The B-Note Blog

Greetings fellow Tigers!

It is with great sadness that I share with you the loss of a special member of our Clemson family. Former Clemson University President and Trustee Philip Hunter Prince, 93, passed away last week. Phil, who was elected a trustee by the board of trustees in 1989, was named acting president in 1994. He spoke about his time of presidency as the “most challenging, demanding, exhausting and also rewarding.”

Phil received an athletic scholarship to Clemson College in 1944, but his time at college was interrupted by U.S. Army service in 1944-45. He returned to Clemson and was co-captain of the 1948 football team. Phil has a distinguished record of service to Clemson. He was a member of Tiger Brotherhood and served on the Board of Visitors and the Alumni National Council. Beginning in 1982, he served on the board of the Clemson Foundation and became its president in 1989. He led the Campaign for Clemson, which raised $101 million for scholarships, professorships and other academic needs. He and his wife, Celeste, donated $900,000 to the campaign and Phil donated his presidential salary to university academics. He earned the Distinguished Alumni Service Award, the Clemson Medallion and the Clemson Distinguished Athletes Award. Phil was recognized for his leadership and lifelong commitment to Clemson with an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree in May of 1995.

From a student-athlete to trustee to university president, Phil Prince left a legacy at Clemson that will never be forgotten. His contributions to Clemson were all-encompassing, leaving a mark on Clemson students for generations to come. His many recognitions and awards as a member of the Clemson family are a symbol of his dedication and commitment to our University. It was a tremendous honor to know him. You can read more about his amazing life here.

We are fortunate to have the opportunities to celebrate our University, our generous donors and their philanthropic support of our University. On Saturday, I had the pleasure of attending the annual Leadership Circle reception, where we heard first-hand from students about the impact that these gifts are having on their lives. The Leadership Circle was created to recognize those individuals who have built a tradition of giving $10,000 or more per year for unrestricted gifts. These gifts are vital to the success of Clemson because they can be directed to the most critical, promising and appropriate purposes in support of the University. You can view photos from the event here.

Following the Leadership Circle reception, many of those who attended the event had the opportunity to watch our men’s basketball team during another nail-biting victory in Littlejohn Coliseum. The Tigers knocked off the No. 6 Florida State Seminoles 70-69 on a game-winning layup with one second remaining. Al-Amir Dawes drove the length of the floor for the go-ahead basket, coming up clutch and providing the Tigers with their third victory of the season over a top-10 opponent at Littlejohn Coliseum. Congratulations, Tigers, on another exciting victory! The Tigers’ final game of the regular season is tomorrow at 7 p.m. in Littlejohn Coliseum against Georgia Tech. Next week the team heads to Greensboro for the ACC Tournament. Go Tigers!

I recently had the opportunity to join President Clements, Chief of Staff Max Allen, the Clemson Alumni Association and Annual Giving in Tampa to gather with the Tampa Bay Clemson Club. Around 30 members of the club attended the event, including the club’s board members. I always enjoy speaking with our clubs across the country about the amazing things happening at Clemson and how their involvement in local clubs is supporting our University. Through their local scholarship this year, the Tampa Bay Clemson Club awarded four local students in Florida with scholarships to Clemson.

The 4^th annual Men of Color National Summit brought some “Magic” to this year’s group of African-American and Hispanic males in its mission to close the opportunity gap and develop clearer pathways to college for this group of students. Every year the summit brings an impressive lineup of speakers to the energetic two-day event hosted by Clemson University’s Division of Inclusion and Equity, and this year was no exception. The summit welcomed Earvin “Magic” Johnson, who shared his inspiring story of athletic and entrepreneurial success. Other keynote speakers and entertainment included:  Alberto Gonzales, 82^nd United States attorney general; Jim Murren, chairman and CEO, MGM Resorts International; Akbar Gbaja-Biamila, host, American Ninja Warrior and former NFL football player; Robert E. Johnson, chancellor, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth; Johnathan Holifield, executive director, White House Initiative on HBCUs Domestic Policy Council; Peter Villegas, vice president and head, Office of Latin Affairs, Coca-Cola; and Victor Robertson, Three Mo’ Tenors.

