Month: April 2016

Ed Arnold, professor emeritus of German, taught at Clemson from 1968 to 2000. Prior to joining the faculty, he taught for 10 years at A.C. Flora High School in Columbia, SC, and he also taught high school in Nabburg, Bavaria, during the 1973-74 school year. Among his many projects and accomplishments, Arnold translated two books dealing with the Revolution of the Candles in East Germany by pastors Joerg Swoboda and Theo Lehmann. He also directed Dionysia and Declamation competitions with Jacques Macy, professor emeritus of French. Arnold worked with the Language and International Trade (L&IT) team, securing a number of German/Swiss internships.

Arnold started a pen pal program with his German students at Clemson in 1972; all but one of the addresses were in East Germany. The German study abroad program began in 1980; students lived with German families and took classes in Bavaria. “The highlight of my 31 years at Clemson was my 12 study abroad trips to both West and East Germany from my home base in Nabburg,” Arnold said. “Many pen-pal relationships and three marriages formed that are still active to this day. I meet occasionally with past participants even now.”

After retiring from Clemson, Arnold translated another book and is searching for a publisher. He continued taking groups to a unified Germany in 2002, 2004, and 2006. “The participants were mainly friends I had known for many years,” Arnold said. “My 2006 trip was about 20, mostly from my own extended family.”

This year marked Arnold’s most recent trip to his former study abroad site. “My son took me to Germany as a birthday present for my 80th,” he said. “My heart nearly burst as I returned once again for about the 25th time to ‘my Nabburg.’ It was a special surprise when I met the current mayor in town. I had taught him English in 1973.”

Arnold has been involved with several charitable organizations during his retirement. He has worked extensively with Pickens County Habitat for Humanity, which recently celebrated its 100th house. “I am proud to be able to say that I have worked on at least half of them, and hope to continue for a while,” Arnold said. In addition, Arnold told the Polyglot, “I started an organized effort on behalf of ALIVE Wesleyan Church in Central whereby a rotating group of three of us purchases between 600 and 700 pounds of food one day each month from Bargain Food Store in Pelzer. Funds are pledged for Clemson Community Care.”

Arnold and his wife, Miriam, enjoy spending time with their seven grandchildren.

The following Department of Languages students were honored at the 2015-2016 College of Architecture, Arts and Humanities (CAAH) Honors and Awards Ceremony on April 8 in the Brooks Center Theatre. Congratulations!

Jane Kuebler – American Association of Teachers French Award

Ana Montoya – American Association of Teachers Spanish & Portuguese Award

Hanna Denney & Jamie Gillespie – Carlton Moore Award for Excellence in German and International Trade

Sarah Waldvogel – Clemson University German Club Award

Jessica Tang – JAASC Award in Excellence in Japanese

Austin Kunzler & Rebekah Jackson – Clemson Chinese Laoshi Awards

Laura Teague Albenesius – Gallaudet/Clerc Award for Excellence in American Sign Language

Hallie Simmons – The William Stokoe Interpreting Award

Elouise G. Cram – Language and International Health Academic Honor Award

Joshua A. Arrage – Language and International Health Award of Excellence

Chardrevius M. Martin – Language and International Health Award of Excellence in Research

Vicky Schwehr – The John Bednar Award of Excellence in French and International Trade

John Jeffcoat – Jordan Dean Award in French

John Dutch – Coccia Foundation Annual Award

Laura Hilty is a graduating senior in the Language and International Trade (L&IT) program. She studied and worked abroad in Spain, and she co-founded the Spanish Professional Society on Clemson’s campus. Let’s learn more about Laura and her accomplishments.

Where are you from and why did you choose Clemson?

I am from Lexington, Kentucky originally. When I was choosing a college, I wanted to leave Kentucky and try something new. I was looking at universities all over, but I knew Clemson was perfect the second I stepped on campus. Clemson also has the very unique L&IT major combined with the school spirit, high achieving reputation, and campus feel, so it really was the perfect fit for me.

