Category: Awards

OCTOBER 3, 2023

The Clemson Emeritus College gathered on Tuesday, October 3 for the annual Fall Picnic and Business Meeting. Approximately 150 emeritus faculty enjoyed great food and conversation while welcoming new members. During the meeting, the group evaluated, voted upon and passed changes to the Emeritus College bylaws and strategic plan, and the college awarded the prestigious Emeritus College Community Service Award to two very deserving Emeritus faculty for their outstanding decades of community service.

Gordon Howard, Professor Emeritus of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management

Since 1984, Howard has offered his services as a licensed bird bander on the grounds of the Crown Point State Historic Site in New York. The historic site is designated as an important bird area by the National Audubon Society, a bird conservation area by the state of New York and is referred to as a banding ‘station’.

Bird banding is an effort to track different species of migratory birds that pass through the region every year in order to collect ecological data and improve conservation efforts. With climate change and deforestation, the unbroken string of the station’s banding records is becoming increasingly important. Presentations to groups and individuals who visit the station are designed to involve visitors with wildlife in a non-consumptive manner, which include the visitor releasing a banded bird. In 1988 Howard began giving a Polaroid picture to each person releasing a banded bird to show friends and family. A follow-up Educational Certificate Program was begun in 1995 whereby trifold certificates were mailed to releasers that include an image of the bird, a brief life history of the bird species, the banding information and Clemson University’s support for the program.

In 1997, releasers began to be notified when “their bird” was captured at the banding station or at another location. After the station closes each year Howard enters the data into the state and federal government databases, writes the Atlantic Flyway Report and sends a summary report to each visitor. In 2015, Howard also began an apprenticeship program of future banders. In addition to banding, two tail feathers are collected from “target species” as part of the stations third year of cooperation with the Bird Genoscape Project, a hemisphere wide avian genetics research program managed by units of the University of California – Los Angeles and Colorado State University.

Barry Nocks, Professor Emeritus of City and Regional Planning

Nocks has devoted himself to public service over the past two decades. In 2001, his leadership as chair of the Reedy River Master Planning Committee paved the way for a plan that profoundly change Greenville. His vision of the Swamp Rabbit Trail and the revitalization of the Reedy River as a public amenity has been the impetus for Greenville’s urban planning priorities. 

Nocks also served as a member and chairman of the City of Greenville’s Planning Commission from 2000-2009. He then chaired and served as a member of Greenville’s Design Review Board from 2009 to 2017, during the city’s unprecedented growth following the recession. Nocks also served as a volunteer on numerous Greenville planning committees focused on preservation, housing and strengthening the city’s zoning ordinances. As a certified arbitrator, his mediation skills played a valuable role in shaping major mixed-use developments. Most recently, he worked closely with the city to develop the Greenville 2040 Comprehensive Plan and the 2023 Development Code. Perhaps the greatest testimony comes from the many Master of City and Regional Planning alumni who continually ask for his advice in dealing with difficult planning issues. Nicknamed ‘Yoda’ by his peers, Nock’s wisdom and tireless efforts in public service have made Greenville one of America’s most livable communities.

Joel Greenstein

In service to the Emeritus College, Greenstein has served as a member of the Emeritus College Advisory Committee as well as its chair from 2020 to 2021. During his time in this position, he made it his mission to fully fund the Kenelly/Voss Endowment at the $25,000 mark. The endowment was initiated in 2008 and for many years other funds were used to make the contributions awarded in the recipient’s name. Greenstein currently serves as the liaison from the Emeritus College to AROHE. He took over from Lucy Eubanks, who recommended Joel for this important position. Greenstein won the Paul M. Fitts Education Award in 2020 from the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society. In his nomination letter one student wrote: “Dr. Joel Greenstein has received Clemson University’s Industrial Engineering Professor of the Year so many times that the honor has picked up a colloquial nickname of the ‘Joel Greenstein Award ’”.

