Emeritus College

2019 Memorials

Dr. James Bruce Aitken, 1938-2019  Professor Emeritus of Horticulture, he received his degree in Fruit Crops from the University of Florida in 1964. Dr. Aitken accrued over 40 years of vegetation management programs and research over his lifetime. He was a Horticulturist with Clemson Extension and retired as professor emeritus.

Dr. John Richard Aspland, 1936-2019 Professor Emeritus of Materials Science and Engineering, he received his degree in Textile Chemistry from the University of Manchester. He earned a First Prize from The City of Guilds of London Institute, and he attended the Textile Research Institute at Princeton University. Richard retired from Clemson University in 2006 as a tenured Professor in the School of Materials Science and Engineering where he taught for twenty-four years. Prior to his professorial position at Clemson University, Richard taught at the University of Manchester (UMIST) Institute of Science and Technology, first as an Assistant Lecturer, then as Lecturer in Textile Chemistry. He was Examiner in Colouring Matters for the Society of Dyers and Colourists and lectured at the University of Salford, England. In order to apply his extensive theoretical learning, Richard came to the United States of America and worked sixteen years for well-known companies in the textile industry mainly in North and South Carolina, and he undertook consulting work throughout the world. Many times, he was called as an expert witness in various textile-related lawsuits. Parallel to his employment in private industry, he was asked to develop and teach classes at Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte, NC. He was a frequent contributor to continuing education classes for adults throughout his working and retirement years. He was a Fellow of the Society of Dyers and Colourists and a strong supporter of and contributor to the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists, who awarded him the Louis Atwell Olney Medal in 2013. His text on dyeing and finishing which was commissioned by the AATCC is used worldwide by both professionals and students. His students were ever his main priority, and the imparting of complex scientific principles in understandable terms (using unambiguous, concise language to enable practical application), were his mission. When students faltered, he saw it as a failure on his part as a teacher, and he would try his best to help them succeed. Intellectual integrity and ethical behavior were his leading principles, not the acquisition of fame and fortune.

Dr. Larry Lee Bauer, 1939-2019 Professor Emeritus of Agricultural Economics, he earned his degree from North Carolina State University. Having begun his career at the University of Tennessee, he retired from Clemson in 2oo4 after 28 years of service. In 1992, he won the Alumni Master Teacher Award and also was awarded honorary membership in the Clemson Class of 1939. Dr. Bauer served as Faculty Senate President as well as an advisor to Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity. Larry also was awarded the Clemson University Board of Trustees Award for Faculty Excellence, which is given annually to faculty members who have either been honored by academic or professional societies at the national or international level with National Academy of Sciences “highly prestigious” award or have demonstrated exceptional achievements in research, teaching and service.

Dr. Benton Holcomb Box, 1931-2019 Professor Emeritus of Forestry and Environmental Conservation and Dean, he earned his PhD in Forestry from Duke University. He was a Korean War veteran. In 1978, he became Dean of Forest & Recreation Resources at Clemson University, serving until 1994. During this CU tenure he also served as Acting VP of Ag & Natural Resources for a year, and Executive Assistant to the President for seven years. In 1994 he took on the role of Executive Director of The University Center in Greenville until 1998, easing into retirement for the next four years while serving as a consultant for them. During his career, he served in many roles with state/regional/national committees and societies, including the Society of American Foresters, SC Forestry Association, Nature Conservancy and the SC Forestry Commission. Throughout his career, Ben received numerous awards and recognitions. He served as a committed educator and has shared generously his extensive knowledge and skills. Ben was active in the community serving with the Clemson Sertoma Club, and while in Greenville, the Greenville Chamber Board of Directors and Rotary Club. For fun Ben loved to hunt and fish, with his biggest accomplishment being the achievement of the Double Grand Slam for turkey hunting. He was also a private pilot. And he dearly loved his Clemson Tigers.

