The Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management (PRTM) Blog

Alumni Spotlight: Meaghan DeNino Passanante ’17

Posted on by shawndy

Meaghan DeNino Passanante, a Clemson University graduate with a degree in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management, currently serves as Assistant Director of Operations for Premium at Levy Restaurants for Bank of America Stadium, home to the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC.

What inspired you to pursue a degree in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management at Clemson?

I’ve always had a passion for food and originally thought I’d build a career in nutrition or food science. After spending my first two years as a Food Science major, I realized that I was craving more connection with people, the energy, emotion, and experience that come with hospitality. That’s when I discovered Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management. PRTM gave me a new lens to view the hospitality world through tourism and guest experience. Once I began my tourism management classes, it clicked. I had found the perfect blend of people, purpose, and hospitality that truly energized me.

How did your Clemson experience prepare you for your career in sports and entertainment hospitality?

Clemson gave me the perfect mix of classroom learning and hands-on experience. I started working with Aramark in the catering department at the Madren Center during my junior year, and my mentor there encouraged me to apply for the company’s summer internship program. That internship, between my junior and senior year, placed me at Citi Field, home of the New York Mets, and completely changed the course of my career. I fell in love with the scale, the teamwork, and the excitement that comes with live events.

When I returned for my senior year, I found myself connecting what I was learning in class directly to real-world applications in operations, guest experience, and event logistics. It made everything come alive, and I knew I had found my path.

Can you describe your current role as Assistant Director of Operations at Bank of America Stadium?

In my current role with Levy Restaurants at Bank of America Stadium, I oversee premium dining operations across suites, clubs, and special event spaces. No two days look the same, which is what I love most about it. I might be collaborating with our culinary and service teams to design menus for a high-profile client, strategizing logistics for a concert, or leading staff through game-day execution. A big part of my job is building systems, mentoring teams, and finding ways to elevate the guest experience for both our fans and premium clients. It’s fast-paced, unpredictable, and incredibly rewarding.

Working on large-scale events such as the College Football Playoff, Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, the FIFA Club World Cup, and the SEC Championship has been so exhilarating. These events are months of planning for just a few unforgettable hours of execution. They teach you to think on your feet, trust your team, and remain calm under pressure. The goal always is: to create a seamless, memorable experience for every guest in the building. It’s an incredible feeling to know you’ve helped make that happen on such a grand scale.

What advice would you give current PRTM students who are interested in event operations, hospitality, or venue management?

Get involved in as many aspects of the industry as you can—no opportunity is too small. Every event, volunteer shift, or side project teaches you something new about what you love (and what you don’t). Say yes to experiences that challenge you, and be open to learning from every role. This industry is built on relationships and work ethic, so show up with curiosity, positivity, and a willingness to do the hard work. You never know who’s watching—or what opportunity might come from saying “yes” and showing up with enthusiasm.

Posted in Alumni Stories

Alumni Spotlight: Marcus Plumb ’13

Posted on by shawndy

Marcus Plumb, a Clemson University graduate with a degree in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management, currently serves as Vice President of Strategy & Growth at Confirmed360, a premier entertainment concierge company that curates exclusive sports, music, and live event experiences for clients around the world.

What inspired you to pursue a degree in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management at Clemson?

My initial inspiration came from watching Jerry Maguire and developing a strong desire to work in the sports industry. At Clemson, the Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management (PRTM) major was popular among the football program. I saw this as the best way to build friendships with players, with the ultimate goal of becoming a sports agent.

How did your Clemson experience prepare you for a career in the live event and entertainment industry?

During my time at Clemson, I gained valuable experience that unknowingly laid the foundation for my career in the entertainment industry. My involvement in Greek life, serving as VP of Sigma Nu, a member of the IFC Judicial Board, and on the Young Greek Leaders Board, gave me the chance to develop leadership skills. During my final two years at Clemson, I worked in the service industry, which taught me valuable people skills. I learned to interact with a wide variety of personalities and gained confidence in my communication abilities. In this industry, long days and nights on weekends are the norm, and very few could thrive working Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, including double shifts, on a Clemson gameday.

