The reviews are in, and it seems everyone really enjoyed the trip to Charleston for birding, viewing the wind turbine test facility, and visiting the Hunley submarine restoration. Oh yeah, we ate some great seafood, and engaged in some spirited shopping for antiques, art and souvenirs as well. The weather was near perfect, not many insects to bother us and the hotel and local people we met were very friendly.

One of the favorite locations we visited was the Awendaw Avian Conservation Center where we saw hawks and owls, some free flying and landing just above our heads. Pretty cool. Some folks said their favorite bird was the Burrowing Owl that ran in and out of the nesting mound created for her. The birds were close enough for us to touch and folks got some beautiful photos. A special thank you to Michael Drews for arranging this wonderful trip to the Avian Conservation Center.

Imatiaz Haque arranged a great tour of Clemson in Charleston which includes the Dominion Energy Innovation Center (home of the wind turbine drive train testing and e-grid), the Zucker Family Graduate Education Center, and the Warren Lasch Conservation Center.  

The research conducted related to wind energy and the electrical grid is phenomenal.  The size and scope of the machinery is impressive.  The construction of the facility to house the drive train was amazing.  The Hunley submarine restoration is nearing completion with a fantastic museum and observation area displaying this amazing historical artifact at the conservation center.   

We even had an off-the-grid tour of the lab area where restoration occurs and saw a 4,000-year-old Roman iron ingot recovered from the Mediterranean Sea. 

The graduate education building was beautiful and we were able to talk with faculty in the Digital Production Art and see their labs and work.  Graduate students in DPA and electrical and computer engineering have opportunities in Charleston that are not available anywhere but there.  A special thank you to our guides as well:  AJ Powell, Campus and Event Manager;  Meredyth Crichton, Executive Director of the Dominion Energy Innovation Center; Jim Tuten, Capital Projects and Facilities; Eric Patterson, Associate Professor and Director of DPA; and Stéphanie Cretté Director of the Warren Lasch Conservation Center.

Many thanks to Debbie, Imtiaz and Mike for the great adventure. If you have ideas for future trips please let Debbie know.

On April 30, 2020, Skip Eisiminger, Professor Emeritus of English gave a very informational online presentation to emeritus faculty. His presentation, “For the Birds” provided an informal celebration and enticement to ornithology by a “bird reader.” While Skip has no formal training in the study of birds, he does

take most opportunities to watch his feathered friends especially on “Nat. Geo.” as much as he dislikes that abbreviation. Mostly, Dr, Eisiminger just reads about birds who continue to amaze him. “For the Birds,”  was the crème de la crème of his “bird readings” and assiduous collecting habits over the last forty years. The presentation was attended by numerous faculty and as always involved a lively Q &A session! The Emeritus College appreciates Skip’s enthusiasm for presenting in the new format. Click HERE for the handout from the presentation.  Click HERE for video of presentation.

Musical Events at the Emeritus College

March 11, Monday: 10:00am until 11:30am
Don’t miss The Carl Neil Duo acoustic performance at the Emeritus College featuring  guitar, violin and mandolin. The Duo will  emphasize the history of the music from the Swing era to the 1960s.  The hour-long event is scheduled for Monday, March 11 at 10:00 a.m. and is hosted by the Greater Clemson Music Festival.

More information about the month-long musical festival coming our way in April will be available. The Carl Neil Duo is composed of Andy Fleming and Brad Pearson, two accomplished musicians who have appeared at many locations in the Tri-County area. Their familiarity with the history of music will delight music lovers of all ages. Be sure and ask them why they are called the Carl Neil Duo. See you there. Bring a guest. There will be a no-host lunch at  Red Bowl of Clemson (Publix Shopping Center) following the event.

March 28, Thursday: 10:30am until Noon
Dr. Eric J. Lapin and Clemson University students will present a lecture recital at the Emeritus College. Dr. Lapin is a Senior Lecturer of Music and Director of Artistic Initiatives for the Brooks Center for the Performing Arts. The event will feature Performing Arts student performances, historical background, and instrument demonstrations. Please plan to join us for a no host lunch after the performance.

*All seminars will take place in the Emeritus College Meeting Room (511 Westinghouse Road  Pendleton, SC 29670)

Workshop- Social Media Guide: How to Create, Manage, and Use Safely

Thursday, February 29, 2019: 10:30 am until Noon
Emeritus College, Meeting Room 511 Westinghouse Road Pendleton, SC

