Homecoming 2015: There’s Something In These Halls

October 7, 2015

Additional photos from the event!

Written by Jessica Johnson, Graduate Student, Class of 2016

Clemson University has experienced immense growth in size and scope since first established over 126 years ago. Beginning as a small military college, Clemson University has become a top national university and institution of higher learning that has been forever impacted by the contributions of many great individuals. Each one, different, but uniquely the same, left their mark on this university in a special way. From involvement in the classrooms to contributions on the field, to financial donations, to the ultimate sacrifices on the battlefield, the students of Clemson have left behind a legacy that further defines the “Clemson Family.” Homecoming is a chance for alumni to take the time to reflect on the years they spent furthering their education, but more importantly, to reflect on the endearing memories, lifelong friendships, and unforgettable experiences of their academic endeavors at Clemson University.

Someone once said, “we learn, grow and become compassionate and generous as much through exile as homecoming, as much through loss as gain, as much through giving things away as in receiving what we believe to be our due.” This quote encapsulates the desire for Clemson’s Graphic Communications Homecoming tailgate. Homecoming is a time for former students and families to come back to Clemson, to enjoy the beauty of Clemson’s campus and the Homecoming floats, and attend the alumni tailgate hosted by their former department. With this thought in mind, a team of faculty and students from the Graphic Communications department began to plan for the 2015 Homecoming, Tigerama 101: A Lesson on Legacy.

Graphic Communications faculty, staff, and students are able to call Godfrey Hall home, one of the most historic and prominently placed buildings on Clemson’s campus. Therefore, we could not pass up an opportunity to show off what is behind the doors. Students and faculty of the Graphic Communications program take great pride in what has taken place and continues to take place on the old, worn hardwood floors within the confines of the historic brick walls. As I’ve always said, one cannot help but love the historic feel.

For the past three years, we have opened the doors of Godfrey to hundreds of former alumni, their families, and their friends in hopes they will reminisce on many fond memories of their undergraduate or graduate career. It is also an opportunity for current students and faculty to showcase their hard work, as well as the new and exciting changes that have taken place over the past year. The hope of the homecoming event is that all who enter Godfrey’s doors would get a hands-on experience to better understand the everyday happenings of the print program (or as we like to say on social media, @ClemsonGC).

Upon walking into the front door and atrium of Godfrey, visitors were greeted with a wholehearted welcome and smile by faculty members. From the very start, our visitors had a chance to have their picture taken with a life-size replica of The Rock at the top of “The Hill.” It was incredibly fun and rewarding to watch the visitors’ excitement when they saw our photo display unique to Clemson’s game day experience. After the photo shoot, our guests made their way into the Basic Lab to print their very own screen printed rally towel, specifically designed with the essentials: an orange paint splatter, Clemson paw, and of course, the name of the program. This was one of the most exciting, hands-on experiences for both parents and their students… after all, who doesn’t like to get messy – the bright orange kind of messy?

After screen-printing rally towels, our welcomed visitors picked up their photo straight off the HP Indigo Press 5000, which most alumni recognize as a very new and exciting addition to Godfrey. The gasping and smiles of alumni most notably demonstrated the excitement felt in the building over the new “best in class” technology recently donated by Hewlett Packard. On the way to pick up their photos, guests grabbed a few Clemson GC luggage tags, pre-made by graduate students with the dye sublimation heat press. Lastly, the Comco flexographic printing press was set-up with the four-color process on display with small labels, also known as “gameday stickers.” One of the most unique elements of this activity was that our undergraduate students designed the stickers. These stickers, as well as the four giant banners hung from Godfrey’s windows overlooking Bowman Field, were part of a design contest held to give current students the chance to have their work displayed and admired by the public. We invited our guests to adorn their printed items and clothing with this sticky touch of Clemson and to take extras to wear later and to share with friends.

With full hearts and hands full of Clemson GC souvenirs, our visitors left Godfrey to take on the rest of the day before their evening in Death Valley. This event would not have been possible without the support and devotion of undergraduate students, graduate students, faculty, and donors.  We would like to extend our thanks for your continued service and support of ClemsonGC. The Clemson Graphic Communications program is one-of-a-kind made up of truly phenomenal people. This GC specific Homecoming tradition is special and unique, just like our GC family. There’s something in these Godfrey halls, and I believe the 2015 Homecoming goers experienced a touch of that. I leave you with this:

“There is something in these hills that you and I can’t define and others can’t understand. A wave of warmth always surges through me when “outsiders” say, “I don’t know what it is about you Clemson people, but your undying love for Clemson is admired by everyone I know.”

There’s something in these hills and I suspect that’s what it is – the ability of an institution through the unending dedication and greatness of its people – its administration, its faculty, its staff, its students and alumni – to impart to all it touches a respect, an admiration, an affection that stands firm in disquieting times when things around it give impressions of coming unglued.

Yes, there’s something in these hills where the Blue Ridge yawns its greatness.”

– There’s Something In These Hills