Tag: Alumni Success

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.

By:  Beth Anne Johnson

Last week, the PEER WISE Department welcomed back some of our most distinguished alumni for an unforgettable breakfast that filled the room with wisdom, empowerment, and heartwarming moments. This special event featured Markel Thomas, Ilerioluwa “Olu” Dosunmu, Rachel Steadman, and Candice Saunders—each a testament to the strength and success that comes from the PEER WISE community.

As our students and faculty gathered, the excitement was palpable. These alumni weren’t just returning to campus; they were coming home to share their experiences, lessons, and encouragement with current students. It was a morning full of connection, inspiration, and deep-rooted community.
Serita Acker, Executive Director of PEER WISE, shared her reflections on the event:
“It was so wonderful to invite these alumni home to remind our students of their empowered belonging. Each of them stands as a shining example of what our program represents—the resilience, brilliance, and success that come from both hard work and community support. We are incredibly proud of them.”

The alumni shared stories of their personal journeys—triumphs, challenges, and how PEER WISE had been instrumental in shaping their paths. They reminded students that while they are navigating their academic and professional journeys, they are never alone.

Markel Thomas, now thriving in his career, emphasized the importance of perseverance:
“PEER WISE gave me the foundation to keep pushing forward, even when things got tough. That sense of community and belonging stays with you long after you leave Clemson.”
Ilerioluwa “Olu” Dosunmu echoed this sentiment, stating:
“What PEER WISE gave me was more than just academic support—it gave me a network of people who truly cared about my success, both personally and professionally. It’s a lifelong relationship.”

Lisa Jackson, Associate Director of PEER, highlighted how unique these relationships are:
“What’s so wondrous about PEER WISE is that we form long-term relationships with our students. We don’t just celebrate their success during their time at Clemson—we continue to relish in their accomplishments long after they graduate.”

The breakfast served as a powerful reminder of the lifelong community that PEER WISE fosters. Seeing these successful alumni return to pour into the next generation is a true reflection of the family-like bond that defines the program. As students left the event, they carried with them not only words of encouragement but the knowledge that they, too, are a part of this thriving and supportive network.

The PEER WISE Alumni Breakfast wasn’t just a moment of reflection; it was a continuation of a legacy—one that will empower students and alumni for years to come. Here’s to our alumni and their continued success, and to our current students as they chart their own paths forward.

By:  Beth Anne Johnson

As we embark on the April recap of PEER WISE Connections, prepare to be captivated by the extraordinary journey of Melissa DeSantiago, a shining star within our community. Melissa’s story is noteworthy, filled with determination, passion, and a commitment to making a difference.

Serita Acker, Executive Director of PEER WISE, beautifully encapsulates Melissa’s impact, describing her as nothing short of inspiring. Melissa’s multifaceted trajectory from undergraduate to Ph.D. candidate is a testament to her unwavering dedication and passion for making a difference.

“Melissa is the epitome of inspiration,” Serita Acker remarks. “Her ability to seamlessly transition from industry to academia while staying true to her roots in PEER WISE is truly remarkable. She embodies the spirit of our organization and serves as a beacon of hope for aspiring scholars everywhere.”

Indeed, Melissa’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of friendship and mentorship. Beth Anne, PEER WISE Community Engagement Coordinator and close friend of Melissa sheds light on their profound bond, emphasizing its pivotal role in her personal and professional success.

“Melissa’s friendship has been the cornerstone of my journey,” Beth Anne reflects. “From our days as undergraduates to navigating the challenges of adulthood, her unwavering support and guidance have been instrumental. I owe much of my success to her, and it’s through her that I discovered the invaluable opportunities PEER WISE offers, first as an undergraduate myself and now as a working professional. I am so thankful our students had the opportunity to connect with her.”

Melissa’s trajectory is nothing short of extraordinary. As a Ph.D. Candidate in the Department of Environmental Health and Engineering at the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, her research in exposure science and environmental epidemiology is paving the way for meaningful change. Collaborating with the ongoing Maule Cohort (MAUCO) study in Chile, Melissa’s innovative approach to assessing environmental and occupational exposures to agrochemical mixtures is poised to impact vulnerable working communities significantly.

Melissa shares her wisdom with students, advising them, “Follow your instincts and values with conviction. You will never be happy if you compromise yourself or your values. You know what work still needs to be done, so go out there and do it because the world needs you.”

PEER WISE Connections is a professional development series hosted by the PEER WISE department that introduces current students to alumni and industry professionals. Serita shares, “Melissa is the perfect speaker to end the 2023 to 2024 academic year with because she has a heart of gold. May all PEER WISE students see her heart and, in her likeness, do a world of good.”