Imtiaz Haque

In service to the Emeritus College, Haque has led numerous bird walk programs for the Emeritus faculty. He has co-developed a non-credit course on birding and wildlife photography. Haque also encouraged and planned the Emeritus College’s first, of what the College hopes to be many, overnight adventures in Charleston, S.C. He has provided numerous photographs to the Emeritus College to publish as notecards for Emeritus College faculty. Haque was the founding chair of the Automotive Engineering Department and instrumental in the development of CU-ICAR.

Laura Shick

In service to the Emeritus College, Schick is a member of the Prison Interest Group. Her approach is to help by doing, not just asking. Shick reaches out to see what the next steps are. In doing so, she was part of the original task force that developed the first symposium that brought colleges and universities together from across the state to explore how we might serve incarcerated individuals. Shick was also a major contributor to the Memories and Moments: Reflections of Emeritus College Faculty.

Sam Wang

Wang serves on the Program and Planning Committee. He was instrumental in re-conceptualizing the space used by the Emeritus College for special interest groups. Wang also leads a special interest group on photography. He was also instrumental in the publication Memories and Moments: Reflections of Emeritus College Faculty. Without Wang, half of the images would not have met the requirements for the publication. In service to Clemson University, Wang continues to mentor graduate students by serving on masters and doctoral committees.

Steve Wainscott

Stephen Wainscott In service to the Emeritus College, Wainscott currently serves as a member of the Emeritus College Advisory Board. He also chairs the Program and Planning Committee. In that role he has developed several new initiatives including a virtual travel program. In this program, faculty, current and emeritus share their experiences and travel with recommendations for special “not to miss” sites, itineraries that work and even hotel and food ideas. Wainscott’s enthusiasm for future programs helps keep the Emeritus College current and interesting for its members.

Dr. Debbie Jackson, Director of the Emeritus College was selected as this year’s recipient.  Dr. Robert Hogan, Chair of the Emeritus College’s Awards Committee made the announcement at the college’s annual Emeritus Day. This award was established by the late John Kenelly to recognize emeritus faculty members who have made outstanding contributions to Emeritus College, Clemson University, the greater Clemson community and to society. 

Debra Jackson contributions include serving as the Emeritus College Director since January of 2019. During her tenure programming has increased by more than 60 percent. During COVID, Jackson switched programming to virtual sessions. Today, programs continue in a hybrid format, allowing Emeritus College members to participate remotely. Under her leadership, donations continue to increase, and new programs continue to be added to the long list of Emeritus College offerings. Jackson and her husband Vince have established “The Debbie and Vince Jackson Endowment for Music” allowing the Emeritus College to expand and support musical events. Jackson’s contributions to the Clemson Community include serving as a board member of the Community Foundation of Greater Clemson, Jackson’s contributions to the Clemson Community include serving as a board member of the Community Foundation of Greater Clemson and as the chair for the Grants and Awards committee. For 25 years, Jackson authored a health column in a local newspaper. She continues to serve as a strong advocate for mental health care. At the national level, Jackson served on advisory committees for the American Cancer Society and NIH Digestive Disease Coalitions.

Dr. M. Elaine Richardson was selected for the 2022 Kenelly-Voss Distinguished Emeriti Award. The diversity and depth of her post-retirement experiences are truly amazing! This Award would be a most fitting acknowledgement of her excellence and provide a powerful example of a life well-lived after retirement. I offer these examples to support my nomination. 

Leadership in Academia: In 2019, Dr. Richardson received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National College Learning Center Association. This prestigious award recognizes learning center professionals who have contributed an extraordinary amount of service and leadership to the organization. In 2020, Dr. Richardson was part of the Inaugural class of I. Dwaine Eubanks Emeritus College Fellows, an award given to recognize Clemson Emeritus faculty members for their valuable service to both the College and University. She continues to serve the Emeritus College on the Advisory Board and as Chair of the Undergraduate Support Committee. In 2021, the Council of Learning Assistance and Developmental Education Associations (CLADEA) named Dr. Richardson as a CLADEA Fellow for outstanding leader in the learning assistance field. This is the highest honor conferred upon professionals in learning assistance, tutoring, and developmental education.