Can you tell us about your current role with Confirmed360 and what your day-to-day looks like as Vice President?

Confirmed360 is a premier entertainment concierge service that curates customized sports, music, and live event experiences, simplifying VIP event booking for clients. Our clientele includes Fortune 500 executives, celebrities, athletes, and high-net-worth individuals seeking experiences such as a Super Bowl suite or a yacht excursion around F1 Monaco. As Vice President of Strategy and Growth, I focus on identifying opportunities to expand our business portfolio, forming partnerships, developing premium rewards programs, and securing exclusive event access for our sales team.

You’ve worked across several major organizations in the sports and entertainment space, how have those experiences shaped your approach to leadership and client engagement?

I have been fortunate to work at companies like StubHub, SeatGeek, and Confirmed360, where I was surrounded by exceptional leadership. My years in Silicon Valley and San Francisco were eye-opening, giving me the opportunity to learn from leaders of billion-dollar organizations with backgrounds at companies like Google, Facebook, and NASA. I vividly recall experiencing imposter syndrome during training at StubHub, wondering how a Clemson PRTM major with a 2.7 GPA ended up among such high-caliber talent. I quickly realized that strong leadership is about team building and valuing diverse perspectives, and that I was there for my industry knowledge and the street smarts I had gained along the way.

What advice would you give current PRTM students who are interested in careers in sports, entertainment, or event management?

My advice is to be actively involved. This industry thrives on live events, so immerse yourself in them. My senior-year internship at the Nashville Sports Council was incredibly insightful, covering everything from SEC football games to Tough Mudder races, and showed me the critical role live events play in a city’s economic growth. These experiences gave me a significant advantage when I applied for my first job in ticket sales for a professional sports team. Lastly, cultivate a genuine passion for the industry. Once you have good teammates, leaders, and mentors, you become a sponge, learn to believe in yourself, and create momentum that drives you forward. As my grandpa always told me, “Love what you do, and you will never work a day in your life.” Among all the majors out there, I truly believe PRTM gives you a path to live out this statement—and I feel that I am.

Posted in Alumni Stories

Alumni Spotlight: Juliana Gonzalez ’25

Posted on by shawndy

Juliana Gonzalez, a Clemson University graduate with a degree in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management, currently works as a Private Events Coordinator at Hogsalt, a Chicago hospitality company known for its unique restaurants and exceptional dining experiences.

What inspired you to pursue a degree in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management at Clemson?

I discovered PRTM at Clemson and realized it matched my interests in sports, events, and being outdoors. I specifically chose the Tourism & Event Management concentration because I felt as though it was very versatile and would allow me to explore so many different professional sectors while interacting with lots of different people every day. My coursework in Risk Management, Special Event Management, Professional Preparation, and several other classes directly correlate to my current role. Also, there were so many amazing guest speakers and opportunities to get involved in PRTM that really made me feel comfortable and confident heading into my professional life.

What does a typical day in your role look like?

I’m currently working as a Private Events Coordinator for Hogsalt in Downtown Chicago! Hogsalt is a restaurant group that offers fine dining, hospitality, and unforgettable culinary experiences. Though originally based in Chicago, the company has since expanded to New York City, Las Vegas, and Paris. Some of our restaurants include 4 Charles Prime Rib, Bavette’s Bar & Boeuf, Au Cheval, Monkey Bar, Trivoli Tavern, and many more. As a Private Events Coordinator, I collaborate with an amazing events team to respond to event and catering inquiries, manage all event correspondence, and communicate effectively to meet client needs.

You’ve grown from an intern to a full-time Private Events Coordinator at Hogsalt in a fast-paced hospitality environment, what has that transition been like?

I have such a great team at Hogsalt who are very patient and supportive of me. They helped me transition smoothly from my internship to my full-time role by allowing me to shadow them on client walkthroughs, participate in meetings, and ask plenty of questions. One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned so far is about general customer service; working in a metropolitan area like Chicago means interacting with a diverse range of people from locals, tourists, families, sports teams, agents, and individuals of all ages. Learning to communicate with different types of guests has been invaluable to my career and will benefit me throughout my professional life.