Dr. James Alan Chisman, 1935-2019 Professor Emeritus of Industrial Engineering, he earned his degree from The University of Akron.  As a professor at Clemson University for 30 years, he was the director of two programs at Clemson; Systems Engineering and Engineering Technology. He started the Engineering Technology Department and restarted the Industrial Engineering Department from which he retired as Emeritus Professor in 1992. While at Clemson, he did productivity consulting in the US and abroad. He helped organize the Engineering Study Abroad Program with Bristol University in England, in which he participated the summer of 1990. He took a sabbatical in 1980 to teach in Boston University’s Overseas MBA Program and was a Fulbright Fellow to Ireland in 1987.  Dr. Chisman published two textbooks in Simulation Modeling, a biography of an Irish poet, a Civil War battle history, 39 technical articles and 17 general interest articles. He also wrote a musical song and dance revue based on Victor Herbert’s life and music, which was performed by a professional choral group in Cork, Ireland in 1987. In addition, he also wrote a book of some of his experiences in the 78 countries that he traveled, titled “Travels and Tribulations”. He also wrote a children’s book titled “Jessica and Bullet”.

Mr. Bennie Cunningham, 1927-2019 Cooperative Extension-Agricultural Education-Agent, he earned both his B.S. and M.S. degrees in agricultural sciences at South Carolina State University. He was in the U.S. Army and served as a military policeman and received an honorable discharge. Bennie began his career as a teacher in the Laurens County school district. Subsequently, he accepted a position with the Clemson University Extension Service, and retired from the University Extension Service. Throughout his life, he was active in his community, serving five terms on the Oconee County School Board of Education, elected each time from 1984 to 2006. His service extended to various organizations/agencies (Clemson Sertoma Club, National Association of Retired Federal Employees, and the Appalachian Council of Governments), and his church, Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church in Seneca, where he served on the board of trustees. Also, he was a lifetime member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity.

Dr. Robert Lee Edwards, 1922-2019 Professor Emeritus of Animal and Veterinary Sciences he earned his degree from North Carolina State University.  Robert’s studies were interrupted by the United States’ entry into the Second World War. He was called to active duty in early 1943 and underwent training to become a navigational radar specialist serving B-24 Liberator heavy bombers. He was deployed to Rackheath, Norfolk, UK and assigned to the 789th Squadron, 467th Bombardment Group 8th Army Air Force. His efforts supported critical air strikes in Germany, France and Belgium. Dr. Edwards joined the faculty at Clemson University where he taught and conducted research for three decades before retiring in 1986. He participated in a number of professional organizations and as a faculty advisor. He supported Block & Bridle and Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity. Robert was a fellow in the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), a lifetime member of Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society and served two terms as president of the local chapter. Dr. Edwards was a mentor to thousands of students and each of the graduate students he advised became an extension of his own family. He was a fan of Clemson football and attended every home game for over fifty years. Following his retirement, he remained active in gardening and in the Clemson Lions Club, where he served one term as president.

Mr. Julius C. (Mike) Hubbard, 1921-2019 Alumni Distinguished Professor of Textiles, he earned his Master’s degree from the Georgia Institute of Technology. He began his career at Clemson in 1947 in the College of Textiles and retired in 1984 as Alumni Distinguished Professor Emeritus. After graduating from Clemson in 1942, Mike served his country honorably during WWII as a combat officer: he was awarded a Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, four battle stars and an arrowhead. In his community he inspired many with his dedication and giving spirit: as a scout leader for many years teaching the next generation to “do a good turn daily”, in his years on the city council, as an original members of the “Town & Gown” committee, a Charter Member of the Lions Club, board member for Clemson Downs and as a leader in the Masonic organization, including both the York Rites & Scottish Rites. As a caring professor, Mike’s influence guided thousands of students on a successful journey. Sharing in the spirit of Clemson, he established a legacy of scholarships for undergraduate students. Clemson was family and sharing his love of the university, all his children are Clemson graduates.

