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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 125^th 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

Holiday greetings, fellow Tigers!

As this year comes to an end, I reflect on the challenges and hardships we faced as a world, country and University. But we have come together in extraordinary ways, and I couldn’t be more proud to be a part of the Clemson Family. Thank you for your constant support and commitment through these unprecedented times. I am forever grateful for each of you!

Our students have excelled during unprecedented times, and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to safely celebrate our December graduates and this amazing milestone for them throughout the next two days. Clemson will honor them during commencement ceremonies at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville. Congratulations to our newest alumni. We know they are going to make a lasting and incredible mark on the world.

One of ClemsonLIFE’s graduates was recently featured in a story that has gone viral. Jake Pratt has marked a new life accomplishment, working as a package runner for UPS. When diagnosed with Down syndrome, Jake’s parents were told he would never live a normal life. But they were determined to prove them wrong – setting in place the foundation for Jake’s determination throughout life. From playing football in high school to getting his driver’s license to attending college, Jake has always broken down barriers with the support of his family.

ClemsonLIFE (Learning Is For Everyone) is a post-secondary education program with the specific purpose of helping young adults with intellectual disabilities obtain the life skills necessary to gain employment and live independently. Intellectual disabilities should not be a barrier for living life to its fullest — or to having the benefit of a college experience. And Jake is one of many ClemsonLIFE graduates who are wonderful examples of this – who are inspiring others with intellectual disabilities to pursue their dreams. On Jake’s Twitter page, he says, “I have an extra chromosome, but we are more alike than different.” What a wonderful inspiration Jake serves to the Clemson Family and the world.

Clemson’s victories can be seen in the classroom, in the labs and on the athletic fields. But sometimes you have to look even deeper to see the true essence of the Clemson Family. Disney’s new film, Safety, is giving the world a glimpse into the special bond among Clemson Tigers. Safety is based on the true story of Ray “Ray Ray” McElrathbey, who played for the Tigers from 2005 to ’07, and his little brother, Fahmarr, aka “Fay.” Ray Ray took Fahmarr to Clemson from their hometown of Atlanta, successfully petitioning the courts to become his younger brother’s legal guardian. Every morning, Ray Ray woke Fahmarr and sent him off to middle school, then he went to class and football practice. He would return home in the evening with food for Fahmarr that he snuck out of the cafeteria. After helping his brother with his homework, Ray Ray put him to bed and then finished his own homework. And Ray Ray was doing all of this while was only 19 years old. Clemson compliance officers began fighting for an NCAA waiver that would allow the school to help Ray Ray look after his brother. Once the waiver was granted, Fahmarr became an active and unofficial member of the Clemson football facility. But it wasn’t only financial support that the Clemson Family provided. The coaches’ wives set up a carpool schedule to pick him up from school each day and take him to practice, where he did homework in film rooms and attended practice every day.

Ray Ray now splits time between Atlanta, South Carolina and Los Angeles, where he has worked as personal trainer and even a bodyguard to the stars. His mother, Tonya, is drug-free, and the entire family plans to work together as part of the Ray Ray Safety Net Foundation, which was created to help families who are struggling to stay together because of substance abuse. Safety is an amazing testament to the Clemson Family and the special bond that brings us together in extraordinary ways.

 B – happy and healthy in the holidays!  

There is still time to grab several goodies to share with the special Tigers in your life. When you make your annual gift, you can purchase several of our limited-edition Clemson gifts, such as our Couch Season T-shirt.

We will also send you a free Clemson Through the Years 2021 calendar when you make your annual gift. You can purchase additional copies to share with friends and family so that you can celebrate our University year-round.

The B-Note will be taking a break during the holidays, but I am wishing you and your families the happiest of holidays and a wonderful New Year! CU in 2020!

Blessings and Go Tigers! Beat Notre Dame!

Brian O’Rourke

Greetings, fellow Tigers!

Our No. 3 Tigers defeated Virginia Tech 45-10 on Saturday to advance to our sixth consecutive ACC Championship Game. With the win, Trevor Lawrence became the winningest starting quarterback in school-history (33). The Tigers will play in their sixth consecutive ACC Championship Game in Charlotte, N.C. at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 19, in a rematch with Notre Dame.

