Author: Jacqueline Todd

Benton H. Box, Ph.D., 88, of Clemson passed away July 28, 2019. He retired in 1998 after 20 years of service in various roles, including dean of forest and recreation resources, executive assistant to the president and acting vice president of agriculture and natural resources.

Dr. Box is survived by his wife, children, family and friends.

Funeral services were held on July 31, 2019 at the First Baptist Church of Clemson.

Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Clemson (397 College Avenue, Clemson, SC 29631), Camp Sertoma or a charity of your choice.

Post your condolences and memories here.

University Housing & Dining welcomes back new and returning residents during a full week of phased move-in appointments, from August 13 – 17. Residents will arrive during their scheduled move-in appointments between 8 a.m. until to 4 p.m. on a specific assigned day.

Most new students (freshman and transfer) will move in on Friday, August 16 and Saturday, August 17. Move-In volunteers will be available to welcome new students on Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. Those interested in volunteering should email Paige Zoltewicz at pzoltew@clemson.edu.

Main campus impacts

This full week move-in process has been designed to assist with maximizing traffic flows on campus and allows residents to move in at times designated for specific events and activities. However, faculty and staff should anticipate impacts to parking throughout the regular work week, August 13-16. On Tuesday, August 13, staff who regularly park in or near Bryan Mall Circle should expect a large number of residents to unload, and smaller numbers of residents will be moving in across campus. Increased traffic on Hwy 93 should be anticipated on Friday, August 16 and Saturday, August 17 based on move-in traffic patterns. On Friday, August 16, employee spaces will not be available in the Bryan Mall and more traffic should be expected on Fort Hill as well as the Sirrine lot.

For the most up-to-date information regarding Move-In Weekend, see the Clemson Home website. http://housing.clemson.edu/move-in-weekend/.

New measures aimed at enhancing security inside Sikes Hall are scheduled to go into effect on Monday, Aug. 5. At that time, full access to the building will be limited to Sikes employees and those with scheduled appointments. Public entrances will now be located on the first floor in the front of the building (facing Walter T. Cox Boulevard) and ground level to the side nearest Carillon Garden. Security personnel will be located at each public entrance from 7:30a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily to assist visitors and guests to specific areas within the building.

“These new procedures are part of a campus-wide assessment of interior access control within our facilities,” said Greg Mullen, associate vice president for public safety and chief of police. “Sikes Hall is not the only space on campus that will see enhanced measures as we continually strive to foster an environment that is safe and secure for all of our constituents.”

By Taylor Summey, Class of 2021

While summertime can be a time of fun and relaxation, it is still important to keep safety in mind. Mary Erin Morrissey, Clemson’s deputy emergency manager, offers a few key tips to stay safe while enjoying the end of the summer semester on campus.

“We want everyone to have a safe and fun summer, whether they stay close to Clemson or not. Taking a few minutes to prepare and plan will go a long way in staying safe no matter where you are,” said Morrissey.

Download the Rave Guardian app

The Rave Guardian app is available for free in the Apple Store and Google Play for all Clemson University students, faculty and staff. It has several useful features that can make your time on campus safer.

First, the app allows you to contact the authorities (CUPD or 911) in case of emergency or simply to submit crime tips. Second, the app comes with a call directory listing important phone numbers to know on campus, including Parking and Transportation Services, Tiger Transit and CAPS. Third (and most uniquely) is Rave Guardian’s emergency timer. This tool allows the user to set a timer that, if the user does not turn it off by the time it goes off, will notify a specified individual so that they can check on the user. This is a great feature for situations where you may be walking alone at night. Rather than feeling afraid and vulnerable, users can feel more confident as they make their way to their car at the end of a long day on campus, knowing that someone is watching out for them.

Avoid heat-related illness

With temperatures peaking at over 90 degrees on some days, it is important to avoid heat-related illness. “Especially once we get into the first few football games,” explained Morrissey, “[heat-related illness] becomes a big issue for us.”

While football season doesn’t begin until the summer is winding down, the heat can still cause illness if proper precautions are not observed.

Make sure to drink plenty of fluids and find air conditioning when possible. Wearing light-colored, loose-fitting clothing is also helpful. Lastly, recognize the signs of heat-related illness to know when to seek help. These can include muscle pains and spasms, sweating, tiredness, weakness, nausea and vomiting, fainting and many more. Always call 911 when you require medical assistance.

Visit https://ready.gov/heat for more information and tips on heat-related illness.

Know a safe location during severe weather

With the summer comes severe weather, including hurricane season, which starts in June and lasts throughout the fall. Knowing safe locations to take shelter during inclement weather will make the experience safer. Find a sturdy building that can withstand the weather. Pick a room with as many walls as possible between yourself and the weather outside and avoid any windows or doors.

“Take all weather alerts seriously – even if it’s just thunder and lightning,” Morrissey added.

There are two categories of weather alerts: A watch and A warning. A watch means that inclement weather may potentially occur. A warning, in contrast, means that inclement weather has already happened or is imminent.

Visit https://www.ready.gov/severe-weather for more information on staying safe during severe weather.

 Know multiple routes out of locations you frequent

During an emergency situation, every moment counts. You may need to find an alternate route due to flooded roads or other hazards. If you are on the main campus, be aware of construction, road closures and detours so you can navigate safety.

University Facilities provides a live construction map that provides up-to-date information on road closures and detours. The map is a great tool to plan alternate routes out of the main campus in case an emergency arises.