B – inspired!
The example set by those who came before us – including Phil Prince – is among the best gifts that be bestowed upon our Clemson family. Their legacies continue to inspire us to impact future generations of Clemson students. Phil was the epitome of a Clemson Tiger, and we can honor his legacy by continuing to make Clemson the best it can be – today, tomorrow and forever.

Go Tigers!

Brian O’Rourke

Greetings fellow Tigers!

Joe Sherman ’34 said, “There’s something in these hills and I suspect that’s what it is – the ability of an institution through the unending dedication and greatness of its people.” Last weekend, there was definitely a collective feeling of “something in these hills.” It was a special weekend of family, sportsmanship and unity. And no one seemed to mind the extra traffic because it was a gathering of Tigers to cheer for their fellow Tigers in the diamond, on the court and on the track. Women’s softball swept the ACC/Big Ten Challenge; men’s baseball swept Liberty University during their season-opener; Clemson hosted the Tiger Paw Invitational – which has become known as one of the best track meets in the world; and in Littlejohn Coliseum on Saturday afternoon, the men’s basketball team defeated the fifth-ranked Louisville Cardinals, knocking off a team ranked inside the top five of both polls for the second time this season. The spirit and excitement was supreme.

The Clemson Athletic Department, along with the alumni association, student affairs, IPTAY and other campus groups, announced special gameday designations for the 2020 football season. Clemson is celebrating its 125th season on the gridiron in 2020. In addition to the special games, Clemson is scheduled to host Fan Day on Aug. 16. You can see the complete list of designations here.

This week Clemson trustees and leaders traveled to the state capitol of South Carolina for Clemson Day at the State House. Our University is fortunate to have the support of state legislators and leaders who strive to make Clemson a leader in education.

B – Great!
The words of Joe Sherman – even all these years later – continue to ring true to Clemson. There is “something in these hills” because there is something about the people – the Clemson family – that remains the same year after year. I invite you to watch special videos highlighting two of our greatest Tigers – Colonel Ben Skardon and Trustee Emeritus Allen Wood – who were recently awarded Clemson’s highest honor, the Clemson Medallion. Thank you for being a great member of the Clemson family!

Go Tigers!

Brian O’Rourke

Greetings fellow Tigers!

The Clemson campus was blanketed with white snow over the weekend. Luckily it didn’t linger long enough to disrupt life on campus, but the one day of snow gave our students an opportunity to enjoy the winter weather.

On Friday night, Clemson University awarded its highest honor, the Clemson Medallion, to two distinguished alumni — Professor Emeritus Beverly “Ben” Skardon and Trustee Emeritus Allen Price Wood. The Clemson Medallion is presented to individuals who have rendered notable and significant service and support to Clemson University and who exemplify the dedication and foresight of university founder Thomas Green Clemson. These are two incredibly special men who are undoubtedly deserving of this high award. This award is a great acknowledgement of the tremendous impact these two amazing men have had on our University and students. You can read more about their dedication to Clemson and their many accomplishments and recognitions here.

Clemson athletics is preparing for one of the busiest weekends on record, hosting 17 events across six venues. A total of 10 softball games will take place at the new Clemson Softball Stadium. The Tigers opened the park last night with a sold-out doubleheader against Western Carolina. The Tigers fell a little short in the first game, losing 2-0. But the Tigers secured their first home win in program history as they defeated Western Carolina 8-0 in the second game. Clemson freshman right-handed pitcher Logan Caymol did not allow a single hit and struck out 11 batters. Congratulations, Tigers! This weekend they will host the ACC/Big Ten Challenge, featuring four Clemson games and four neutral games. Baseball, track & field, men’s basketball, women’s basketball and women’s tennis will all compete throughout the weekend. Because of recent inclement weather and timing, fans attending events are asked to plan ahead and arrive early. You can find the most up-to-date information here.

