments of their Clemson experience: the Ring Ceremony. This year has been anything but ordinary, but looking beyond the distanced chairs and facemasks, you would have briefly forgotten how our lives have changed since March. The Clemson Ring has long been a tradition that connects our Clemson family past our time on campus, and the Ring Ceremony has become a special tradition for our students – symbolizing their hard work and celebrating a major accomplishment.
The cancellation of events over the past several months has been difficult – although necessary. But finding ways in which we can safely celebrate our students while honoring our traditions represents the thoughtfulness and strength of the Clemson Family.
Helping the next generation: Martin and Linda Lightsey
Martin Lightsey ’64 said that Clemson University helped shape him into a well-rounded individual and provided him with an education that opened the door to a successful career. Martin now wants to pay Clemson back for all he has received. That feeling more than anything, he said, is what has motivated him to donate some of his funds to his alma mater. Martin and Linda have stepped up to donate funds to help a new generation of students, especially those who want to be engineers and entrepreneurs. The Staunton, Virginia couple provided the funds to establish the Martin and Linda Lightsey Engineering and Entrepreneurship Endowment. Proceeds from the endowment provide scholarships for engineering majors who are also members of The Design and Entrepreneurship Network, or The DEN. Students in The DEN form interdisciplinary teams to develop business concepts or products. The Lightseys have also helped fund the Clemson University Makerspace, where students learn to use a wide range of equipment, including 3D printers, fabric printers, and a laser-etching machine. Many students use the equipment to create prototypes of products they would like to develop. You can more about the Lightseys and their impact on generations of Clemson students here.
Instruction update from University leadership
After careful consideration and significant consultation with the University’s COVID-19 public health strategy team and external health consultants, University leadership has made the decision to revert to online-only instruction following the Thanksgiving holiday for the final two weeks of the Fall semester. Those students whose personal circumstances are such that remaining on campus, or returning following the holiday, is their best option can request permission to remain in their residence hall. On-campus resident students and unlimited meal plan holders who do not return to campus will receive a credit or refund for the unused portions of their housing and dining contracts. You can read more about the University’s updated plan here.
Clemson University’s Board of Trustees had their fall quarterly meeting last week, and I would like to take this time to thank them for their commitment to Clemson and their continued support that is allowing our University to fulfill our mission of educating and impacting future generations of students.
B – ALL IN!
The Tigers return to Death Valley again this Saturday to face Boston College. Whether you’re in Tiger Town cheering for the Tigers or showing your pride from home, the Clemson Family is ALL IN for Clemson! Be sure to submit photos of your Halloween costumes this week to the Clemson Alumni Association to show the Clemson Family how you are celebrating the Tigers at home.
Go Tigers! Beat BC!
Brian O’Rourke