Have a plan

Think through plans for different emergency scenarios. What would you do if you were without power for 72 hours, for example? Do you know important phone numbers in case you are unable to charge your cell phone? Are your important documents backed up in the Cloud? Considering these factors with your family and friends is helpful and will allow you to feel prepared if disaster were to strike.

Planning for potential emergencies and safety hazards doesn’t have to be time-consuming.

“Just take five minutes today, take five minutes next week. You’re going to be in a much better place after that five minutes,” Morrissey said.

Check out https://www.ready.gov/ and Clemson’s emergency management website for additional resources.

A back-to-school promotion enables faculty, staff and students to score a free pair of Beats Studios headphones with purchase of a qualifying computer.

The promotion is part of the Clemson Computer Store’s Tax-Free Weekend sale where all  computers, iPads and all accessories will be available without state sales tax beginning at 9 a.m. Friday, Aug. 2 through 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3 during South Carolina’s Sales Tax-Free Weekend.

Purchase Apple products at the at 603 Edgar Allen Brown Student Union location and buy Lenovo and Dell products at 118 Hendrix.

Only personal purchases (not institutional sales) are exempt from the sales tax and back-to-school promotions.

See the stores’ website for details or call the Union location at 864-656-1563 with Apple-related questions or the Hendrix store at 864-656-0404 for PC questions. Both locations will reserve computers in advance if you call ahead or email computerstore@clemson.edu.

Dr. Matthew C. Coombs, 32, of Fort Wayne, Ind., died June 28, 2019. Coombs earned a stellar reputation while working as a post-doctoral fellow in the Clemson-MUSC Joint Bioengineering Program. His research was focused on temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.

“Matthew proved his capability at every step of his career and was an outstanding research scientist, a natural instructor, mentor and a great team member,” said Dr. Hai Yao, Norville Endowed Chair/professor in the Clemson-MUSC Bioengineering Program. “I really enjoyed working with Matthew to develop our research strategies and was looking forward to having a long and successful relationship with him.”

Yao, who was Coombs’ supervisor, called him a rising star in dental medicine who entered the program and quickly earned National Institutes of Health awards.

“Matthew was instrumental in the development of my two recently submitted research applications,” said Yao. “Additionally, a presentation of his work at a recent conference was met with an overwhelmingly positive response and we were working towards recruiting him to the MUSC Dental College to pursue an independent research program.”

Coombs’ colleagues also had high praise beyond the research.

“Although, I knew him as an excellent research scientist, it was his qualities as a good person that I most admired,” said Thomas Gallien, project manager for the Clemson-MUSC Bioengineering Program.

Coombs obtained his undergraduate degree in biomedical engineering, followed by a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from the University of Cincinnati.

He is survived by his wife, two young children, family and friends.

Post your condolences and memories online here.

Bryn S. Turner, 22, died July 11, 2019. He was a senior genetics major from Mount Pleasant.

“Our campus community mourns the loss of Bryn,” said Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students L. Christopher Miller. “He was a tremendous asset to the university and will be sorely missed. Please continue to have his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers.”

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is providing grief counseling. Students who want to speak to a counselor should contact CAPS at 864-656-2451.

A memorial service has been set for Thursday, July 18 in his hometown. View the obituary online.

Recently, the state legislature voted to increase the state’s per diem rates – welcome news for Clemson’s many faculty and staff who routinely travel while representing the University.

In-state and out-of-state meal allowances increased per the 2019-2020 General Appropriations Act (Proviso 117.20 (A)). Effective July 1, the meal allowance ceiling increased by $10 to $35 per day in-state and increased $18 to $50 per day for travel outside of South Carolina.

Partial-day splits will also be impacted by the changes to the state disbursement regulations.

In-state allowances are as follows:

• Breakfast – $8
• Lunch – $10
• Dinner – $17

Out-of-state allowances are as follows:

• Breakfast – $10
• Lunch – $15
• Dinner – $25

Paper reimbursement forms and paperless my.Clemson forms have been updated to reflect the changes for travel occurring on or after July 1, 2019. For additional information, contact clemsontravel@clemson.edu or (864) 656-2090.

John Keith Luedeman, Ph.D., 78, of Seneca passed away July 3, 2019. He taught mathematics for 33 years and served as Faculty Senate president in the early 90’s. He retired as professor emeritus.

Luedeman is survived by his fiancée, four children, family and friends.

Funeral services will be held 6 p.m. July 9, 2019 at the Brown-Oglesby Funeral Home in Seneca.

Memorials may be made to the South Carolina Aquarium.

Post your condolences and memories here.

Imagine holding your baby in your arms. Remember the journey through the toddler years – the initial words, the first steps, the milestone birthdays. Continue through their school years, where they leave the safe confines of their home during the day and come back through a welcoming door at night.

Then they go to college. For many new students, it’s the first time they have left home. They are taking their first steps of independence as they begin this exciting new chapter in their lives. For their parents, guardians and family, it’s emotional. Their baby is leaving the nest.

These students and their parents need your support during Move-In Weekend, Aug. 16-17, to welcome students, help unload cars and answer questions. It’s an exciting day. It’s a day to share in the effort.

“Volunteers make the move-in experience more memorable for our newest Tigers and their families,” said Paige Zoltewicz, who works in customer relations for Clemson Home. “We can’t do it without them.”

Zoltewicz said that volunteers should click here to register. On the registration form, select the days, times and locations that fit your preferences. If you are part of an organization, or have friends who may want to help, pass along this information to them.

Contact Zoltewicz by email at pzoltew@clemson.edu or by phone at 864-656-2295 with any questions.