Author: Colby Lanham

Michael Parrish, Assistant Director of Fraternity & Sorority Housing

“Michael is always available to help with IT questions and needs in our office. He is patient and supportive and we are very grateful for his role on our team.” – Fraternity and Sorority Life team

The Clemson University Harvey S. Peeler Jr. College of Veterinary Medicine team

“As Clemson University prepares to welcome the inaugural Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Class of 2030, the faculty and staff of the Harvey S. Peeler Jr. College of Veterinary Medicine have accomplished something truly remarkable. While recruiting faculty, staff & students, developing curriculum, establishing clinical partnerships, hiring, and preparing to move into a brand-new campus, this team has worked tirelessly to build Clemson’s newest college from the ground up. Their collaboration, resilience, and unwavering commitment are creating a legacy that will impact veterinary medicine and generations of Clemson students for decades to come.”

Tori Charles, Director of Applied Research, Clemson’s Learning Institute

“Tori consistently goes above and beyond for her team, always making herself available to support others even during her well-deserved time off. She is an exceptional leader, mentor, and colleague who generously offers feedback, lends a helping hand, and encourages the professional growth and success of everyone around her.” – Alexis Sales, Research Associate, Clemson’s Learning Institute

Mitch Day, Executive Talent Partner, Office of Human Resources

“Mitch and his team have been integral to keeping my transition to using Workday smooth. Mitch provided exceptional support and timely updates regarding my questions. It was a pleasure working with him.” – Anonymous

Emily Arrowood, HRIS Business Analyst, Office of Human Resources

“Emily has been a standout support during the Workday transition! Her knowledge, problem-solving superpowers, and patience are unmatched. I am grateful to have the opportunity to work with Emily.” – Anonymous

Barbara Ramirez, Faculty, College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences (CECAS)

“Barbara comes into work each day waiting to encourage and assist faculty, staff and students on proposals, dissertations, ABET reports, articles for publications, help graduate students on personal statements to grad schools, government grants and a plethora of other things. She is above and beyond, but for her, “it’s just fun.” She is amazing and needs to be celebrated.” – Tracy Dodson, Administrative Coordinator

Ken Marcus, Robert Adger Bowen Professor of Chemistry, Department of Chemistry

“Ken has been a remarkable mentor to junior faculty in the Department of Chemistry over the last several years. His leadership and mentoring have directly resulted in sustained excellence by assistant professors, evidenced by numerous major NIH and NSF awards.” – Anonymous

Dave Lee (Assistant Vice President, CECAS Promotion) and Tim Crain (Director of Design, CECAS Promotion)

“Dave Lee and Tim Crain helped the Department of Mechanical Engineering upgrade the innovation lab space. The improvements will help enhance the ME brand to people who visit and use the space. We appreciate Dave and Tim working with Dr. Todd Schweisinger to promote the department. The new space looks amazing! Students, faculty and visitors will love it!” – Anonymous

Luther Stephen Cash, Professor Emeritus of Accounting, passed away on June 25, 2026. After a prominent fifty-year career practicing tax law in Tennessee, he moved to Clemson and taught accountancy at Clemson University.

Born in Knoxville, Tennessee, Cash served in the United States Army and received his Bachelor of Science degree in Business and Accounting from the University of Tennessee and his J.D. degree from the University of Tennessee School of Law, and a L.L.M. in Law and Taxation from the Washington University School of Law. He practiced tax law at Frantz, McConnell & Seymour. On June 19th, 2015, the Tennessee Bar Association honored Cash as a senior counselor for his 50 years of practice.

Steve moved on to Clemson University, where he taught in the Accountancy Department and co-authored and published numerous legal and accounting article. Steve was awarded Professor Emeritus status in the Accountancy Department.

He is survived by his wife, Anne Cash; daughter, Maria Tyler and husband Corey; grandchildren, Jackson Tyler and Shelby Tyler; sister, Patti Fain; niece, Angela Fain.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at 1 p.m. in Berry-Lynnhurst Funeral Home, 2300 Adair Drive, Knoxville, TN. The family will receive friends following the service.

An obituary for Cash is available online.

Antonio “Tony” Craig, Hazardous Materials Supervisor in the Occupational and Environmental Safety Department, passed away on Saturday, July 11, 2026. Craig began his career at Clemson in 2021.

“Tony was an exceptional person and staff member. There was never a time he wasn’t wearing a smile and had an infectious laugh that brought a smile to everyone he met. He was always willing to help and went above and beyond the call of duty for not only his job but for lending a hand around the office,” Jim Grieger, executive director of Occupational and Environmental Safety, said.

“If something needed to be moved or lifted or some other odd ball department need he was willing to help. There wasn’t a spill he hasn’t cleaned up. He also volunteered in his community with the Spartanburg Search and Rescue. He was a person who put others before himself and was a proud military veteran. I will especially miss his positive attitude and dedication to OES. He will be greatly missed.”

An obituary for Craig is available online.

The Clemson University EAP is available to employees seeking additional resources during this time. For more information and assistance, please call (866) 365-0813 or visit the EAP website.

