B – refreshed in the New Year!
January 7, 2021
Happy New Year, fellow Tigers!
I hope you all had a joyful, safe and healthy holiday season. We have been anxiously awaiting our students to return to campus this week, and we are excited that they have now officially begun the spring semester. I would like to take this time to thank each of you for your commitment to Clemson. Because of you and your support, Clemson students are thriving here and making impacts in the world.
Last week, Clemson football concluded its 125th football season with its sixth straight trip to the college football playoffs, and while the outcome was not what we had hoped, the Clemson Family is incredibly proud of our team for overcoming extraordinary challenges this season with determination and grace. Leadership was especially important under the unusual circumstances of this season – and Trevor Lawrence certainly rose to the occasion. Please watch this special video from Trevor to the Clemson Family about his journey and love of Clemson. Thank you, Trevor, for your outstanding leadership, sportsmanship and commitment during your time at Clemson. We are forever grateful and know the future holds amazing things for you and that you will proudly represent the Clemson Family as you embark on your next journey. Go Tigers!
A Bond Among Tigers
Margaret Bond and her late husband, Steve, captured the essence of our Clemson spirit with a solid orange passion for giving back and helping others. Her bond to Clemson tethers her to every aspect of student life at the University, and her leadership and commitment inspire each of us to strengthen our bond to Clemson and to recommit ourselves to helping others achieve their dreams and aspirations.
Margaret Bond graduated from Clemson in 1984 with a degree in elementary education and pursued her passion for teaching. While on campus, she made lifelong friends, especially with a group from her sorority, Delta Delta Delta. Margaret and Steve were married for almost 30 years when Steve sadly passed away in 2013 from lung cancer. Despite this devastating hardship, Margaret continues to honor his legacy by giving back to Clemson – a place they both cherished and admired. Margaret gives her time, talent and treasures to the University because she has experienced first-hand the enormous impact that generosity can make on the next generation. Margaret and Steve gave generously to Clemson’s golf program, and Steve was the driving force behind establishing the Clemson Golf Paws program. Today, Margaret honors her husband’s legacy by continuing to build on those relationships, serving as the chair for Golf Paws and actively participating in the Clemson Golf program.
Before Steve passed away, he and Margaret established the prestigious Bond Distinguished Athletes Award. Steve was passionate about honoring former Clemson athletes, so they created a way to honor and recognize athletes who continue to serve as a beacon of excellence. Unfortunately, Steve passed away a few months before the first award was presented, and Margaret has dedicated her life to honor his memory by celebrating the accomplishments of former Clemson athletes who are making a significant difference, exemplifying character, citizenship and service.
Margaret is also committed to Clemson football, which began as a small child and gets stronger every year. Margaret’s philanthropic support extends to the President’s Leadership Circle, ClemsonLIFE, Samuel J. Cadden Chapel and Clemson’s men’s basketball program. She is also a member of the Clemson University Board of Visitors. You can read more about Margaret and Steve here and watch a special video here.
B – refreshed in the New Year!
A new year brings a feeling of new beginnings. While our world is still facing challenges of a global pandemic, I am confident we will continue to come together in extraordinary ways to support one another – because the Clemson Family does this like no other.
Thank you for your encouragement, support and commitment.
Go Tigers!
Brian O’Rourke