What advice would you give to current PRTM students who are interested in the events or hospitality industry?

My advice would be to get involved in any way possible. Say yes to as many opportunities as you can! During my time at Clemson, I got involved in a lot of different events. Whether through Greek Life, PRTM opportunities, or sports, putting yourself out there and gaining experience will greatly benefit you in the future, even if it doesn’t seem directly related to your post-grad plans. Any experience is a good experience and can help you work on things like problem solving, client relations, and attention to detail.

Posted in Alumni Stories

Alumni Spotlight: Megan Latimer ’18

Posted on by shawndy

Megan Latimer, a Clemson University graduate with a degree in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management, currently works as a Project Manager at the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR).

What inspired you to pursue a degree in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management at Clemson?

Sport has always been a part of who I am. In high school, I was introduced to the business side of athletics and realized there was an entire world behind the games I loved to watch or participate in. I’ve also always been happiest outdoors, exploring, connecting, and creating experiences. When I learned about Clemson’s PRTM program, I knew it could marry both passions. The program’s depth meant I could study everything from sport and tourism to the broader ways people experience leisure, connection, and community. It felt like a place where I could build a career around my love for people, experiences, and sports.

How did your time at Clemson prepare you for a career in the sports and entertainment industry, specifically NASCAR?

Clemson gave me more than a degree, it gave me confidence in my abilities. Through hands-on projects and real-world experiences, I learned how to work with different perspectives, lead with empathy, and adapt quickly to challenges. My years interning with Clemson Athletics gave me a front-row seat to the pace and precision needed in sports. At Clemson, I discovered that success in this industry isn’t just about skill, it’s about showing up for your team, being willing to learn, and giving your best effort every single day. Those lessons have been the backbone of my career so far at NASCAR.

What skills from your education do you find most valuable in your role at NASCAR?

The most valuable skills I took from Clemson are teamwork, critical thinking, and communication. In this role, those three are non-negotiable. Whether I’m leading a cross-departmental meeting, drafting a project update, or navigating an unexpected challenge, I lean on those skills daily. Clemson taught me how to collaborate with intention, think through complex problems, and communicate clearly in ways that move projects and people-forward.

What advice would you give current students who want to pursue a career in the sports entertainment industry?

Build your network and be open to opportunities, even the ones that might feel outside your comfort zone. Every experience, whether you love it or realize it’s not for you, helps you grow and refine your career path. Stay curious, seek out challenges, and lean into your passions. When you pursue them fully, you’ll be amazed at where they can take you.

Posted in Alumni Stories

PRTM Alumni Feature: Grace Lenning

Posted on by Shelley Gordon

Students are often intrigued by parks, recreation and tourism management because of its diverse curriculum – and graduate with confidence in their skills for a variety of careers. Recently, we caught up with Grace Lenning, a 2020 graduate from the Clemson University Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management, to hear about what she’s been up to since finishing her degree. 

Let’s get to know Grace! 

Q: What was your concentration within the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management? 

A: Tourism and Event Management (formerly, Travel and Tourism) 

Q: Where did you work during your required internship?

A: I interned with Mill Community Ministries where I planned events and managed fundraising. After my required summer internship, I stayed with the organization for almost a year. 

Q: What has your career path looked like post-graduation?

A: Graduating at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic was very hard. I bounced around a lot in the beginning but was determined not to let COVID slow my momentum. I worked at the Inn at Patrick Square, sold insurance and managed events and marketing for a bar and restaurant before starting my job with TTi. 

Q: What is your current job?

A: I work for a company called Techtronic Industries in Charlotte, NC as a product coordinator for Hoover floor care. In my role, I participate in every aspect of new product launches – from development and engineering to marketing – and help maintain the quality and marketability of legacy products. 

Q: What are your job responsibilities? 

A: I work with engineers on both development and quality issues. I work with our brand and marketing teams to produce materials for our online retailers, in-store displays and to make sure products are showcased in a way that communicates their value to consumers. I also work with our finance and sales teams to track sales, pricing and costs of products. I wear a lot of hats in this role!