The ONE Clemson Party and Auction is scheduled for Saturday, March 7 at Greenville Country Club. The fun-filled night will include heavy hors d’oeuvres, drinks, music, a silent auction and a live auction. Auction items are exclusive and one-of-a-kind Clemson related memorabilia and experiences. You can read more and purchase tickets here. The 2020 ONE Clemson Golf Tournament will take place Monday, March 9 at Thornblade Club. You can sign up as an individual or team of four. Each golfer will also receive two tickets to the ONE Clemson Party and Auction on March 7. Last year’s tournament sold out, so be sure to sign up quickly. You can find more information and purchase tickets for the 6^th annual tournament here.

B – Dedicated!
Our fellow Tigers – like Col. Skardon and Trustee Emeritus Allen Wood – are an inspiration to us and the generations of students who will forever be impacted by their dedication and commitment to Clemson. Our success in the classroom and on the playing field is possible because of their support – and the support of each of you. I hope to see many of you in Tiger Town this weekend as Tigers across our athletic programs demonstrate their passion and dedication to Clemson.

Go Tigers!

Brian O’Rourke

Greetings fellow Tigers!

Clemson University has been recognized by The Princeton Review as being one of the nation’s best institutions to offer students the greatest return on educational investment. Out of 656 colleges and universities evaluated for this year’s “Best Value Colleges of 2020” list, only 200 received the designation. To calculate the return on investment, the Princeton Review considers more than 40 data points, including academic offerings, affordability and career preparation. Clemson’s top-level programs, faculty-to-student ratio, career services, internship opportunities and alumni network contributed to Clemson’s placement. Clemson was also recognized for its career services, ranking first out of 20. You can read more about Clemson’s recognition here.

For four years, Clemson’s Men of Color National Summit has brought an impressive lineup of speakers to the energetic two-day event hosted by its Division of Inclusion and Equity. The summit has welcomed leaders in business, government, athletics and academia to speak to students about their potential and pathways to success. This year, the summit will add an NBA legend to its list of speakers. Earvin “Magic” Johnson will speak to students at the summit and bring his inspiring story of athletic and entrepreneurial success to the Greenville Convention Center.

With a mission to close the opportunity gap for African-American and Hispanic males and develop clearer pathways to college for students, Clemson’s Men of Color National Summit will feature Johnson along with an all-star lineup of keynote and breakout speakers March 3-4. Thanks to a partnership with the Denny’s Corporation, Johnson will address high school students in attendance, including members of Clemson University’s college readiness program, the Tiger Alliance. The Men of Color National Summit is presented by Clemson University and its Division of Inclusion and Equity. It also is supported by businesses, organizations and community leaders. This is a wonderful annual event that supports our University’s priority of enhancing diversity and creating an environment of inclusive excellence. For more information about this year’s Men of Color National Summit, click here.

Congratulations to three former Clemson student-athletes — cornerback Bashaud Breeland, linebacker Dorian O’Daniel and wide receiver Sammy Watkins — who won their first Super Bowl championship on Sunday. The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers, 31-20, in Super Bowl LIV in Miami Gardens, Fla. Clemson has now produced 30 different Super Bowl champions totaling a combined 38 Super Bowl rings. Clemson’s three members of the Chiefs’ title-winning team represented three of the 46 players on Kansas City’s active game day roster for the Super Bowl. Congratulations to our former Tigers!

B- a leader for Clemson!
Clemson is committed to excellence across our University. Our student-athletes excel in the classroom and on the field – preparing them to excel after graduation. We excel in our commitment to inclusiveness. We excel in our unwavering support to the University we love. Our accolades and accomplishments give us a sense of pride, but they also give us the drive to become an even stronger University.

Clemson University’s leadership serves as a wonderful example of how we support Clemson in an effort to move Clemson forward. Clemson University Board of Trustees are on campus for the next two days to discuss and plan for the future of our University. Be sure to watch for next week’s B-Note where I will share with you updates and announcements from our Board of Trustees. Our board members work diligently throughout the year to make sure Clemson continues to be a top University. Thank you, Board of Trustee members, for your dedication and support of Clemson! And thank you, Clemson family, for your unwavering commitment!