Leadership in the Local Community: Dr. Richardson is the co-organizer of Clemson’s Historic West End neighborhood association, a volunteer membership organization working to build community through fellowship and cooperation. She led a consortium of local residents, the Clemson Arts and Cultural Commission, and the Clemson Center for the Arts to seek seed money from the Hughes Investments Elevate Upstate Grant program. She served on the City of Clemson Board of Zoning Appeals and now has returned to service on the Planning Commission, where she was recently elected Chair. She led the Housing and Land Use components for the City of Clemson’s 2024 Strategic Plan that resulted in the formation a new city board for housing. Dr. Richardson was selected to serve on the ClemsonNEXT Implementation Committee to guide the development of a strategic plan for future development in the City of Clemson.  In 2020, Dr. Richardson joined with other community leaders to develop a non-profit housing center. In June 2021, the George and Roszena Shaw Center for Housing and Economic Growth received non-profit status and Dr. Richardson was elected to serve as the Vice-Chair of its Directors. Dr. Richardson has successfully written two grants (Community Foundation of Greater Clemson and Dabo’s All in Team Foundation) to receive funding totally over $6000 for housing repairs.  A third grant request to be submitted to the Lutheran Church is being finalized. 

Leadership in South Carolina: Dr. Richardson is passionate about the benefits of providing higher education opportunities to those presently incarcerated. She was an invited presenter to the SC Senate Department of Corrections Oversight Subcommittee. In 2018, Dr. Richardson was appointed by Governor Henry McMaster to the Palmetto Unified School District Board, the oversight Board for the SC Department of Corrections. She continues to serve on this Board, providing strong voice to encourage and support higher education opportunities. Presently the most common option for incarcerated individuals to benefit from higher education is through paper-based correspondence courses. After a presentation to the Emeritus College, Dr. Richardson has formed a task force to explore ways in which interested Emeriti may serve as mentors and/or academic coaches. Mentoring, even in virtual environments, has the potential to provide academic support for those on the inside and would enhance chances for success in the outside world.

Leadership for a Cause: As a two-time survivor of Breast Cancer, Dr. Richardson continues her long-standing commitment, leadership, and support for the breast cancer community. She was one of the original founders and has been Chair of the Clemson Area Breast Cancer Support Group, and also of Carolina Cups, the state-wide group that provides funding for breast cancer screening and research. She was elected Chair of the Board of Directors for the “Pledge the Pink” Foundation. She has always set a personal example by gathering and leading teams to participate in signature fund-raising walks. She served as Captain of a team called the “Tumornators”. They trained and participated in three 3-day 30-mile “Pledge the Pink” walks that span 3 counties and 3 islands, ending at Hilton Head. They have raised over $15K for breast cancer research.  From 2018-2020, Dr. Richardson served as Chair of the “Pledge the Pink” Foundation Board of Directors. Dr. M. Elaine Richardson epitomizes the values expressed in the Award description.  John Kenelly and his wife Charmaine Voss established this award to recognize an outstand emeritus whose contributions to academia, the University, the community, and mankind have continued past retirement.

Donald L. Collins, Emeritus Professor in Planning and Landscape Architecture, College of Architecture, Arts and Humanities was selected as the 2022 Emeritus College Research and Scholarship Award recipient.  The award was established by the Emeritus College to recognize emeritus faculty members who continue to produce extraordinary research and scholarship, either in their discipline or in a new field.

Don retired in 2005, but that has not kept him from contributing to his field in unique ways.  He has carved out an applied research niche advising architects and fire departments on the design of fire stations.

Don is from a family of professional firefighters so when the invitation was extended early in his academic career, it was natural for him to become a member of the Clemson University Fire Department. When traveling on university business he would often stay at fire stations.  The discussions that would ensue during these stayovers frequently lead to insights about fire station design that he applies in his present-day design advisory role.

Since his retirement, he has participated in 21 fire station related projects ranging from assessment studies to schematic designs and construction documents.  Fifteen new fire stations in the US and Canada have been placed online with his input.

