Month: May 2025

By: Beth Anne Johnson

With her color-coded Google calendar in hand, junior biomedical engineering student Daphne Gomez Escudero is building her future one strategic decision at a time.

On Thursday, April 10, Daphne was honored at the College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences (CECAS) Honors and Awards Ceremony as one of only twelve students recognized. She received the prestigious Robert W. Snelsire Service Prize, which celebrates the legacy of Dr. Bob Snelsire—an electrical engineering professor remembered for his dedication to students and his passion for service.

“Daphne is an outstanding mentor, researcher, and student,” said Stephanie Henry, Associate Director of WISE. “She represents the heart of PEER WISE—always serving the Clemson Family with grace and conviction.”

Daphne describes receiving the award as a moment she’ll never forget.

“When I got the email, my jaw dropped,” she said. “I serve the Clemson community because it’s the most meaningful way I can give back to a place that’s given me so much. It was unbelievable to be recognized for something that brings me so much purpose.”

Behind her success is a disciplined approach to her time and her growth. Daphne is quick to credit the PEER WISE Experience Program for helping her evolve from a quiet first-year student into the confident leader she is today.

“The program has a 100% retention rate—and I know why,” she said. “The weekly professional development and academic coaching sessions helped me find what works for me, while also giving me the tools to succeed.”

Daphne’s journey is a reminder that success is rarely accidental. It’s built through intentional habits, a strong support system, and a willingness to lead with purpose.

Ready to find your purpose with PEER WISE? Stop by Freeman 138 to become a member of our student community. As a student service center, we support all members in the Clemson Family!

By: Serita Acker

Each summer, I think about how the rhythm of campus life shifts. The energy is quieter, but that doesn’t mean it’s idle. In fact, I believe summer is one of the most strategic seasons for growth — not just for students, but for alumni and educators too.

Whether you’re about to step onto campus for the first time or reflecting on your journey as an alum, summer offers one critical gift: space. Space to prepare. Space to explore. Space to give back.
Here’s how I encourage our students, staff, faculty and extended PEER WISE family to make the most of it:
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INCOMING STUDENTS:
Use this time to get curious. Learn your campus culture, connect with mentors, and build your confidence before your first day. These early steps are often where belonging begins.

CURRENT STUDENTS:
Don’t wait for the school year to build your résumé. Intern, volunteer, start a creative project, or rest intentionally. Growth doesn’t always happen in a classroom — sometimes it happens at a community center, a summer job, or in the quiet of reflection.

GRADUATING STUDENTS:
This is your moment to transition with purpose. Revisit your goals. Seek out alumni. Sharpen your professional presence. And yes — celebrate how far you’ve come.

ALUMNI:
We need you. Students don’t just need advice; they need to see what’s possible. Whether it’s mentoring, speaking, or simply checking in — your presence matters more than you know. Your story is someone else’s blueprint.
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We often treat summer like a pause. I see it as both a pause and a pivot — a season where intentional moves set the tone for what’s next.

To our students: take initiative.
To our alumni: stay engaged.
To my colleagues in education: let’s continue creating the conditions for thriving, not just surviving.

Summer is not a break from learning. It’s a bridge to becoming.

Let’s walk it together.
— Serita Acker
Executive Director

#Leadership #HigherEd #StudentSuccess #CollegeToCareer #MentorshipMatters #MakeTheMostOfSummer

By: Beth Anne Johnson

With her parents, Travis and Derreka Thomas, and little sister Carmen proudly by her side, Jynaia Thomas stood on stage to receive the Jacquelwyn Willis Anthony Award at this year’s CECAS Honors and Awards Ceremony.

Established by Clemson alumna Janine Anthony Bowen in honor of her mother, this award recognizes a student who has made exceptional contributions to the PEER program. For Jynaia, a senior in Mechanical Engineering, the recognition was not just for her service—it was a celebration of her commitment to bringing others into the Clemson community.

“Meeting Janine and Jacquelwyn was such an honor,” said Jynaia. “I was nervous at first, but Jacquelwyn made me feel seen and supported. She spoke encouragement into whatever comes next for me. It was powerful to have our Clemson families connect in that way.”

Known for her ability to connect, Jynaia has earned a reputation as one of PEER’s most effective student recruiters. Her presence on panels, campus tours, and outreach efforts made a direct impact on who chooses Clemson—and why.

“Jynaia is a woman of many talents,” said Lisa Jackson, Associate Director of PEER. “She spoke on student panels, followed up with prospective families, and truly went the extra mile. One student she personally encouraged ended up choosing Clemson, joined our summer program, and now, Jynaia mentors her as she continues her own Clemson journey.”

At PEER WISE, we believe students are our strongest ambassadors. They don’t just tell the story—they are the story. And leaders like Jynaia help build a lasting community rooted in support, belonging, and purpose.
As for what’s next, Jynaia plans to apply her engineering skills to sustainability efforts in the energy sector. And wherever that path leads, she’s taking with her the confidence, community, and care that shaped her at Clemson.

Want to be part of a student community that supports your goals? Visit us in Freeman 138 and learn how you can get involved with PEER WISE.