Author: Colby Lanham

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

Jim Grieger, Executive Director, Occupational and Environmental Safety

“Jim was instrumental in helping us get our hoods up and running so we could continue our cell research. He and OES are a great resource for the University.” – Cassie Gregory, Lab Manager, BIOE

Caroline Brunson, Administrative Assistant, Public Health Sciences

“Rising to the occasion in completing both her duties and that of a vacant position, all while managing the relocation of an entire department from one building to another in advance of renovations.” – Rebecca Moses, Graduate Student Services Coordinator, Public Health Sciences

Andie Eaton, Associate Director/Training Director, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)

“Andie spearheaded the comprehensive redesign of the psychology internship program, ultimately securing its APA re-accreditation.” – Amy Massingill, Associate Director/Clinical Services Director, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)

Cassidy Karker, CRM System Specialist

“In her short time at Clemson, Cassidy has proven herself to be a fantastic resource and campus partner. I am so appreciative of her generosity and flexibility – we couldn’t have gotten through this application cycle without her!” – Caleb Rogers, Director of Honors Admissions

Andrea Ward, Manager of Payroll Ops (supports CECAS)

“Andrea first listened to me vent about a problem I was facing until I felt better. Then, she found a solution that I didn’t think was possible and got it implemented to the benefit of a student.” – Anonymous

Suzanne Turner, Director of Donor Communications, Central Donor Relations

“Suzanne’s attention to detail and dedication to her work streamline complicated behind-the-scenes processes, resulting in intentional touchpoints that truly resonate with donors. She is a valued partner and a joy to work with.” – Grayson Miller, Art Director, Advancement

Brooke Sunshine, Senior Manager, Human Resources Customer Service

“When I reached out to HR with a complex and confusing situation, Brooke responded promptly, listened with genuine empathy, and made me feel like a priority. She took the time to fully understand my needs and guided me to the right solution with clarity and care. Her professionalism and compassion made a stressful experience feel manageable.” – Anonymous

Bennie Brundidge, Director of Talent Management, Advancement

“Bennie embodies the Clemson spirit in everything he does. His impact across our department is felt in the way he interacts with others and provides support in any challenges team members are facing. We are so lucky to have him in Advancement!” – Anonymous

Lisa Arslaner, Conservation Scientist/Chemist, Conservation Center

“Lisa always goes above and beyond to help anyone and always ensures the lab is functional and well-maintained. She far exceeds expectations and always does so with a smile. We are extremely lucky.” – Anonymous

Elizabeth Brown, Post Award Accountant, Dean’s Office (College of Science)

“Elizabeth is committed to helping out everyone she can, whenever she can. She is an invaluable asset to the team and the professors she supports.” – Anonymous

Michelle Newman, Receiving Triage Leader, Veterinary Diagnostic Center

“Michelle has been the driving force in the successful transition to new laboratory software. She has spent unequivocal time and effort to ensure all lab sections were programmed properly. Thank you Michelle!” – Anonymous

Madison Ballard, Assistant Business Officer, College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences

“Maddy recently served as the interim Financial Business Manager for the Department of Environmental Engineering & Earth Sciences. She has been a tremendous support to the department, responded to emails in a timely manner, provided insight, efficient and a great person to work with!” – Kim Bartholomew-Neptune, Office Manager

Janet Bean, Lo Ross, Hannah Callison, Dan McGee (Department of Finance Advisors)

“Our advisors handle a ton of students, 300-400+ each, and they do so with kindness and detail to make sure the students succeed. Their work loads don’t diminish their spirit towards their colleagues at large and they’re always willing to help out.” – Lisa Kieffer, Factuly and Program Support Specialist, Department of Finance

Kathryn Koning, Assistant Athletic Director of Football Academic Services

“Kathryn is a dependable and proactive presence in our office, consistently ensuring that both staff and student-athletes have the support they need to succeed. She is always willing to step in wherever needed. Kathryn always goes above and beyond to support our football student-athletes, and while it is often a thankless job, her impact is felt daily in the success and stability of our program.” – Erin DeChellis, Senior Associate Director for Athletic Academic Services

Trish Robinson, Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life

“Trish provides leadership that calls us to always be improving and growing. She promotes a healthy work environment of respect, balance and teamwork.” – Fraternity and Sorority Life Team

Dionne Holt, Associate Director for Personnel Operations and Engagement/Student Affairs Business Operations

“I wanted to take a moment to recognize and thank Dionne for the outstanding support you consistently provide to our team and the Division of Student Affairs. Your responsiveness, attention to detail, and commitment to ensuring our personnel operations run smoothly do not go unnoticed. You play a key role in fostering a positive and efficient work environment, and your efforts truly make a difference in how we serve our campus community. I appreciate all that you do and am grateful to work alongside you. Warm regards.” – Patrice Cleveland, Administrative Coordinator for OCES and SABO

Melissa Fuentes, Curator II, Biological Sciences

“Melissa led an incredibly engaging and educational tour of the Bob and Betsy Campbell Museum. Her knowledge and passion really stood out. She brought so much depth to the experience and highlighted how much this museum has to offer.” – Skylar Powell, Accountant, Bioengineering

Katherine Moxley, Post Award Financial Manager, College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences

“Katherine is so good at her job that I don’t even need to think about my grants! She is trustworthy, communicative, and so easy to work with!” – Anonymous

Gregory Batt, Professor, Food, Nutrition and Packaging Sciences

“Greg is excellent at interfacing between the challenges the industry faces, applying his research to address those challenges, and bringing these real-world examples to the classroom.” – Anonymous

Serenity Wolf, Assistant Director of Recruitment and Retention, College of Science Dean’s Office

“Serenity consistently goes above and beyond in supporting student recruitment, engagement, and retention efforts in the College of Science. Her attention to detail, initiative, and genuine care for students make a meaningful impact on our team’s success and the experiences of those we serve, and I am incredibly grateful to have her as my first and outstanding team hire!” – Sharetta Wynn, Director of Recruitment and Retention, College of Science Dean’s Office

Kelly Coffin, Student Services Coordinator, Forestry and Environmental Conservation

“Kelly provides amazing mentorship and guidance to over 200 students every semester, and she is helping the department launch its first student advisory board. Her focus on student success and engagement is helping us deliver the No. 1 student experience!” – Kyle Barrett, Interim Chair, Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation

Peyton Bade-Snead, Assistant Director of Events, Department of Visits, Events and Orientation

“Peyton successfully spearheaded and executed the second year of Tigertown Takeover, our large-scale accepted student day, hosting 1,000 students. While campus partners across the University supported the event, it would not have been possible without Peyton’s leadership, adaptability, and vision.” – Anonymous