Clemson men’s and women’s basketball teams are both off to an incredible start this season with undefeated records. The men’s team is now 4-0 and will tip-off against Alabama this Saturday, December 9. The women’s team is 5-0 and are traveling to Charlottesville today to face Virginia at 3 p.m.

Go Tigers!

Clemson’s relationship with Nemours still going and growing 25 years later

As the Nemours Wildlife Foundation celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, the relationship between Clemson University and Nemours continues going strong and making a major impact on both students and programs. Established by the late Eugene duPont III and his family in 1995, the non-profit Nemours Wildlife Foundation is housed and operates on the nearly 10,000-acre Nemours Plantation in northern Beaufort County and works to be a leader in the scientific study and stewardship of our natural resources. And that study and stewardship has been helped by a significant number of Clemson students — 25 undergraduate interns all told in those 25 years and 16 Clemson graduate students who have produced nine peer-reviewed articles in scientific journals.

Nemours President and CEO Ernie Wiggers, an alum of Clemson’s wildlife program, said the need for those connections is beneficial for both the University and the Nemours Foundation’s goals as Clemson offers the only wildlife program in the state. Wiggers also commended the foundation’s close working relationship with Clemson’s James C. Kennedy Waterfowl & Wetlands Center, saying its presence adds to the synergy for research dealing with waterfowl and wetlands. You can read more here.

B – in the spirit of giving!

It is hard to believe that 2020 is winding down, and the fall semester is almost complete. And that means it is now the season of giving, and we are offering several goodies for you to share with the special Tigers in your life.

When you make your annual gift, you get the opportunity to purchase several of our limited-edition Clemson gifts, such as our Couch Season T-shirt.

We will also send you a free Clemson Through the Years 2021 calendar when you make your annual gift. You can purchase additional copies to share with friends and family so that you can celebrate our University year-round.

As you consider how you can give back this holiday season, it is important to note that more donations to charity can be deducted for 2020 under the CARES Act. The 60%-of-AGI limit on deductions for cash donations by people who itemize is suspended (gifts to donor-advised funds and private non-operating foundations are excluded). Non-itemizers can also write off up to $300 of charitable cash contributions. This is a new “above-the-line” deduction for people who don’t file Schedule A. You can read more here.

Because of your generosity, we are able to support the mission of our beloved University and provide support to our students, faculty and staff – ensuring that Tigers can experience Clemson’s greatness for generations to come.

Spread a little cheer by making a gift to Clemson before the end of the year and celebrate the most wonderful season of all. To make your gift, call 864-656-5896 or visit iamatiger.clemson.edu/giving/exclusives.

Go Tigers!

Brian O’Rourke

Greetings, fellow Tigers!

It was a beautiful day in Death Valley on Saturday for our final home game of the 2020 football season, and it was also our Military Appreciation game when we have the special opportunity to honor those who have selflessly and graciously served our country.

It has been a very different year, but whether you were supporting our Tigers from the stadium or at home, our Tigers felt your unwavering support. It was a bittersweet day as several of our Tigers ran down The Hill for the final time, and we could not be prouder of their academic and athletic success and are excited to watch them represent the Clemson Family in their future endeavors.

Robyn Nieri surprised with an honorary alumnus degree

During Saturday’s game, Robyn Nieri was surprised with an honorary alumnus degree from the Clemson Alumni Association. Honorary alumni are selected by the Alumni Association Honors and Awards Committee on the basis of outstanding service, lifelong devotion and loyalty to Clemson University or the Clemson Alumni Association.

Robyn and her husband Michael (’86) were the University’s fifth Cornerstone Partner for Athletics, creating the Nieri Family Student-Athlete Enrichment Center, and the fifth Academic Cornerstone Partner, naming the Nieri Family Department of Construction Science and Management in the College of Architecture, Arts and Humanities. Michael and Robyn have three children, Pennington, Maigan and Patrick, who all received their degrees from Clemson. Service, devotion and loyalty – these three words perfectly describe Robyn and her relationship with our University. Congratulations, Robyn, on this much-deserved honor!

Jack Leggett and Jamey Rootes release new books

Two great friends and valuable members of our Clemson Family have each released new books. Jack Leggett, Clemson University’s former head baseball coach and distinguished member of the ABCA Hall of Fame, has released a book, The ABC’s of Excellence: A Baseball Coach’s Roadmap to Success On and Off The Field, for anyone who wants to be successful and teach, coach and lead in a winning way. In the book, he reveals stories, principles, ideas and insights he’s discovered that can help you motivate, enroll, engage and lead your coaches and players to success. These ideas apply to everyday life and your ability to lead in every arena, from raising kids, to running a business with employees, coaching a team, or heading up a group or organization.