Q: How did your degree in PRTM prepare you for this position?

A: PRTM taught me how to think outside the box. I learned how experience economy can impact the consumer shopping experience and what that means for competitive marketing strategies in any given industry. This knowledge is invaluable in my current role, and I credit PRTM for preparing me to succeed through a diverse learning experience. 

Q: What advice would you give PRTM undergraduates today?

A: Life is wild and weird. Take challenges head on and take opportunities as they come. 

Q: Any final thoughts?

A: PRTM is one of the best, most versatile majors – enjoy it and GO TIGERS!

Posted in Department NewsTagged , , , ,

YDL Students and Alum Impact Clemson Summer Scholar’s Program

Posted on by Shelley Gordon

Summer Scholars is an academic summer camp for middle and high school students to experience life on Clemson campus as they start to think about the future prospect of attending college. While in the program, the students stay in residence halls, explore the campus and facilities, and take part in engaging courses that provide an insight into what it’s like to study at Clemson.

This year summer, one Youth Development Leadership (YDL) Master’s alumni and two current students are working in the program: Donna Buss (currently enrolled) is the Administrative Coordinator, Lacey Edgerton (class of 2022-currently enrolled) is the Director, and Leslie Heffington (class of, 2019 and current Ph.D. student), has a part-time role as Graduate Assistant.

With Donna and Lacey in management positions and Leslie working closely with the camp counselors, this year’s Summer Scholars policy and practices were directly informed by content taught through the YDL course. Here’s what Donna, Leslie, and Lacey felt the participation in YDL Master’s impacted their work this summer.

Making Changes to Summer Scholar’s Inclusion and Diversity policy – Donna Buss

Donna Buss photo.

I feel incredibly fortunate to work at Clemson University, where I can continue my education and work full time. Since beginning the YDL master’s program in Fall 2021, I have applied every paper and project to Summer Scholars. In one of the Master’s modules, we were tasked with creating a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Plan for our current program. I took this opportunity to make changes to the Summer Scholar’s inclusion and diversity policy; here’s a part of the plan that was implemented:

Summer Scholars believes in the dignity and the intrinsic worth of every human being. We welcome, affirm, and support young people of all abilities, experiences, races, ethnicities, socio-economic backgrounds, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, religion and non-religion, citizenship and immigration status, and any other category people use to define themselves or others.

We strive to become an increasingly inclusive and welcoming environment for our community, strongly affirming the value of inclusivity in all areas of camp life and culture. Summer Scholars encourages meaningful participation, and when we stumble, because sometimes we are not sensitive, we are committed to learn, invest, and reflect more deeply into the values we strive to uphold. As a community, we know that an important aspect of inclusion is continually reflecting and evolving as we go. You are always encouraged to communicate with us if you have concerns.”

Working Hands-On With Camp Counselors– Leslie Heffington

Leslie Heffington photo.

This summer, a lot of my focus has been behind the scenes with Summer Scholars, but I have used information from the YDL program in my interactions with staff. When I was enrolled in the YDL program, I particularly enjoyed the classes that focused on staff management and leadership. I think in the camp setting, we must look at what motivates our counselors to do their jobs. They work long hours, often have minimal time off, and are somewhat disconnected from their friends and family outside camp. The leadership team must make sure these counselors have the support and resources necessary to do their jobs effectively. Creating a positive camp culture and compassionate environment for counselors is essential to the success of any camp program. Without the counselors, camp wouldn’t exist!  At Summer Scholars, we have been lucky to use the strategies and techniques presented to us in the YDL program to try and set up our counselors for success.

Supporting Underserved Students and Developing a Program Evaluation Plan – Lacey Edgerton

Lacey Hennessey photo.

As a student of the Youth Development Leadership Master’s program, I have enjoyed taking the content that I have learned in my courses and applying it to the Summer Scholars program. At the start of my role with the Summer Scholars Program, there were two major additions I wanted to add to program operations—financial assistance for underserved students to attend camp and an enhanced outcomes evaluation plan for both campers and counselors. Two courses within the YDL program have given me the knowledge and tools necessary to implement these additions, Grantsmanship and Assessment and Evaluation of Youth Programs.