Fire station designs that Don has encouraged embody elements that are unique to the requirements of each site, space needs program and fire department. Don has successfully advocated for training rooms that double as community meeting rooms for stations in Clemson, SC, Santa Monica, CA and Ankeny, IA. He has also been an advocate for fire stations that address firefighter welfare issues of physical and mental health and occupational safety at the station.  One such example of this is his insistence that all Fitness Rooms be placed in a high-traffic area with plenty of opportunity to see into the room because there have been firefighter deaths resulting from solo physical fitness workouts in an isolated fitness area.

Seven of the 15 fire station designs in which Don was engaged have won design awards.  These include state AIA, Firehouse Magazine, and the Fire Industry Education Resource Organization’s Fire Facilities Design Awards Program.  Don’s Brandon, Manitoba fire station, designed in conjunction with George Cibinel of Cibinel Architects, Ltd. has been ranked by one writer as among the world’s greatest fire stations.

The Emeritus College congratulates Don Collin on being the 2022 Emeritus College Research and Scholarship Award.

Emeritus Faculty Scrolls Ceremony

On April 26^th, the President and Provost recognized 28 new emeriti colleagues to the Emeritus College with scrolls, the numbers represent all eight colleges and 21 departments.   In addition, 25 special ranked faculty (senior lecturers, professors of practice, lecturers) retired and will join the Emeritus College.  The ceremony included the awarding of the Distinguished Emeritus of the year, and the induction of five new I.D. Eubanks Emeritus College fellows.  The keynote speaker was Tony Wagner, Executive Vice President for Finance and Operations for Clemson University.

 Kenelly-Voss Distinguished Emeritus Award

The Kenelly-Voss Distinguished Emeritus Award was established by the late John Kenelly to recognize emeritus faculty members who have made outstanding contributions to the Emeritus College, Clemson University, the greater Clemson community, and to society. The award pays tribute to John’s late wife, Charmaine Voss. The award provides $500 toward a donation to a Clemson University program of interest of the awardee in the recipient’s name.

Dr Elaine Richardson.

Dr. Elaine Richardson, Professor Emerita of Animal and Veterinary Sciences and Director, Academic Success Center. Elaine was named the first director of the Academic Success Center, building a program that received numerous national awards. Dr. Richardson publishes and presents on learning assistance collaborations across campus; much of her earlier work included Universal Design and building programs to enhance academic performance and retention. After serving as president of National College Learning Center Association (NCLCA), Dr. Richardson led the development of NCLCA’s Centers of Excellence Certification program. Elaine continues to serve NCLCA as a certification reviewer and on the Past Presidents Council.  In 2019, she received the NCLCA Lifetime Achievement Award and in 2020 was named a Clemson Emeritus College Fellow and a Fellow of the Council of Learning Assistance and Developmental Education Associations (CLADEA).  Dr. Richardson is the chair of the Undergraduate Committee of the Emeritus College and has developed ongoing relationships with campus leaders, hosted panel discussions between transfer students and emeriti faculty.  She is spearheading a task force to examine how the emeritus faculty can support statewide programs such as Inside/Out and second chance programs offered at by the SC technical college system, Furman and Southern Wesleyan University. Dr Richardson was an invited presenter to the SC Senate Department of Corrections Oversight subcommittee and has been appointed by Governor McMaster (2018) to the Palmetto Unified School District Board, the oversight Board for the SC Department of Corrections.

The I. Dwayne Eubanks Fellow Award

 The designation Emeritus College Fellow was created to honor emeritus faculty members each year who steadily render valuable service to the Emeritus College and to Clemson University without compensation.  It is named in honor of I. Dwaine Eubanks, former Executive Director of the Emeritus College. The five fellows elected for 2022 are:  Dr. Victoria Ridgeway Gillis, Dr. Donald McKale, Ms. Marty Duckenfield, Dr. Michael Ellis, and Dr. Robert Hogan.

Dr. Victoria Ridgeway Gillis

Dr. Gillis, Professor Emerita of Literacy and Learning and director of the Center for Excellence in Literacy and Learning. Dr. Gillis provides insight and problem-solving skills that contribute to the ongoing operations and successful programming of the Emeritus College. As the chair of the Emeritus College 20th Anniversary Task Force, she is leading the effort to create a collection of essays by emeritus faculty.  The 20th Anniversary project, Moments and Memories of Clemson University Faculty, is a collection of emeriti’s stories incorporating memories or moments of their professional lives as members of the Clemson University faculty. The essays paint a collective portrait of Clemson during the past six decades. As one of our colleagues has suggested, faculty memories reveal interesting and essential elements about the fabric of our lives and careers at the University.