Go Tigers!

Brian O’Rourke

Greetings fellow Tigers!

It is a time of reflection at our University and across the nation as we honor an American hero – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  A commemorative service was held Tuesday, and more events were held throughout the week in honor of Dr. King’s legacy. “Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education,” are words spoken by Dr. King that are still relevant to Clemson as we create a culture of diversity and inclusion.

Each year, members of the Clemson family gather with community members and advocates to honor the legacy of Dr. King during the Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration. The Clemson family has gathered throughout the week during several events – a day of service, including a blood drive, the Martin Luther King Jr. commemorative service and the Tunnel of Oppression, a simulation depicting real-life scenarios of power, privilege and oppression. During Tuesday night’s commemorative service, Clemson welcomed keynote speaker Dr. Dorothy Yancy, President Emerita of Johnson C. Smith University and Shaw University.

A selfless staff member who has been with Clemson University for more than three decades, an extraordinary student with a heart for service and a mother who channeled her grief from losing a young son to cancer into a nonprofit that has saved lives received this year’s prestigious Martin Luther King Jr. Awards for Excellence in Service during the commemorative service. The awards are presented each year by the President’s Office and Division of Inclusion and Equity to recognize an employee, a student and a community member who have shown excellence in their service to Clemson and the surrounding community. The award celebrates their advocacy for social or environmental justice and their service above and beyond their direct employment. This year’s staff member to receive the award, Deon Legette, is a district director with Clemson Cooperative Extension who has served in various roles in Clemson’s Extension Service for more than 30 years. Kinsey Meggett, a senior studying medicine in the College of Science, was chosen as this year’s student recipient. The 2020 community award was earned by Seneca resident Mary Tannery, founder of  The Lachlan McIntosh Tannery Foundation, or “Lachlan’s Hope,” a 501(c)(3) non-profit that offers hope and support to children and their families navigating journeys through cancer, from diagnosis to remission. You can read more about this year’s recipients here.

For Michael Puldy ‘84, Clemson was a place of opportunity. The skills he learned would allow him to become the award winning speaker and writer he is today. Beyond serving as a Director at IBM, Michael volunteers at Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services assisting suicide survivors, providing guidance and mentoring those who have lost a loved one to suicide. The passing of his first wife by suicide accelerated Michael’s emphasis on choosing to steward gifts to his late-wife’s alma mater, Rollins College, and to his own, Clemson University. In gratitude for his time at Clemson, Michael has created the Michael Lawrence Puldy ‘84 Endowment for the School of Computing to help computer science students have their own unique experiences at Clemson. Michael has chosen to give back to Clemson like the generous strangers who helped him succeed as a student. His legacy gift will bestow students with the same opportunities that he had. You can read more about Michael and his gift to Clemson here.

The 2019 football season ended less than two weeks ago for Clemson, but the release of the Tigers’ 2020 schedule has us looking toward next season. The season will kick-off on Thursday, September 3 in Atlanta against Georgia Tech, and the first home game of 2020 will be against Louisville on September 12. You can see the full schedule here.

B – looking forward to the future!
Martin Luther King Jr. taught us important lessons in equality, perseverance and leadership. Clemson University continues to reflect upon Dr. King’s messages as we establish programs and initiatives to create a fully inclusive environment on our campus.

With your unwavering support, Clemson is able to look forward to the future with promise and hope. Our students are thriving at Clemson and making impacts in the world as alumni because of your commitment. Thank you for helping Clemson reach its goals for a “true education.”

Go Tigers!

Brian O’Rourke

Greetings fellow Tigers!

What an amazing season for our Clemson Tigers! It certainly wasn’t the outcome that any of us had hoped for, but the results of the National Championship game can in no way diminish the feelings of pride and overwhelming respect the Clemson family has for our players and coaches. It speaks to the special culture of Clemson that even when we suffer a great defeat, our players react with grace and a level of humility. In times of adversity, we become more determined to hold our heads up and start working with perseverance and grit to come back stronger than ever. As difficult as the loss was, we have to give credit and admiration to the LSU Tigers on their victory and amazing season.

