B – the best!
January 14, 2021
Greetings, fellow Tigers!
This past year has presented our University and the world with inconceivable challenges. But these challenges have uncovered champions of the Clemson Family who have gracefully and powerfully risen to the occasion.
I know I speak for the entire University and Clemson Family when I say that we are forever grateful to our Clemson University team members and our partners at MUSC who have worked tirelessly on the front lines of COVID-19 response since March. Clemson University and the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) continue to work together, now administering COVID-19 vaccines to Clemson’s front-line workers classified as phase 1A. This longstanding and powerful partnership between the two institutions is ensuring vaccines are available to Clemson Rural Health clinicians and team members; Healthy Me-Healthy SC Rural COVID Screening Teams; Redfern Health Center medical personnel and staff; School of Nursing faculty, staff and students involved in direct clinical care; and first responders on campus like Fire and EMS. Please read more about this partnership and the amazing advancements in the battle against COVID-19.
David Beasley to keynote virtual Sonoco FRESH Food, Packaging & Sustainability Summit
In December 2020 the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize “… for its efforts to combat hunger, for its contribution to bettering conditions for peace in conflict-affected areas and for acting as a driving force in efforts to prevent the use of hunger as a weapon of war and conflict.” Beasley will paint a picture of the industry’s ability to make positive changes that will impact the future of sustainable food systems.
The Summit’s theme depicts the goal of optimizing the food value chain to protect food and the environment through safe, secure and sustainable solutions. You can read more about the summit here.
C.J. Spiller Selected for Induction in College Football Hall of Fame
The National Football Foundation announced this week that Clemson legend C.J. Spiller has been selected for induction into the College Football Hall of Fame as a member of the Class of 2021. Spiller earned the distinction in only his second year of eligibility.
Spiller is one of 11 players and two coaches in the 2021 College Football Hall of Fame Class selected from the national ballot.
One of the most exciting players in the sport’s history, Spiller had 21 career touchdowns covering at least 50 yards. He had eight kick returns for touchdowns in his career, most in ACC history. In the spring of 2010, he was the ninth overall selection in the NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills. He went on to play eight years in the NFL and was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2012.
Spiller, whose No. 28 is retired at Clemson, was inducted into the Clemson Athletic Hall of Fame this past fall and is also slated for induction into the South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame this spring. The 2009 Clemson graduate also now serves as a graduate coaching intern at Clemson in addition to serving as a member of the IPTAY Board of Directors. You can read more about Spiller and his hall of fame distinction here.
Men’s basketball update
Although Clemson’s men’s basketball games at North Carolina and Syracuse have been postponed due to COVID-19, it hasn’t stopped the Tigers from moving up. The Tigers are now ranked 12th in the AP Top 25. I am looking forward to the Tigers returning to the court and continuing their amazing season. Go Tigers!
B – the best!
I enjoy having the opportunity to discuss with you all the wonderful things happening on our campus. Our physical separation from our fellow Tigers right now has only reiterated the special bond among the Clemson Family. Because of the support from you – our alumni, fans and friends – our University and our students continue to thrive. Thank you for your continued support and commitment to make Clemson the best!
Brian O’Rourke