Esther Kauffman, Accounting/Fiscal Manager I, Architecture

“Esther worked tirelessly and efficiently to maintain the finances for the School of Architecture. But more than that, she is true professional, colleague, and friend to those around her. With her retirement on July 1, she deserves all the recognition for her years of service. I dare say she is irreplaceable!” – Anonymous

Elise Eggert, Lead Procurement Coordinator, Business Office (College of Architecture, Art and Construction)

“Elise consistently goes above and beyond her job duties in helping the Dean’s Office. You can give her a task and you’ll know it will get done right, and with kindness and a sense of humor.” – Anonymous

Tina Parker, Clinical Facility Manager, Godley-Snell Research Center

“Tina is always a big help! She provided key advice and we are super grateful!” – Anonymous

Leonard Joseph “Skip” Spooner, 80, of Greenville, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 19, 2026.

Spooner joined Clemson University as a faculty member in the Management program on August 15, 2011, after retiring from his law practice. During his time in the management program at The Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business, Spooner’s real-world experience was essential in connecting with students and colleagues alike.

“Skip’s generosity, professionalism, and ability to connect real-world experience with the classroom made a lasting impact on our department, college and our students,” Carl Hollingsworth, Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, said.

“Skip is going to be dearly missed by everyone who knew him. He was a gentleman’s gentleman and wanted to help everyone he met – his colleagues, his clients, his friends, and his students,” Department Chair Craig Wallace said.

“I am especially going to miss our banter concerning college sports. Skip loved Clemson, but also his Georgia Bulldogs. Here’s one for you, Skip ‘Go Dawgs’!”

Skip is survived by his loving and devoted partner, Leanne Fuller of Greenville, SC; his son, Casey Spooner of Berlin, Germany, and his mother Carole Raines Spooner; his brother, Charles (Deborah) Spooner of Jacksonville, Florida; his brother-in-law, Larry Shoemaker of Donalsonville, Georgia; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Pat Shoemaker.

A graveside service for immediate family and close friends will be held on Friday, July 10, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Friendship Cemetery in Donalsonville, Georgia.

Spooner’s obituary is available online.

Hyma Priya Donepudi, Finance /Human Resources Development

“Hyma consistently goes above and beyond to support our team. Her dedication, responsiveness, and commitment have a tremendous impact on our team’s success. Whenever we reach out for assistance, she is always ready and willing to help, approaching every request with professionalism, positivity, and a genuine desire to find solutions. Hyma is exceptionally organized and proactive. She stays on top of critical tasks, follows through on commitments, and ensures important items are completed on time. Her contributions positively influence the work we accomplish and play an important role in helping us achieve our goals.” – Anonymous

Jen Groff and Cristina Shorts, Office Manager and Program Manager, Department of Automotive Engineering

“Jen and Cristina worked hard to pitch a new initiative at CU-ICAR for the students and were granted funding. They are working hard to build an outdoor terrace area for students at CU-ICAR.” – Chali Hunter, Undergraduate Student Services Coordinator

Anthony Bernarducci, Professor and Choral Director, Performing Arts

“Anthony is the best boss and coworker anyone could ask for. His work ethic is unmatched, and his genuine care for the department and our students shines through in everything he does. I’m incredibly grateful for his leadership, support, and the countless ways he makes a difference every day.” – Alyssa Conner, Administrative Assistant, Performing Arts

John Thomson Acorn, Professor Emeritus of Visual Arts, passed away on June 14. Acorn was a founding faculty member in the Department of Art, joining Clemson University’s faculty in 1961 after graduating from Cranbrook Academy of Art. Acorn retired from Clemson in 1997 after 36 years of service and joined the Emeritus College on July 7, 2017.

Acorn served as Department Chair for many years and was a cornerstone of Clemson University’s artistic community. In recognition of his extraordinary service and impact, Clemson named the Acorn Gallery in Lee Hall in his honor. Acorn’s “Friday Flyers”, the six oversized, aluminum paper airplanes scattered across main campus, were originally part of a larger art project Acorn developed in 1996 when he was the chair of the Department of Art.

Memorial service arrangements are being finalized. Details will be announced as soon as available.

An obituary for John Acorn is available online.

Ian Cummings, Lab Specialist II

“Ian works hard to keep the microbiology labs running as smoothly and well-maintained as possible; he plays a key role in giving Clemson Students the best possible lab experience offered.  He is a valuable member of the Department of Biological Sciences!” – Anonymous

Susan “Su” Cole, Grants and Contracts Administration, Division of Research

“Su is a ray of sunshine and goes the extra mile! In my time at Clemson, she’s pushed an ice cream cart around the office while playing ice cream truck music and wearing popsicle sunglasses, led lunchtime crafts, and more! She is a joy to those around her and is much appreciated!” – Meredith Williams, Grants Administrator, Sponsored Programs

Laura Eicher, Director of Teacher Residency and Strategic Initiatives, College of Education

“Working so hard to submit a Department of Education grant!” – Anonymous

Annette Parker, Accounts Payable, Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management (PRTM)

“Annette consistently goes above and beyond to support fellow staff members both within and outside of her department. She is always willing to lend a helping hand, share her knowledge, and step in wherever needed to ensure CU’s success.” – Anonymous

David Alexander, Jody Patterson, and Lee Ann Gowin; University Facilities

“Our department needed a grab bar because one of our employees was injured and needed assistance in standing from a seated position. We submitted a work order and received immediate and outstanding service in a friendly and helpful manner.” – Linda Rice, Director, Risk Services

Abby Buck, Administrative Coordinator, School of Nursing

“Huge shoutout to Abby Buck for organizing our department’s pack-out for our temporary relocation. Your dissemination of information, planning and positive attitude is making a stressful experience as smooth and efficient as possible for your School of Nursing teammates—thank you for your hard work!” – Anonymous