LSU may have won the battle on the football field, but Clemson is a clear winner in the classroom after a decade of crippling budget cuts to higher education in Louisiana. Whether it is the annual rankings by U.S. News & World Report, spending per student, student/teacher ratios, graduation rates or admissions selectivity, Clemson consistently ranks higher than LSU. Click here to read the entire article, “LSU vs. Clemson in the classroom: There’s a crystal clear winner in that matchup.”

Regardless of who is winning in what categories, Clemson is working with the LSU Tigers to make significant impacts across the globe. Leading up to the Championship game, President Clements and Interim LSU President Galligan joined together to write a wonderful article highlighting the academic achievements of our two great universities. Clemson and LSU – both championship universities – are serving the states of South Carolina and Louisiana and beyond through their students, faculty, staff and alumni.

“If there’s good work being done, especially in South Carolina and Louisiana, don’t be surprised if there’s a ‘tiger’ leading the way. And, in a number of ways, Tigers are working with Tigers to make the world a better place.” Click here to read more about how our two universities are working together in academics to make an impact on the world.

Join me in congratulating our men’s basketball team. Fresh off a noteworthy win over the North Carolina Tar Heels, the Clemson University men’s basketball team took down another ACC rival on Tuesday, as the Tigers upset No. 3 Duke. Clemson downed the Blue Devils 79-72 at Littlejohn Coliseum, leading to a court storming and marking the first time since the 1995-96 campaign that the Tigers defeated Duke and North Carolina in the same season. This marked Clemson Head Coach Brad Brownell’s 178th victory at the helm of the Tiger program, making him the all-time winningest head coach in Clemson men’s basketball history. Congratulations, Tigers! The Tigers head to Raleigh this Saturday to face North Carolina State. Your next opportunity to watch the Tigers at home is Tuesday, January 21 against Wake Forest. Go Tigers!

B-Hopeful for the Future!
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. Even during the most difficult losses, we are forever hopeful for the future, and that’s because of the support of each of you. Thank you for everything you do for Clemson – today, tomorrow and forever.

Go Tigers!

Brian O’Rourke

Happy New Year, fellow Tigers!

I hope you all enjoyed the holiday season, spent much-needed time with friends and family and were able to get some well-deserved rest. Our students have returned to campus and are diving right back into another semester. Because of the commitment of our Clemson alumni, friends and donors, our students are thriving at Clemson and making impacts in the world.

Russell “Rip” Parks cherishes the skills and abilities he learned as a Clemson student: discipline, creativity and the ability to connect with anyone he meets. Rip attributes these abilities, as well as his career success, to his broad range of experiences at Clemson. During his time at the University, he studied pre-architecture and actively participated in Army ROTC and the C-4 Pershing Rifles. Because of his deep connection to Clemson, Rip established an estate gift that will create the Clemson University Company C-4 Pershing Rifles Endowment and a current gift that established the David J. Allison (‘78, M’82) Endowment in Architecture and Health. Rip also gives back to Clemson through his service on the Board of Visitors, an appointment that allowed him to connect with his community as an advocate for University initiatives on the state and federal level. Between his duties on the Board of Visitors and running his own business, ParksConsult, Rip also finds time to mentor young men from the Clemson and Greenville area. This mentor/mentee relationship offers an opportunity to share his own life experiences, both professionally and personally, and even learn from younger generations. You can read more about Rip and his contributions to Clemson here.

Although the Clemson Tigers and LSU Tigers will be competitors on the field for the College Football Playoff National Championship game, the universities have teamed up with two other universities for a global fight to save wild tigers. Clemson University, Louisiana State University, Auburn University and the University of Missouri – all land-grant, tiger mascot universities – have formed Tigers United University Consortium to save the few tigers remaining in the wild from extinction. The work of two Clemson University graduate students is bringing valuable new insight into this global fight and being used by the Consortium. Working at both the Ph.D. and master’s levels, their research projects examine how people and politics affect tiger conservation in different ways. You can read more about their research here.