Mr. Orren Franklin “Frank” Hunter, 1934-2019 Associate Professor Emeritus of Materials Science and Engineering, he received his degree from the Institute of Textile Technology in Charlottesville, Virginia. Frank retired from Clemson University in 2000, after serving 19 years as a tenured Associate Professor in the School of Materials Science and Engineering. Prior to his Professorial position at Clemson University, he worked in the textile industry holding various supervisory and managerial positions within the textile communities in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Arkansas. Throughout his career within the textile industry and Clemson University, Frank touched and impacted many lives. He was the advisor for the Phi Psi Textile Honors Fraternity at Clemson University where he led and encouraged his students to be the best that they could be in all walks of life. For many years he organized and participated in the annual “Rose Matic Leigh” golf tournament as a fund-raiser for the Phi Psi Fraternity inviting his former students throughout the years to participate and supported. He loved to play golf with his “student” family. He was an avid die-hard fan of the Clemson Tigers. For his devotion to Clemson University and the impact that he had on so many within the Clemson family, in 2000 his family was honored to have been chosen to dot the i at the opening ceremonies at the Clemson – NC State Textile Bowl football game. Frank served in the National Guard of South Carolina.

Dr. Mary Ann Kelly, 1932-2019 Professor Emerita of Nursing and Acting Dean, she retired as the acting Dean of Nursing at Clemson University, during her career she taught nursing in Iran with the World Health Organization, and was instrumental in founding the Gardner Webb University nursing program. She was an avid fan of Clemson Football and Greenville South Carolina Symphony Orchestra.

Dr. John Benjamin Kissam, 1935-2019 Professor Emeritus of Entomology, he retired from Clemson in 1991 as professor emeritus and an Extension Project Leader. He was a graduate of Clemson where he played football from 1953-57. He earned his Masters and PhD in Entomology from Clemson. Dr. Kissam was a retired Colonel in the US Army where he served as the Commander of the Clemson and Anderson Units of the SC Army National Guard. Benwas an avid apple grower and spent much of his free time over the years taking care of his farm in Six Mile, SC.

Dr. Ernest J. Kozma, 1924-2019 Professor Emeritus of Education, he received his degree from Case Western Reserve University in 1966. After high school, he became a member of the US Army 8th Air-force, flying 25 missions in WWII. During his teaching career he served as Superintendent of Schools in Strongville, Ohio, Education Department Chairman at Baldwin Wallace University, Vice President of Academic Affairs at Ashland University and Education Department Chairman at Clemson University, retiring from Clemson in 1989. American Education Policy and Foundations is a College textbook he coauthored.  Ernie had a lifelong love of sports. He played baseball at Baldwin Wallace and followed the Cleveland Indians throughout his life. As an avid golfer he was a longtime member of the Clemson University Walker Course. He attended the very first Cleveland Browns game in 1946 and remained a lifelong fan.

Dr. Carl L. Lane, 1928-2019 Professor Emeritus of Forestry, he earned his degree from Purdue University. He was a retired as a professor from Clemson University after many years of service. He was member of First Baptist Church in Clemson. Carl loved photography, being active with it since 1946. He enjoyed cooking, woodworking, and was an avid outdoorsman.

Peter R. Lee, 1928-2019 Alumni Distinguished Professor of Architecture, he earned his Master of Architecture from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1968. He served in the U.S. Army from 1950 – 1952 during the Korean War. Lee was an early innovator in sustainable design, winning the 1957 International Solar House Architectural Competition sponsored by the Association for Applied Solar Energy. His winning design from this “Living With the Sun” competition was constructed near Phoenix the following year. He joined the architecture faculty of Clemson University as an associate professor in 1968. Lee taught undergraduate and graduate student design and theory, achieving the rank of full professor in 1973. During the 1976-77 academic year, he was the Clemson professor-in-residence at what is now known as The Charles E. Daniel Center for Building Research and Urban Studies in Genoa, Italy. Lee was named an Alumni Professor in 1981. He served Clemson University as a member of its planning board from 1983-86. A recipient of several national teaching awards, Lee was recognized by the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA) in 1989 with its prestigious Distinguished Professor Award. In 1991, he was awarded a Fulbright Fellowship, which gave him the opportunity to teach at the University of Jordan. Lee retired from Clemson University in 1993 after 25 years of service. The architecture class of ’76 honored Lee, along with a teaching colleague, by creating the Peter R. Lee and Kenneth J. Russo Design Award. Lee made a point of attending the student award ceremonies and personally meeting the outstanding fourth-year students who received the award that carries his name. Professor Lee will be remembered for his wide-ranging intelligence, creativity, insight, and quick wit.