March 14, 2019 (Thursday) 10:30 am until Noon 

 Clemson University’s Dean of Libraries 

Meet and Greet

Dr. Christopher N. Cox, Dean of the Clemson University Libraries will present his new directions and dreams for the Clemson Libraries. As Dean, he is dedicated to collaboratively developing a vision for a world class research library that meets the needs of Clemson’s students, faculty and staff.  Prior to coming to Clemson, Cox was Dean of Library Services at the University of Northern Iowa.  Cox has also served as Dean of Libraries at Western Washington University in Bellingham, Washington, and Interim Director of Libraries at the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire.  He has a BA in English from Susquehanna University in Pennsylvania, an MA in English from the University of Connecticut and a Master of Library Science from the University at Albany, NY. The program will provide an opportunity for emeritus faculty to provide feedback to Dean Cox and to identify ways in which the libraries serve emeritus faculty.  This is a wonderful opportunity for the emeritus faculty to meet our new Dean of Libraries and for Dean Cox to meet emeritus faculty as well.  There will be a no-host lunch at Solé on the Green (Madren Center) following the seminar . Please contact Nicci at nherman@clemson.edu or 864-656-3990 by March 13, if you plan on attending the no-host lunch after the seminar so we can ensure adequate seating at the restaurant. The lunch is a great way to continue the discussion!

*All seminars will take place in the Emeritus College Meeting Room (511 Westinghouse Road  Pendleton, SC 29670)

Focus-Discussion  Lunches For Spring 2019

One thing that distinguishes academics is the general aversion to always sitting quietly (more or less) listening to someone else’s thoughts. We like to talk through big ideas with other generally-well-informed people. And nothing beats the lively exchange when there are contrasting viewpoints!

Now that EC faculty members have a great, configurable space in which to meet, we’re organizing  focused-discussion orange-bag lunches. The idea is that the topic will be set and announced in advance of each discussion over lunch, giving participants the opportunity to bring materials that relate to the topic. A  discussion topic is set for each meeting and is led by a guest moderator or an emeritus faculty. There’s no enrollment, and no required preparation. Pack a lunch or have the EC order a no host lunch for you from Panera in Anderson. Click HERE for lunch information and options. Contact Nicci to RSVP for no host lunch (nherman@clemson.edu or 864-656-3990). Don’t worry about a beverage. We’ll have water, tea, lemonade and coffee ready, and there’s a soft-drink machine close by. Mark your calendars for  11:30 am on these focused-discussion lunch dates!  CLICK HERE for past dates and discussion topics.

If you do not already have an orange EC lunch bag, be sure to pick one up when you come to one of the lunches!

*All lunches will take place in the Emeritus College Meeting Room (511 Westinghouse Road  Pendleton, SC 29670)

September 23, Monday: 11:30am – 1:00pm, Focus Discussion Lunch – Grad 360° Program: Dr. Tia Dumas, Assistant Dean for Professional Development and Inclusive Excellence, and Jodi Cox, Director of Graduate Training and Mentoring, will be joining the lunch to discuss the Grad 360° program (comprehensive professional development program for graduate students and postdocs) and how emeritus faculty may assist in providing professional development programs for graduate students.  You may bring your own lunch OR lunch will be catered by Village Bakery and Café. Click HERE to view menu. The catered lunch will cost $15.00. Please let Nicci know by Thursday, September 19, if you plan on participating in the catered lunch.

PAST LUNCHES

September 10,Tuesday: Focus-Discussion Lunch – Sustainability Assessment with Vic Shelburne (Emeritus Professor of Forestry and Natural Resources) and Caye Drapcho (Associate Professor of Biosystems Engineering): The Clemson University Commission on Sustainability was established in September of 2009 by President James Barker. In December of 2010, the commission released a draft of the University’s first comprehensive Sustainability Plan, acting as the basis for all sustainability practices at Clemson. The plan was filed in accordance with the American College and University President’s Climate Commitment, to which Clemson is a signatory. In 2018, a revised charter was adopted, and the commission became The Clemson University Sustainability Commission, and is the coordinating body for our efforts to become a model of sustainability among institutions. To creatively address sustainability, the commission facilitates collaboration among students, faculty, staff, and the community by integrating education, research, and public service with the social, economic, and environmental infrastructure.  Dr. Shelburne will give the Executive Presentation of the AASHE/STARS results (sustainability assessment) as well as discuss with attendees any other information/issues regarding this topic.

June 18, Tuesday: Focus-Discussion Lunch Faculty Advocate Program with Jerry Knighton (CU Director of Access and Equity)  and Danny Weathers (Associate Professor of Marketing/Faculty Senate President 2019-2020: This focus discussion centers on a current student program Student Advocates for Empowerment (SAFE) and the opportunity to expand this type of program to faculty. This initiative is intended to provide support for faculty who are involved in an investigation alleging unlawful discrimination and/or harassment. Students have a similar program (SAFE) that is designed to provide assistance in the investigative process, and the intent is to modify this program to provide assistance and counseling for faculty. Because Grievance Board members and grievance counselors may be called upon to adjudicate later, it is desirable to keep them out of the process until that time. Emeritus faculty can help in this way by assisting faculty in navigating the investigation (for example, explaining the process and faculty members’ rights).