B- ready to cheer!
I am so excited to join many of you in New Orleans to paint NOLA orange! The spirit and pride of Clemson Tigers will be on the national stage once again. It is because of the support and unwavering dedication of the entire Clemson family that our University continues to prove that we are champions on and off the field.

The Clemson Alumni Association, IPTAY and Development teams worked tirelessly to provide the Clemson family with opportunities to gather and mingle in Arizona. Following our exciting Fiesta Bowl victory, these teams have wasted no time planning events for our Clemson family in New Orleans.

Clemson Alumni Association and IPTAY are hosting several events throughout New Orleans where you can join your fellow Tigers to gear up for Monday night’s game.

Several of your favorite former Clemson Tigers will be battling it out in the NFL Divisional round on Sunday, and there are numerous Clemson-friendly New Orleans spots that will preview the game while welcoming the Clemson family to NOLA. You can see a full list of locations here.

The Legends of Clemson party, hosted by Faizon Love and Clemson Legends, will take place Sunday night at 9 p.m. You can purchase tickets here, but be sure to order quickly because tickets are limited for this event. This event benefits ONE Clemson, which raises funds to support campus-wide initiatives within athletics and academics, impacting students, faculty and staff at Clemson University.

The Clemson Alumni Association and IPTAY will host the Clemson Family Tailgate at the College Football National Championship game at the Hyatt Regency on Monday, January 13 from 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. CT. The tailgate will include tons of exciting New Orleans and Clemson entertainment including a photo booth, Clemson Alumni and IPTAY promotional giveaways, and music by DJ Sha that will lead into a live performance by The Bourbon Street Brass Band and a traditional New Orleans Second Line parade that will take attendees from the tailgate up to the Superdome. The Tiger Tailgate Show will be live at the Clemson Family Tailgate from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. CT.

You can find additional details about the events here. CU in NOLA!

If you’re not making the trip to New Orleans, be sure to gather with your fellow Tigers to cheer for our team on January 13 at 8 p.m. on ESPN. The City of Clemson will again host a National Championship Viewing Party on College Avenue. You can find all the information about the viewing party here.

Go Tigers! Beat LSU!

Brian O’Rourke

Greetings fellow Tigers!

The orange, purple and white confetti was raining down on Clemson Tigers in Arizona, and now we are headed to New Orleans to defend Clemson’s title as National Champions!

In this special B-Note edition, I wanted to share all the details for those traveling to watch our Tigers face the Louisiana State University Tigers on January 13 at the College Football Playoff National Championship. The Clemson Tigers are looking to clinch their third title in four years.

But first, let’s take a minute to reflect on the amazing game during the Playstation Fiesta Bowl. It was a hard-fought game by both teams, but the Tigers used a combination of determination, grit and heart to defeat Ohio State 29 – 23. The Tigers trailed the Buckeyes 16 – 0 in the first half but scored two touchdowns in the second quarter, cutting Ohio State’s lead to 16 – 14 to enter halftime. Trevor Lawrence completed 18 – 33 passes for 259 yards and two touchdowns, including a 67-yard touchdown run. Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields entered the game with just one interception for the season, but facing a strong Clemson defense, Fields was forced into turnovers twice during the Fiesta Bowl. The win against the Buckeyes extended the Tigers’ winning streak to 29 games.

If you’re planning to travel to New Orleans, you can find a complete list of events hosted by the Clemson Alumni Association and IPTAY here, including Welcome to New Orleans, Clemson Family Service, ONE Clemson Legends Party, and Clemson Family Tailgate. Details for all these events and tickets will be updated on the webpage as they become available. Details will also be shared through Clemson Alumni Association and IPTAY’s social media pages as well as The Echo and My Orange Update. 

Hope to CU you in New Orleans! Go Tigers!

Brian O’Rourke