August 13, 2024
Colleagues, alumni, and friends gathered for a celebration of David Freedman’s ten years of service as Chair of the Department of Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences (EEES). The event was held on Saturday, August 10, 2024 at Clemson University’s Outdoor Lab. It was an excellent opportunity to gather in a casual setting and remember all the good Dr. Freedman has done for the past decade.
Participants played outdoor games and mingled, ate a barbecue dinner, and enjoyed the pavilion at Clemson’s Outdoor Lab on a quiet Summer afternoon. They heard from Dr. Jesus de la Garza, Director of the School of Civil & Environmental Engineering & Earth Sciences, who thanked David for his hard work over the years. Cindy Lee, a faculty member and outgoing Chair of the Department of Engineering & Science Education, spoke of the many years she and David have interacted through research and teaching, since her time as a young faculty member in EEES. Sudeep Popat talked about being the first faculty member hired under David’s leadership, and appreciating his mentorship as he rose to the Associate Professor rank. David Ladner told stories of Dr. Freedman’s late night emails, passion for being heavily involved on student thesis and dissertation committees, and the open and honest communication everyone had with Dr. Freedman as chair.
Dr. Freedman addressed the group and thanked everyone for their support. All consequential leadership positions have their ups and downs, but overall he loved being Chair of EEES and enjoyed serving the faculty and students. He was presented with a basketball signed by faculty, staff, and students, and with a gift-wrapped case of Diet Coke, his favorite beverage (that many could hear him popping open in the afternoon at Rich Lab over the years).
Dr. Freedman will remain on the faculty for a couple more years until he fully retires. He is replaced by Dr. Debora Frigi Rodrigues, who we are excited to have joining us on August 15, 2024 as the new chair for the Department of Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences.
