This evening, IE had the privilege to see two of its alumni honored at the College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences (CECAS) 21st Annual Induction Ceremony for the Thomas Green Clemson Academy of Engineers and Scientists. The college’s annual awards ceremony recognizes alumni and friends who have made truly outstanding contributions in the field of engineering. Tonight was especially memorable for the IE department, as Janine Anthony Bowen ’89 was inducted into the Thomas Green Clemson Academy of Engineers and Scientists and Tony Elliott ’04 was recognized with the CECAS Outstanding Young Alumni Award.
Induction into the Thomas Green Clemson Academy is the highest honor bestowed by the College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences.
Janine Anthony Bowen is the first female inductee into the Thomas Green Clemson Academy of Engineers and Scientists since the inception of this award in 1995.
Bowen began her professional career with Accenture, CIBA Vision, and IBM before obtaining her law degree and beginning to practice with McKenna Long & Aldridge. She became Partner with this firm before founding JACK Attorneys & Advisors. Bowen is currently Technology Practice Leader and Shareholder with LeClair Ryan, PC, a national law firm having over 350 lawyers. By integrating her legal and engineering training, Bowen became a premier leader in legal issues related to cloud computing, software as a service, and cybersecurity. She has established an international reputation in these fields, having presented at diverse venues ranging from law institutions to electrical engineering conferences. Her publications span multiple fields, and include a very well-read chapter on legal issues regarding cloud computing.
Few can match Bowen’s commitment to service. She is an active member of the Board of Directors for the Clemson University Foundation, and formerly of the Clemson Alumni Association and the National Clemson Black Alumni Council. She also serves on the CECAS Advisory Board. She gives frequent guest lectures at Clemson, and has established a scholarship fund for Industrial Engineering students that supports outstanding minority and women students, as well as the College’s PEER program. Last year she was recognized with the Distinguished Service Award, the most prestigious award given by the Clemson University Alumni Association. Her commitment to community involvement extends beyond the boundaries of Clemson University. She somehow also finds time to serve on the Board of Directors for Goodwill of North Georgia, whose mission is to put people to work, and formerly for the Atlanta Center for Self Sufficiency.
The second IE alumni recognized at this evening’s awards banquet was Tony Elliott with The Outstanding Young Alumus award. The Outstanding Young Alumnus award recognizes a CECAS graduate who is 40 years old or younger, and whose achievements have been significant to their profession or to the welfare of society.
Tony Elliott is the Co-Offensive Coordinator and Running Backs coach for the National Champion Clemson Tiger football team. Coach Elliott’s inspiring story of adversity and triumph has been widely reported. The challenges he faced as a walk-on athlete at Clemson with no parents to help support him and a younger sister that relied on him financially and emotionally would have defeated many of us. His ability to persevere through these difficult times has given him the background and credibility to help younger people who are going through difficult times or making the uncertain transition into life at Clemson University.
Like many IE majors, Coach Elliott has found success outside the traditional engineering career paths. He began in a corporate setting, but soon felt the call to apply his background and experience to the world of collegiate football. As a member of a national championship coaching staff, he’s reached a pinnacle reserved for only a few. His ability to relate to student athletes makes the key connection we seek between academics and athletics. He is proving that these two aspects of university life can do more than coexist, they can help support each other in a very positive manner. Coach Elliott stands out due to the undeniably positive influence he has had on athletes, and for the way he has inspired countless others. He brings the community together at Clemson University; he is the embodiment of the Clemson Family tradition that we are so proud of.