Dr. John Keith Luedeman, 1941-2019  Professor Emeritus of Mathematics and Director of the Center of Excellence in Mathematics and Science Education, he received his PhD in Mathematics from the University of Buffalo. He retired from Clemson University in 2001 after 33 years of service to the university. While at Clemson, he served as faculty senate president in the early 90s. He was widely published in the Mathematics arena of Semi-groups and Ring Theory and also co-authored a textbook on Linear Algebra. As a long-term Rotary member, he was named a Paul Harris Fellow. Dr. Luedeman was a founding member of the South Carolina Aquarium and a member of the Seneca, SC Architectural Review Committee. He had a successful second half of life in retirement writing grant proposals to help high school teachers teach math more effectively. Along with this work, he traveled the world scuba diving and listening to Jimmy Buffett music. He also found great pleasure in spending time and spoiling his seven grandchildren.

Dr. Edward Lee McLean, 1934-2019 Professor Emeritus of Agricultural and Applied Economics, he received his degree from Iowa State University. Ed’s first faculty appointment was at Texas A & M University, College Station, Texas. He had a joint appointment of research and teaching in the Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology. After three years, Ed moved on to Clemson University in Clemson, South Carolina, where he spent the next thirty-two years as a faculty member in the department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology. Ed was a mentor for many college students during his career as an advisor for Community and Rural Development majors. Ed was referred to fondly as Captain Ed by the graduate students he advised. He retired from Clemson University in December of 2001 after 32 years of service.  Ed and his  wife,Fae, always enjoyed traveling, nature and visited all seven continents and all fifty states. Ed was an avid walker and even hiked Mount Pilchuck in Washington state in his late 60’s. Ed enjoyed sports, particularly the Green Bay Packers and watching baseball teams including the Milwaukee Brewers and the Minnesota Twins. Ed enjoyed talking to everyone about his many travels and his career as a professor.

Dr. Louie Hampton Senn, Jr., 1924-2019 Professor Emeritus of Entomology and Director of Division of Regulatory and Public Service Programs. Dr. Senn earned his bachelor’s degree (1947) and master’s degree (1953) from Clemson University. In 1969, he earned his PhD in Entomology from the University of Georgia. He was on faculty of Clemson University from 1957 to 1986. Dr. Senn was a US Army Veteran of WWII where he served with the 9th Infantry. He fought in the Battle of Normandy and received a Bronze Star and Purple Heart. He later served in the Korean Conflict.

Dr. Gloria A. Tanner, 1931-2019 Professor Emerita of Nursing Science, she was a graduate of Mt. DeSales, Mt. St. Agnes College with a BS in nursing, University of Maryland with a
Masters in Nursing, Teachers College Columbia University with a Doctorate of Nursing. She retired from Clemson in 1995 after several years of service to the university.

Dr. Samuel Guy Turnipseed, 1934-2019 Professor Emeritus of Entomology, he was a graduate of NC State University. Dr. Turnipseed, age 85, passed away at his home in Quimistan, Honduras where he had joyfully served as a missionary with Tranquilidad Foundation since 2011. Dr. Turnipseed was employed at Clemson for 45 years where he became a professor of Entomology and enjoyed a long, productive career at Edisto Research Center in Blackville, SC. He served as President of the SC Entomological Society (1970), President of the Southeastern Branch of the Entomological Society of America (1980) and was an internationally renowned Entomologist. In 2011, at the tender young age of 77, Sam and his wife were called to sell their home in Aiken, SC and purchase land in Quimistan, Honduras to build a home for abandoned, neglected and/or orphaned children. They founded and operated Tranquilidad Foundation, moving there in 2013. Sam became Papa Sam to 9 children in their care. He remained there until his passing.

Dr. George Robert Von Tungeln 1931-2019  Professor Emeritus of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology, he earned his degree from the University of Georgia. He was a professor from 1958-1985.