Jack, who coached the Tiger’s baseball team for 22 years, was named an honorary alumnus of Clemson in 2017. He led the team to 955 wins and six appearances in the College World Series.

Jamey Rootes ‘88, a graduate of the Clemson University Honors College, has joined the ranks of bestselling authors on Amazon with his new book, The Winning Game Plan: A Proven Leadership Playbook for Continuous Business Success. On the day of the release last month, his book started its upward movement towards bestseller status on Amazon.

Jamey provides readers with a world-class approach to leading a business, any business, to exceptional and sustained success. Jamey‎ has been one of Houston’s leading executives for more than two decades. He currently serves as President of the Houston Texans and is responsible for all business functions of the club. In his book, Jamey shares the principles and ideology that has made the Texans one of the most valuable professional sports franchises, both in the NFL and globally.

While at Clemson, Jamey was student body president and a member of two national championship soccer teams. Following graduation, Jamey had the privilege of being my roommate in Greenville.

Congratulations, Jack and Jamey, on the release of your new books! I am immensely proud of each of you!

B – proud to be a Tiger!

From cheering for our Tigers on the field to watching our graduates become successful professionals to celebrating the dedication of our fellow Tigers, the Clemson Family takes great pride in each other’s accomplishments.

The success of our students today, tomorrow and forever is because of each of you. Thank you for your devotion and support for Clemson University!

Go Tigers! Beat Virginia Tech!

Brian O’Rourke

Greetings, fellow Tigers!

Graduation is an important milestone for our students and the Clemson Family. It was so important for our May and August graduates to have this experience after the postponement of University activities in the spring and summer. Throughout three days and seven ceremonies, our new Clemson alumni walked across the stage and had the special recognition they truly deserved, commemorating their hard work and determination for their Clemson degree. Congratulations, graduates, on your amazing accomplishment!

Sixth annual Tigers on Call

Tigers on Call brings together Clemson alumni and friend health providers with current students interested in pursuing careers in health care. It began in 2015 as a part of Health Professions Advising in the College of Science, serving students with a focus on careers in the field of medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physician assistant, physical therapy and occupational therapy interests. I recently participated in the sixth annual Tigers on Call. The program was held virtually and included round table sessions between students and providers and a panel discussion on COVID-19 from Clemson Family practitioners. This is a student-driven program that engages our alumni, donors and friends and strengthens Clemson’s healthcare work force for the future. Tigers on Call is one of the largest academically-centered alumni engagement events.  We appreciate all those who have supported this program in the past and in 2020!

The power of community

Two Clemson University civil engineers have put themselves on track to become professors after immersing themselves in an academic community that has offered them a host of opportunities from mentoring and advising to research and work experiences. Juliann Lloyd and Logan Wade, now first-year Ph.D. students, chose Clemson for their undergraduate degrees and found their way to the Glenn Department of Civil Engineering and participated in many of the same undergraduate programs. When it was time to pick a doctoral program, both chose Clemson again. Along the way, Lloyd and Wade have developed a passion for civil engineering and discovered within themselves a desire to make a positive difference in the world. Their experiences underscore the power of carefully crafted programs, a supportive community to keep them humming along and students willing to work hard at them. Now they are preparing to impact future generations of Clemson students. You can read more here.

B – thankful.

It has been a difficult year for our University and the world, and it is during these times that I find it most important to reflect on the things I am most grateful for. Your commitment and support has been unwavering during this year’s challenges, and I am forever thankful for each of you.

B-Note will take a break next week, but I wish you a safe and Happy Thanksgiving.

Go Tigers! Beat Florida State!

Brian O’Rourke

Greetings, fellow Tigers!

Honoring the men and women who have so valiantly served our country is a valued tradition at Clemson. Our University’s history is steeped in military service, and every year, we dedicate several days to events honoring our veterans. This is especially meaningful to the Clemson Family, and it is a privilege to have the opportunity to honor those who have given so much to our country. For the past week, organizers hosted events that coincided with Veterans Day yesterday. Later this month, the Clemson Tigers home football game against Pittsburgh on Nov. 28 has been deemed the official 2020 Military Appreciation Game.