In addition, Dr. Gillis serves on the Emeritus College Advisory Board; has contributed to the programming of the Emeritus College with several presentations including presentations on reading and literacy issues, and the Quilts of Valor Foundation. Quilts of Valor, made by Victoria, honor many of the veterans that served in Vietnam, some of whom had been classmates of Victoria’s. During the Emeritus Day ceremony, Dr. Gillis presented to the Emeritus College a quilt based on the framework of the Quilts of Valor to be displayed in the College.

Dr. Donald McKale

Dr. McKale, Professor Emeritus of History, has served on the Emeritus College Advisory Board, which he chaired in 2019-2020.  He also served on the Executive Director Search Committee and Program Planning committee.  Don is always willing to lend a hand when the college needs help.  Dr. McKale was  honored with his selection as an honorary member of the Class of ’39 in 2006.  In 2017, Dr. McKale published a guest column in the Greenville News about Ben Skardon as Ben celebrated his 100^th birthday.  It is Dr. McKale’s ongoing relationship with the University and the Emeritus College that is recognized in his selection as a Eubanks Fellow.

Don is an active member of the Clemson Sertoma Club, serving as Board Chair, as well as the working with the annual Christmas Tree sales project for the Sertoma Club.  The funds raised by Sertoma support Camp Hope, providing wonderful life changing opportunities for children with hearing disabilities. Camp Hope occurs each summer at Clemson’s Outdoor Lab.  Dr. McKale has been a long-time supporter of Boy Scout Troop 235 helping raise funds in support of scouting events.

Ms. Marty Duckenfield

Ms. Duckenfield currently serves on the Emeritus College Advisory Board; a member of the Program Committee and the task force for the 20^th Anniversary of the Emeritus College.  As an outreach of the planning committee, Ms. Duckenfield identified and promoted special interest groups for emeriti.  She leads the Memoir Writing group for the Emeritus College.  This interest group supports individuals as they write their memoirs.  The positive work and conversations in the groups monthly meetings led to the adoption of the 20^th anniversary project. Marty’s creativity and her abilities to encourage others to write makes a difference for emeritus colleagues.  The Christopher J. Duckenfield Scholarship Program, funded by Marty and her family, support two students each year to St. Peter’s College in Oxford England.  Marty has arranged for graduates of the program to make presentations to the Emeritus College, creating a valuable connection with Oxford.  ZOOM allows St Peter’s College faculty to join us as their former students report on their research and life changing experiences the Duckenfield Scholarship Program provides.

 Dr. Michael Ellison

Dr. Ellison, Professor Emeritus of Materials Science and Engineering,  currently serves on the Emeritus College Advisory Board and as a current member of the Emeritus College Awards Committee. Dr. Ellison is known for his strong commitment to interdisciplinary research.  Prior to his retirement in 2014, Dr. Ellison served as interim director of the School of MS&E.  He led an interdisciplinary research team studying biologically inspired advanced materials. Dr. Ellison continues this commitment to interdisciplinary work in the Emeritus College promoting and encouraging programs and activities that engage faculty from across disciplines. A primary goal of the college is to reach out and engage with faculty from all colleges and departments, and Mike supports these efforts.  Dr. Ellison received the Theodore von Karman Fellowship of Exploratory Research Space at RWTH Achen University.

 Dr. Robert Hogan

Dr. Robert Hogan, Professor Emeritus of Architecture, served as Associate Chair of the School of Architecture, director of undergraduate studies, and acting associate dean of the college prior to his retirement in 2015. Dr. Hogan serves on the Emeritus College Advisory Board.  He has served five years as a member of the Emeritus College Awards Committee and now is its chair.  In addition, Bob is the faculty advisor for the student chapter of Habitat for Humanity Homecoming build on Bowman’s field, having been in involved with the project for almost 30 years.  Dr. Hogan continues to serve as an advisor for Alpha Phi Omega, the Service fraternity on Clemson’s campus. Dr. Hogan consistently demonstrates his leadership, work ethic and strong commitment to serving the Emeritus College and Clemson University.