One of the goals of Summer Scholars is to increase college awareness and postsecondary education attendance, and we hope to increase this affinity for college among underserved students. We hope that through grants, we will have the financial means to provide scholarships for students to attend camp who otherwise may not receive that opportunity, introducing them to higher education both academically and socially.

Within Summer Scholars, we focus on the development of not only campers but also our counselors. Now that I have my first year under my belt, I hope to take the information I learned from Assessments and Evaluations to create an ongoing outcomes evaluation plan that allows us to continue to grow our reach and impact with both our campers and counselors, cultivating an environment and program rich in positive youth development.

Finally…

We are delighted with how Donna, Leslie, and Lacey applied what they learned through the YDL Master’s program and had such a positive impact on the local community. If you want to gain applied and management skills to thrive in the field of youth development, check out our online Master’s of Science degree in Youth Development Leadership (YDL) (36 credit hours, 12 courses, 2 years) and our Graduate Certificate in YDL (15 credit hours, 5 courses) – https://bit.ly/YDLmasters or email youthdev@clemson.edu.

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The Camp Community’s Navigation of COVID-19

Posted on by Shelley Gordon

Barry A. Garst, Ph.D. and Ali Dubin

Camp is a principal positive youth development setting providing critical supports and opportunities for children and adolescents during summertime and across the calendar year (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 2019). After two years of programmatic and operational disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the camp community is once again providing camp experiences to millions of youth across the U.S. While the summer of 2020 relied heavily on virtual engagement and significant reductions in the overall number of youth served, the summer of 2021 was successful due to camps’ effective application of a host of COVID-19 mitigation strategies (called “non-pharmaceutical interventions” or NPIs) including screening, masking, cohorting, hand hygiene, sanitizing practices, ventilation, and social/physical distancing (Garst et al., 2022; Suh et al., 2022). In fact, cohorting (i.e., organizing camp participants in small groups for camp activities) was the most common NPI camps used in 2021.

The summer of 2022 finds camps combining recommended camp health care practices, lessons learned from 2020 and 2021, and innovations and adaptations in response to COVID-19, to ensure the health and well-being of camp participants and to facilitate a return to a more “normal” program delivery model. Organizations such as the Alliance for Camp Health and the American Camp Association have collaborated closely with the Centers for Disease Control and other health organizations to translate health care guidance related to communicable disease prevention and management into recommended practices for the camp community. Camp NPI utilization in many camps is being strengthened by innovations including drive-thru camper check-in, which allows for COVID-19 testing and screening before anyone steps onto camp property. Another impactful adaptation includes transitioning camp health care services like medication administration and triage to an outdoor location, which allows for increased ventilation and distancing to reduce the possible spread of COVID-19. Notably, preparation for the summer of 2022 has required camp administrators and camp health care providers to evaluate important trade-offs. These tradeoffs (e.g., staff time off and possible community spread of COVID-19, use of cohorts, use of masking, and vaccination requirements) are described in this infographic.

Youth development practitioners, educators, and researchers interested in learning more about how the camp community is responding to the pandemic, as well as the emerging mental, emotional, and social health (MESH) needs of youth and staff, are encouraged to visit the Alliance for Camp Health, the American Camp Association, and the Healthy Camp Toolbox.

  • Dubin, A., & Garst, B. (2022). Camp programs and health care trade-offs within the context of COVID-19. CompassPoint, 32(1), 19.
  • Garst, B., Dubin, A., & Gaslin, T. (2022). Application of non-pharmaceutical interventions in camps following the onset of COVID-19. Child: Care, Health, and Development. https://doi.org/10.1111/cch.12957
  • National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2019). Shaping summertime experiences: Opportunities to promote healthy development and well-being for children and youth. The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/25546
  • Suh, H. H., Meehan, J., Blaisdell, L., Browne, L. (2022). Non pharmaceutical interventions and COVID-19 cases in US summer camps: Results from an American Camp Association survey. Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health, 76. 327-334.http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/jech-2021-216711

* Reprinted with permission from the Alliance for Camp Health (Dubin & Garst, 2022)

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Momentum Bike Clubs founder passes leadership torch to new executive director

Posted on by Shelley Gordon

Momentum Bike Clubs (MBC), a group mentoring initiative facilitated by the Clemson University Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management, begins a new chapter this spring, as leadership passes from David Taylor to Tavaghn Monts.