Among Clemson’s most known veterans is U.S. Army Col. Ben Skardon – a survivor of the Bataan Death March and revered alumnus and professor emeritus of Clemson University. Colonel Skardon (pictured above) is a true American hero, and we are honored to call him a friend and member of the Clemson Family. Colonel Skardon’s brother, Jimmy Skardon, is also a veteran and recently celebrated his 100^th birthday. Join me in wishing Jimmy the happiest of birthdays and thanking him, Colonel Skardon and all veterans for their selfless and honorable service.

Veteran Jeffrey Crouch connects fellow veterans with tools for success

Veterans face many challenges when transitioning from military to student life, including everything from navigating GI Bill paperwork to learning new classroom technologies to connecting with future employers and fellow students. There are almost 350 student veterans in the Clemson Family, and more than 40 are students in Clemson University’s MBA Program – more than in any one graduate program at the University.

One of those veterans, Clemson MBA candidate Jeffrey Crouch, took note of the challenges he has faced, as well as the support he received to overcome them, and set out to help his fellow veterans get connected with the resources and information they need to succeed.

Originally from Greenville, S.C., Crouch joined the United States Marine Corps in 2001 prior to 9/11 and worked in aviation logistics and maintenance, serving tours in both Afghanistan and Iraq before receiving an honorable discharge at the rank of Staff Sergeant in 2012. One of the greatest sacrifices he made when choosing to enlist was giving up the opportunity to attend his dream school for undergrad – Clemson University. After his service, he decided to use the GI Bill to attend Clemson’s renowned MBA Program. Thank you, Jeffrey Crouch, for your service! You can read more about how he is helping his fellow veterans here.

Endowing a new scholarship for first-generation Clemson students in the humanities

Dennis Moore, a Clemson University graduate and recently retired professor at Florida State University, is endowing a new scholarship for first-generation Clemson students in the humanities. Dennis, a first-generation Clemson student himself, understands the importance and need for these scholarships. Moore’s gift will fund the annual Moore Family Scholarship for First-Generation Students.

After graduating from Clemson with a bachelor’s degree in English in 1970, Moore then earned his master’s degree in English literature from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. He returned to Clemson as a visiting instructor in English, 1982-84, before earning his Ph.D. in U.S. literature at UNC-Chapel Hill. At Florida State, Moore taught early American literature and African American literature and culture from 1991 until his retirement in 2019. You can read more about Dennis and his scholarship for first-generation Clemson students here.

B – proud to be a Tiger!

In the face of defeat, the true nature of the Clemson Tiger is more evident than ever. Clemson is special, and we continue to show the world why. It’s the people – our students, our alumni, our faculty and staff, our donors. It’s the Clemson Family. Whether we win or lose, we do it with honor. Our football team demonstrated this on Saturday in South Bend when the Tigers were defeated 47-40 by Notre Dame. It was a hard-fought and heartbreaking loss, but the Tigers were able to leave the field with their heads held high. The team has a much-deserved bye week but will travel again next weekend to Tallahassee to face Florida State.

Facing some of the greatest challenges our University has ever seen, our May and August graduates responded with dedication and determination. We are so excited to be able to celebrate them and their amazing accomplishments this week during seven commencement ceremonies over the course of three days at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Congratulations to each of our graduates! Join me in officially welcoming them to the Clemson Family as alumni!

Even during the most difficult losses and circumstances, we are forever proud to be Clemson Tigers. Thank you for everything you do for Clemson – today, tomorrow and forever.

Go Tigers!

Brian O’Rourke

Greetings, fellow Tigers!

It was another exciting win for the Clemson Tigers Saturday in Death Valley as the Tigers defeated Boston College in a nail-biting victory. The team will travel for a top 5 matchup against Notre Dame this Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Go Tigers!

Pamela Maddex Hendrix Named Honorary Alumna

I recently had the honor of joining Clemson leadership to present Pam Maddex Hendrix’s Honorary Alumna designation to her husband Bill and the entire Hendrix family.  Pam graduated from Winthrop University in 1965. Upon graduation, she traveled internationally and later married her husband, Leon “Bill” J. Hendrix in 1967. Once married, Pam and Bill lived on Clemson University’s campus and she worked for the University while Bill completed his degree. Through their marriage, Pam developed a deep loyalty and passion for Clemson. Their four children, Jill Ganzenmüller ’92, Joy Yonce ’93, Holly Cirrito ’95 and Jim Hendrix III ’98, are proud Clemson graduates, and along with their spouses, they share 10 children who are loyal and devoted Clemson Tigers.

