EMERITUS COLLEGE CELEBRATES ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL YEAR!!
The Emeritus College celebrated its annual meeting and fall picnic this year through a virtual event on October 5, 2021.
Dr. Debra Jackson welcomed attendees to the ceremony and annual meeting. She recognized the College’s achievements over the past year including over 112 programs with a total participation of 1930 faculty. Participation in activities had increased 29% over the past year. The College enjoyed a variety of programming formats from online and hybrid events to outdoor tours and outings. Dr. Jackson reinforced the positive aspect of the virtual format in the ability to engage faculty that are not in the area or area faculty that may not be able to attend programs at the Emeritus College. Dr. Jackson then introduced Dr. William Stringer, Chair of the EC Advisory Board, who thanked Dr. Joel Greenstein, past chair of the EC Advisory Board, for his service to the College in 2020-2021. Dr. Stringer highlighted the successful fundraising efforts during Dr. Greenstein’s tenure focusing on the completion of the corpus for the Kenelly-Voss Endowment.
Dr. Schoulties, Chair of the Emeritus College Awards Committee, presented the Emeritus Award for Community Service (EACS) for 2021. The recipient for the 2021 EACS award was Dr. Vic Shelburne, Professor Emeritus of Forestry and Natural Resources. Dr. Schoulties highlighted Dr. Shelburne’s over 40 years of service to the Boy Scouts of America. Dr. Shelburne has mentored over 236 young people to the rank of Eagle Scout and has supervised over 1200 nights of camping for Clemson Troop 235. Dr. Shelburne’s nominator for the award stated, ” The Boy Scouts of America provides a program for young people that builds character, trains them in the responsibilities of participating in citizenship and develops personal fitness. Vic Shelburne believes so strongly in the values of Scouting that he has dedicated his life to volunteering as a leader. In the process, he has become the very personification of dedication and high-minded principle.” Click HERE to view Dr. Schoulties comments.
Dr. Schoulties then introduce Mr. Jake Gotimer, Assistant Scout Executive and Chief Operating Officer, Blue Ridge Council, as the Keynote Address. Mr. Gotimer spoke of Dr. Shelburne’s contributions not only to the Blue Ridge Council but to the greater scouting community throughout the world. Mr. Gotimer highlighted Vic’s contributions to Camp Old Indian, such as Three Fourths Lodge and the miles of trails originally built by Dr. Shelburne using his expertise in ecology and conservation. Dr. Shelburne still assists in maintaining these trails today! An average of 60 area youth participate in Troop 235 making it one of the largest troops. The troop provides an average of 800 community service hours yearly, totaling an estimated savings of $23,000 for the Clemson community. Mr. Gotimer also highlighted Vic’s impact on scouts throughout the Southeast as well as his contributions to the national and international scouting programs. Jake Gotimer stated,” Vic has accumulated some very impressive statistics over his scouting career but I don’t think those stats are the most accurate measure of the impact he has had. The mission of the Boy Scouts of America says in part that it’s to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetime. Throughout his tenure Vic has prepared young men at very impressionable times in their lives with the skills needed to make difficult choices for the rest of their lives. Along the way these men have also been learning tangible skills to improve their lives.”
Dr. Shelburne thanked the group for the honor and gave remarks on the importance of the award as a recognition from his peers.
Click HERE for recording of the event!
Click HERE to view event slide presentation!
Photo courtesy of Clemson World