Monts, who also serves as the assistant director of community collaboration for the department’s Race, Ethnicity, Youth and Social Equity Collaboratory, will take over as executive director of Momentum Bike Clubs on June 1, moving from his current role as associate director of the organization.

“David has poured his heart and soul into making MBC the supportive, inclusive, life-giving program it is today,” Monts said. “I consider it a great honor to take the reins and carry his vision into the future.”

Founded by Taylor in 2010, the program uses cycling as a vessel to foster positive mentor relationships and build resilience in underserved youth facing persistent poverty, parental incarceration or instability in their home lives.

Once a week, middle and high school students throughout the Upstate participate in group rides on local trails to establish healthy exercise practices and stay connected with their mentors and peers. Clubs work to provide students with the support they need to overcome challenges, develop healthy relationships and pursue their dreams.

“Connection and a sense of belonging are important to the youth we serve,” Taylor said. “MBC offers them a community of people who are advocating for their academic and personal success, as well as their mental, emotional and physical well-being.”

Bike club students can participate in internships, trips, youth development seminars and high school preparation resources. Younger students are also eligible to “graduate” to the more rigorous challenge team, a diverse group of young people who take on more difficult rides and push each other to achieve their goals.

Since its induction, Taylor’s passion for positive youth development can be seen in how he has nurtured and grown the program from an inaugural group of 10 students to over 1,100 youth and 110,000 miles ridden.

Moving forward, Monts plans to continue Taylor’s important work of advocating for underserved youth in the Upstate and providing them a place of refuge from the adversities of life.

END

Momentum Bike Clubs operates on the belief that youth and caregivers thrive when living in inclusive and supportive communities and promotes vigorous exercise and healthy peer and mentor relationships. MBC was founded in 2010 and is facilitated by the Clemson University Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management.

The Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management is part of the University’s College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences (CBSHS). Established in 2016, CBSHS is a 21st-century, land-grant college that combines work in seven schools and departments – Communication; Nursing; Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management; Political Science; Psychology; Public Health Sciences; Sociology, Anthropology and Criminal Justice – to further its mission in “building people and communities” in South Carolina and beyond.

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PRTM celebrates student achievement at annual awards ceremony

Posted on by Shelley Gordon

This week, we celebrated the hard work and achievements of an outstanding group of parks, recreation and tourism management students!

Awards were given to undergraduate students, graduate students and alumni. Each award winner was chosen based on his or her academic achievement, leadership and professional involvement and strength of character.

This week, we celebrated the hard work and achievements of an outstanding group of parks, recreation and tourism management students! 

Awards were given to undergraduate students, graduate students and alumni. Each award winner was chosen based on his or her academic achievement, leadership and professional involvement and strength of character.

2021 – 2022 winners are as follows:

Certificate of Academic Excellence: This recognition is given to students with outstanding GPAs. 

Maggie Brewer, Ann-Preston Campbell, Jillian Courtney, Berkley Derrick,Sarah Feller, McKenzie Maffett, Meredith Powell, Elli Seabrook, AubreyWease, Jordyn Weber 

Academic Achievement Award at the Junior Level & Senior Level: This award is presented to the junior & senior with the highest GPA. 

Juniors: Creighton Boyd, Mary Scott Brown, Madison Ederer, Grace Groke,Danielle Hess, Micah King, Leila Long, Elise Macaron, Nicholas Massey,Megan Medley, Thomas Romano, Jackson Satterfield Seniors: Claire Beaudry, Shelby Bentley, Grant Blasingame, SofieChirichiello, Ryan Schuchmann

Award of Excellence in Community Recreation, Sport and Camp Management: This award is presented to an outstanding senior in Community Recreation, Sport and Camp Managementon the basis of academic achievement, leadership and professional involvement in a CRSCM related field. 

