By Jackie Todd, University Relations
It was Kathy Hensen’s first time on the Memorial Stadium field. An 18-year veteran of Clemson, Hensen is the administrative coordinator for the vice president for Student Affairs. She grew up in Clemson and her dad taught at the university. But she had never stepped foot on the field – until Saturday. As she looked up at the stands with her husband, Jack, by her side, Hensen suddenly felt tiny in the massive stadium filled with cheering fans. Tiny, but thankful, because the fans were cheering for her.
Hensen was named Staff Member of the Game during Clemson’s matchup against Georgia Southern.
Along with Hensen, the fans cheered for Dil Thavarajah, named Professor of the Game. Thavarajah is an associate professor of plant and environmental sciences and studies agricultural production systems. Having been raised in Sri Lanka, she witnessed the effects of hunger and malnutrition. In response, Thavarajah develops sustainable food systems to work towards global food security. As she and her daughter, Sam, stood next to the Hensens on the field, Thavarajah felt that same sense of smallness on the field amid a sea of orange. She also felt pride.
“My daughter used to travel with us when we conducted our research visits,” explained Thavarajah. “It was a great experience to see her mom being recognized and to be a part of that moment.”
Initiated in 2014 by President Jim Clements, the Professor of the Game and Staff Member of the Game program pays tribute to faculty and staff during Clemson home football games. Since the program’s inception, more than 40 faculty and staff have been honored, with many more to come. Clements says that faculty and staff work hard to make a difference for the university and its students and it’s important for them to be recognized.
Hensen was humbled by her “Clemson moment” on the field and was grateful for the support of her colleagues, her division and the 80,000 cheering fans in the stadium.
“We talk a lot about the “Clemson Family” and the “Clemson experience,” she said. “Being recognized as a Staff Member of the Game certainly was a Clemson experience I’ll not forget anytime soon. A kind word every now and then goes a long way with me, but a recognition like this makes a lasting memory.”
Thavarajah shared that same sense of gratefulness.
“It gives a great motivation and encouragement to be a part of Clemson family,” she said. “I felt like a champion for 30 seconds of my life.”