May 16, Thursday: Creative Inquiry and Emeritus Faculty: The director and associate director of Clemson’s Creative Inquiry and Undergraduate Research Program will describe the program’s history and accomplishments, then discuss opportunities for emeritus faculty to interact with student researchers. Such activities range from judging posters, assisting students in designing presentations, and mentoring Creative Inquiry projects. If you have other ideas and suggestions, bring them to our discussion. Presented by: Dr. Barbara Speziale, Director of Creative Inquiry and Undergraduate Research, Associate Director of the Watt Family Innovation Center and Professor of Biology and Cora Allard Keese, Associate Director of Creative Inquiry and Undergraduate Research

April 18, Thursday: featuring Del Kimbler (Professor Emeritus of Industrial Engineering): “Are You Someone’s Crazy Relative?”  Polarization is real, and managing polarized conversations around the dinner table or in meetings has become an issue for some.  Can we talk about polarized issues without taking people out of our lives (or being taken out ourselves)? Dr. Kimbler will lead the discussion about polarization and how a national group is trying to deal with it a few people at a time.  The topics will include the rise of polarization, political views, talking across the divide, and the work of Better Angels.

April 9, Tuesday: CU’s Student Alumni Council (SAC) Advisor, Stewart Summers, will be present to discuss a proposed mentorship program between emeritus faculty and members of SAC. This program is in its beginning stages and Stewart is seeking advice/ideas in developing a program to connect emeritus faculty with current CU students. Please join the lunch to present your ideas on this valuable new program for the Emeritus College and the University.

February 20, 2019: featuring Dr. Della Baker Sprowl, Coordinator of Special Projects for the Director of Extension – “Civil Dialogue: Coming Together For Racial Understanding” Dr. Baker Sprowl will lead participants in a discussion on how to engage faculty across the university on civil dialogue on race. Developed by a team of experts across the U.S., a training program on civil dialogue was provided to land-grant universities. Dr. Baker Sprowl will provide the emeritus faculty an opportunity to discuss the program and generate ideas for engaging the university in civil dialogue on race.  Click HERE for Dr. Baker Sprowl’s PowerPoint presentation.

March 6, Wednesday: 11:30 am until 1:00 pm, featuring Dr. Darren Linvill, Associate Professor of Communications:  The Good, the Bad and the Ugly of Social Media. Dr. Linvill will lead a discussion about the positive and negative effects of social media. B

Focus-Discussion Lunches for Spring 2018

One thing that distinguishes us as academics is the general aversion to always sitting quietly (more or less) listening to someone else’s thoughts. We like to talk through big ideas with other generally-well-informed people. And nothing beats the lively exchange when there are contrasting viewpoints!

Now that EC faculty members have a great, configurable space in which to meet, we’re organizing twice-monthly focused-discussion brown-bag lunches. The idea is that the topic will be set and announced in advance of each discussion over lunch, giving participants the opportunity to bring materials that relate to the topic. A tentative discussion topic is set for each meeting, although those can be modified and augmented as we go. There’s no enrollment, and no required preparation. Pack a lunch or grab something on the way to the EC. Don’t worry about a beverage. We’ll have water and coffee ready, and there’s a soft-drink machine close by. Mark your calendars for 11:30 am on these Tuesdays:

Click on the topic links for more information about the  focused-discussion

January 9: Defining Democracy

January 23: Crypto-Currency and the IRS on Crypto-Currency

February 13:  Rules-based International Order – What is Liberal International Order? and The Internationalists Review

February 27: Consumer Applications of Technology

March 6: Brainstorm Emeritus College Programming

March 27: Climate Science:Fact and Fiction

April 3: Fair Taxation

April 24: GMO (Genetically Modified Organism) Foods

May 8: Changing Social Norms

May 22: Pros and Cons of Euthanasia

Beginning in January, a series of trainings will be offered to familiarize emeritus faculty with all the software on the EC’s workstation computers!  Visit the Computer  Trainings for EC Faculty page on the blog or click HERE for more information!! We are thankful to our friends at CCIT for teaching these courses!

Upcoming Seminar

• April 11, 2018 at 2:00pm – Changing American Culture presented by Melissa Vogel. There’s no doubt about it. Somebody keeps moving our cheese. What we once thought were integral components of the social fabric are scarcely recognizable anymore. What do evolving attitudes and behaviors have to say about what’s now considered normal? Melissa Vogel, Clemson Professor of Anthropology, will help us figure out how to cope with the new, sometimes disquieting, society in which we live.

*All seminars will take place in the Emeritus College Meeting Room at the CAT Building   511 Westinghouse Road   Pendleton, SC 29670

October 17, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. — Native Plants: Good Habitat for People and Animals, Dr. Bill Stringer, Associate Professor Emeritus, Clemson University, South Carolina Native Plant Society