How would you describe yourself? What do you like to do in your free time?

I love challenging myself to try new things, and traveling is a huge part of this. This played a huge role when deciding on my major, and I am so excited to have chosen a path that revolves around global travel and experiences!

Why did you select your major? Have you studied abroad or done internships related to your studies?

I always knew I wanted to do something on the international level, and I enjoyed my Spanish classes in high school thoroughly. When I heard about the L&IT major, it seemed absolutely perfect. I think the curriculum has the ideal balance of an international business education paired with the language and cultural knowledge that is so necessary in today’s global society. In conjunction with my major, I studied abroad in Alicante, Spain for the spring semester of 2015. After, I moved to Madrid for the summer, where I interned with the international company Voices of Leaders. Besides this, I have completed an internship with the nonprofit United Way of the Bluegrass and am currently a Recruitment Marketing intern with Clemson Marketing Services.

What was your most memorable class or experience in the Department of Languages?

I remember my first class as a freshman was L&IT 127 with Dr. Williams. Everyone who knew him would agree that Dr. Williams was always filled with passion and excitement, and it was contagious. I remember leaving the class so inspired and excited about my future. What a great way to start off college!

What advice would you give to other students in your major?

To other students in my major, just remember to always be as involved as possible and to start developing yourself professionally very early! I remember going to the career fair as a freshman and thinking I did not belong, but I am so happy I started gaining professional skills at the beginning of my college career rather than halfway through. Also, being involved in organizations is yet another form of networking. You might get a job/internship from meeting someone at a Clemson event…you never know!

How does knowing a foreign language benefit you?

In my experience so far, my knowledge of Spanish has set me apart from my competition in the business world. It shows dedication and a willingness to learn, besides opening doors to a multitude of new opportunities that require a second language.

Are you involved in any extra-curricular organizations, and what is your role?

In fall 2014, another student and I started the Spanish Professional Society at Clemson. This is an organization that promotes the Spanish language and the benefits students of all majors can gain from foreign language knowledge. The club has been a huge success so far, and I am excited to be passing it off to such a great team after I graduate. Besides this, I am the Vice President of Social Activity in the German Professional Society, and an active member of the professional business fraternity, Delta Sigma Pi.

What are your plans after graduation?

I will be working for TrackMaven in Washington, D.C., as a Sales Development Representative.

The 2016 Language and International Trade (L&IT) Conference focused on the theme of Nurturing Global Competence: The Relationships between Demographics and Marketability. It was held in the Hendrix Student Center Ballroom on March 9. The goal of the conference was to provide opportunities for students to learn about international business and to connect with leaders in the field.

The conference featured a keynote speech by Britt Beemer, CEO of America’s Research Group, who discussed how students can market themselves to employers. Spanish student and Clemson freshman Samantha Hall said, “I really enjoyed listening to Mr. Beemer give wisdom about how to become the best that we can so that we can make Clemson look great and allow the door to be open for future graduates to join the same companies. His information was very helpful as I begin to look into my future to decide what I want to do with my degree.”

The conference also included a panel discussion with alumni, who described their experiences while in the L&IT program at Clemson, including internships and study abroad. The alumni advised students on how to make the most of their foreign language education and how to market the L&IT program to potential employers.

The ninth installment of the Language and International Health (L&IH) Symposium brought Keith Groce, Executive Director of Neighborhood Focus, to Clemson’s campus for a presentation to students in February 2016. The semi-annual symposium is a forum to discuss and increase awareness of international health issues, especially those that impact minorities. Mr. Groce described the mission of Neighborhood Focus, which is to provide academic support, spiritual enrichment, and life skills to under-resourced children in Greenville, SC. He also discussed service learning and employment opportunities within the organization. Spanish student and Clemson freshman Stewart Ruddy enjoyed the presentation. “This program is really interesting because it helps at-risk children, mostly of Hispanic origin, succeed in school and social activities,” he said. The next L&IH Symposium will be held in the fall.