Together, Pam and Bill provided financial support for The Hendrix Student Center; The Hendrix Family Endowment for the Office for the Student Body President; The Class of 1963 Bridge to Clemson University Endowment; The President’s Leadership Circle; and The Emerging Scholars Program. They were Founding Partners for the James F. Barker and Marcia Barker Scholarship Endowment and distinguished members of the Trustee Oak Society. The Hendrix Family was Clemson’s inaugural Athletic Cornerstone Partner with a commitment of $2.5 million to support facility enhancements. Pam’s children surprised her and developed in her name The Pamela Maddex Hendrix Dream Jar Travel Endowment which provides meaningful travel experiences for Clemson students. After her passing, the family became an Academic Cornerstone Partner with a gift of $2.5 million to create The Pamela Maddex Hendrix Dream Jar Education Abroad Endowment. This partnership program allows Clemson students to dream, plan and live their global experiences during their time at Clemson. You can read more about Pam and the amazing impact she and Bill have had on Clemson here.

Military Appreciation Week

Despite being forced to conduct mostly online events due to the COVID-19 pandemic, organizers have moved forward with a formal Clemson University Military Appreciation Week to be held throughout the next week, November 6-12. The events will coincide with Veterans Day, November 11. Later in the month, the Clemson Tigers home football game against Pittsburgh on the Nov. 28 has been deemed the official 2020 Military Appreciation Game.

Celebrating our military heritage is a special tradition at Clemson, and it’s important that we have these opportunities to recognize the service and contributions of our military service members and veterans, increase our advocacy and awareness in supporting them, and celebrate them. You can find more information and a schedule of events here.

Students foster service dogs for veterans

Clemson animal and veterinary sciences majors Marena Fleming, Grace White and Dana Galvin have committed to fostering service dogs for a year for Battle Buddies, a Simpsonville-based nonprofit that trains service dogs and then gifts them to veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD). Jo Ann Creed, who founded Battle Buddies with her husband John in 2012, said teaming the dogs with Clemson students has turned out to be a brilliant idea. She said the main goal in the first year is to get the pups socialized and used to being around people, and the college environment lends itself perfectly to that. Jo Ann believes she’s found the perfect partners in Clemson students and the entire Clemson Family! You can read more here.

B – Impactful!

Clemson students and members of the Clemson Family – like the Hendrix family – serve as extraordinary examples of how we can give of our time, talent and treasures to others to make an impact on Clemson and beyond. Thank you, Clemson alumni, donors and leaders, for your support, loyalty and dedication to our University! You are impacting Clemson students today, tomorrow and forever.

Go Tigers! Beat Notre Dame!

Brian O’Rourke

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

Greetings, fellow Tigers!

This week I am reflecting on a truly special day for Clemson University. Wilbur O. “Billy” and Ann Powers have forever made their mark on our University with a gift of $60 million, and it was an immense honor to be a part of this history-making day for Clemson when these longtime Clemson supporters made the special announcement on Friday.

The newly named Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business is housed in a new state-of-the-art building that opened this semester. With the college’s signature programs and the new, best-in-class facility, our students are experiencing first-hand the overwhelming impact of Billy and Ann’s generosity. The Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business is not only a gateway to Clemson University, but it also serves as a catalyst for commerce across South Carolina and enterprise around the world. Click here to read more about how this gift from Billy and Ann will elevate business at Clemson University.

The Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business is a dual-tower, five-story structure standing across from Sikes Hall in the heart of campus. One of those towers bears the name of Chandler L. Burns ’15. The namesake is Billy Powers’ grandson, who sadly passed away in 2016. Billy and Ann’s decision to name the tower after him came from the desire to indelibly link Chandler’s memory with Clemson’s campus. I cannot think of a more fitting tribute to Chandler’s strong character and fierce determination. You can read a special tribute to Chandler in the latest ClemsonWorld.