News Release Information Emeritus College Awards

Lecturer Emerita Earns Recognition for 60 Years of Service

Lucy Eubanks, Lecturer Emerita of Chemistry, was recently recognized at the regional American Chemical Society (ACS) meeting on September 17, 2019 for her 60 years of service to ACS.  Over the past 60 years, she has participated in several ACS curriculum projects, including Chemistry in the Community and Chemistry in Context, where she served for two editions as Editor-In-Chief and Senior Author. She has received a national CATALYST award for teaching excellence and is co-recipient of a national award for distinguished service to the ACS Division of Chemical Education. She is a past chair of that Division and has served the Western Carolinas ACS Local Section as Chair, Alternate Councilor, and Councilor. Mrs. Eubanks brought notice to the Section with her leadership roles on the ACS Local Section Activities Committee and the ACS Leadership Advisory Board. Lucy currently serves on the Emeritus College Executive Committee and Advisory Board. Click HERE to view her award.

**Information obtained from American Chemical Society press release**

Clemson Educator Receives Award from ITEEA

Clemson University educator William “Bill” Havice, PhD, DTE received the 2019 International Technology and Engineering Educators Association (ITEEA) Special Recognition Award.

Outstanding technology and engineering educators and students were honored by the International Technology and Engineering Educators Association (ITEEA) at its 81st Annual Conference held March 27-30, 2019 in Kansas City, MO.

This award is presented to an individual who has established a sustained record of outstanding service to the field of technology and engineering education. To qualify for this award, the recipient must be an ITEEA member and have made a significant contribution and resulting impact to ITEEA or technology and engineering education.

Bill, a professor emeritus of Educational and Organizational Leadership Development in the Clemson University Emeritus College, was selected for his many years of outstanding work as a technology teacher educator and to the field of education in general.

He co-developed a career leadership and professional development initiative titled “Twenty-first Century Leadership Academy Program” that enhances leadership and professional development opportunities for junior faculty in ITEEA. For the past thirteen years, the program has provided an opportunity for rising technology educators from across the country to develop as professional leaders, develop community and have experiences related to the promotion of technology and engineering education and technological literacy in schools.

Go to: https://www.iteea.org/News/282/150867.aspx

Chip Egan, dean emeritus of the College of Architecture, Arts and Humanities, will be inducted in March into the Southeastern Theatre Conference Hall of Fame. Egan served Clemson University 33 years as professor of theater, performing arts department chair and dean of the

College. He is a life member and former president of the Southeastern Theatre Conference and past president of the South Carolina Theatre Association. He recently chaired the search committee for the executive director of SETC. Egan continues his career as a professional actor and director in Upstate theaters. He is a member of the College of Architecture, Arts and Humanities Hall of Fame. He also served as interim director of the Clemson University Emeritus College. SETC, founded in 1949, is a nonprofit organization of theaters and individuals involved in theater, representing 10 states in the southeastern United States.

AROHE Innovation Award Celebration with Campus Partners

The celebration on October 31, 2018 was a great tribute to the two award winning programs – the Clemson English-Speaking Proficiency (CESP) test and its follow up, the Conversations with International Students (CIS) program. Working together, these programs significantly enhance participating students’ English language skills and cultural awareness. The pair of programs received accolades from the Association of Retirement Organizations in Higher Education (AROHE) for benefiting students, improving instruction, and enhancing campus diversity.  Provost Jones was present to receive the award and gave high praise to the College as well as the emeriti volunteers who operate the two programs. He stated, “I don’t know of any other place that I’ve ever seen an organization like yours be that dedicated to an institution and we feel it.”  Provost Jones went on to say that the administration is thankful to emeritus faculty and the contributions provided by the CESP/CIS programs as well as to the university as a whole. Stop by the Emeritus College to see the award!