Because of Billy and Ann’s philanthropic spirits, Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business will prosper into one of the country’s best institutions for educating the next generation of global business leaders. The gift also positions the College to attract leading faculty through endowed professorships, as well as provide significant merit and need-based financial aid to students in order to grow future generations of South Carolina business leaders.

Billy and Ann gave this incredible gift to make difference in the lives of Clemson’s students – a true reflection of their business insight and personal values. Not since Thomas and Anna Clemson founded our University has a gift been more transformational. The significance of this moment will forever be written into the history of Clemson University. Having known Billy and Ann for many years, their generosity today comes as no surprise. They embody the very best of what it means to be a Clemson Tiger, and this remarkable gift only heightens their important roles within the Clemson Family. Please read more about Billy and Ann’s lives and acts of philanthropy here.

B – inspired!

Billy and Ann’s commitment to Clemson serves as an example to all of us. As we all strive to follow in the philanthropic footsteps of those who came before us, remember these important words from Billy: “You haven’t really helped anybody until you do things for people who can’t do something back in return. And that is very rewarding when you can do that.”

Again, I say thank you, Billy and Ann, for your philanthropic spirit that is making an impact on Clemson students today, tomorrow and forever. I speak for the entire Clemson Family when I express how grateful we are for your kindness, generosity and commitment.

Go Tigers! Beat Syracuse!

Brian O’Rourke

Greetings, fellow Tigers!

It has become a familiar scene in Death Valley – heavy rain pouring down on players on the field and dedicated fans in the stands. But the weather is never an obstacle for the Tigers who extended their longest home winning streak in school history to 25 with a 42-17 victory over the Miami Hurricanes. The Tigers also increased their FBS-record Saturday winning streak to 47. Clemson will hit the road for the first time since the season-opener this Saturday when the Tigers face Georgia Tech in Atlanta at noon. Go Tigers!

2020 Nobel Peace Prize

The 2020 Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to the World Food Programme (WFP), led by former South Carolina governor David Beasley. This organization truly makes a difference, and we are proud that a member of our Clemson Family and a leader within our state is being recognized for this important work.

The Nobel Foundation awarded the WFP the 2020 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.” In 2019, the WFP provided assistance to close to 100 million people in 88 countries who are victims of acute food insecurity and hunger. The coronavirus pandemic has contributed to a strong upsurge in the number of victims of hunger in the world.

Samuel J. Cadden Chapel construction

Each construction initiative happening on campus today is vitally important to enhancing the quality of the Clemson experience for our students. These enhancements to our campus are only possible thanks to the generosity and support of our Clemson Family. Watching these initiatives – like the Samuel J. Cadden Chapel – come to fruition is an exciting time for those who have made it possible. The chapel, now under construction, is named after a Clemson student who passed away unexpectedly in 2015 and will be an inviting venue for all people to celebrate, meditate and reflect. Ken and Mary Cadden, the parents of Samuel J. Cadden, made the lead gift of $1.5 million in June 2016 that set forth an impressive fundraising campaign. Less than three years later, pledges received for the chapel from more than 1,500 donors exceeded $7 million.

School of Mathematical & Statistical Sciences develops a degree program

Clemson’s College of Science has partnered with South Carolina State University for two accelerated degree programs. The first program launched last year in the Physics & Astronomy Department – from which the first student will come to Clemson in Fall 2021. Now, the School of Mathematical & Statistical Sciences has also developed a degree program. This is an incredible program that strengthens South Carolina educational opportunities and underrepresented students in STEM fields. Clemson is proud to partner with our fellow land-grant university in South Carolina and a historically black college and university.

The new program allows math students at SC State to earn their bachelor’s combined with their master’s degrees in just five years. Undergraduate students will study at SC State for three years, then transfer to Clemson, earning a bachelor’s degree from SC State and their master’s degree from Clemson by the end of the fifth year. The programs give students a cost-effective way to receive the personalized support available in a smaller program at SC State and benefit from the resources available at Clemson. These programs will also help produce the highly educated workforce South Carolina needs.

B – inspiring!

Whether it is watching our athletic programs excel on the field, watching our students thrive or watching campus projects come to fruition, it’s a great time to be a Clemson Tiger! All of this is possible because of the Clemson Family’s unwavering support. Thank you for your generosity and commitment to the future of our University. You are inspiring future generations of Tigers!

Go Tigers! Beat Georgia Tech!

Brian O’Rourke