Marie Benedetti and Davis King

Park and Conservation Area Management Founders and Leaders’ Award: This award is presented to a junior or senior in Park and Conservation Area Management who exemplifies the values, work, leadership and spirit of the founders and leaders of our public lands. 

Maggie Brewer

Award for Excellence in Recreational Therapy: This award is presented to a student who displays high academic standards while achieving excellence in Recreational Therapy through service to special populations and achievement in professional activities. 

Marley Neal

Award for Excellence in Professional Golf Management: This award is presented to an outstanding senior in PGA Golf Management on the basis of academic acheivement, leadership and professional involvement in golf management. 

Nolan Miller

Award for Excellence in Travel and Tourism: This award recognizes an outstanding student in Travel and Tourism based on academic achievement and demonstrated interest and dedication to the Travel and Tourism field. 

Cayman Williams

Markvan Bellamy Brooks Endowed Scholarship Award: This award is presented to an outstanding undergraduate student studying sport management. The scholarship recognizes the life and work of Robert H. Brooks, ’60 and Mark Bellamy Brooks, ’91. 

Nicole Entrup

Lawrence R. Allen Engaged Future Professional Award: This award is given to an undergraduate PRTM student who has demonstrated a commitment to professional engagement in the PRTM field.

Izzy Miller

Greg Schoper Leadership Award: Established to honor a graduate of the department who was killed in action in Vietnam, this award recognizes the department’s most outstanding student leader of the year. 

McKenzie Maffett

Stevenson-Smith-Lovett Award: Established in memory of the families of the donors, this award is presented to a rising senior who exemplifies personal qualities of integrity, love, compassion, service and a positive attitude. 

Emily Brady

Judith E. Voelkl Scholarship Award: This award recognizes a student who plans to serve the public through a career in the PRTM field, has academic achievement of at least a 3.0 GPA, and who exhibits the qualities of caring, compassion, commitment and spirit. 

Scarlett Lawthorne

Bert and Johnnie Brantley Outstanding Student Award: This award is presented to two PRTM seniors who have exhibited outstanding service to the PRTM Department, the University and the community during the student’s academic career at ClemsonUniversity while maintaining a 3.0 GPA. 

Shelby Bentley and Sarah Bratton

Marsha A. Ward ’79 Fellowship for Play: The Marsha A. Ward ’79 Fellowship for Play is awarded annually to a Clemson University graduate student inPRTM who demonstrates a commitment to play and the value of play in modern society. 

Leslie Heffington

Graduate Student Awards of Excellence: This award recognizes graduate students who are distinguished through academic achievement,scholarship, community service and perseverance. 

Anup K C, Olivia McAnirlin and Kaitlin Mueller

Francis A. McGuire Graduate Student Teaching Award: This award is presented to a graduate student who has shown excellence in teaching exemplified by the qualities of caring, passion and engagement with students. 

Ali Dubin and Felipe Tobar

Brett A. Wright Award for Graduate Student Achievement: This award recognizes graduate students who are distinguished through outstanding academic achievement. 

Rita Penniman and Tania Santiago-Perez

Outstanding Alumnus Award: This award is presented to former PRTM graduate student who have made outstanding contributions in the field of parks and recreation. 

Practitioner: Jennifer Bozard Academic: Dr. Melissa Weddell

PRTM Student Ambassador Recognition: This recognition is given to students who have represented PRTM as Student Ambassadors andhave helped to advance the mission of the department by sharing their experiences with currentand prospective students. 

Grace Caroline Bell, Taylor Bogucki, Sage Ennis, Alia Logoleo, Jordyn Weber

Recognition of Retirement: This award is presented to faculty and staff members in recognition of their years of service to the PRTM department and as a celebration of their retirement. 

Larry Allen, Ken Backman, Karin Emmons, Fran McGuire, TequillaStokes, David Taylor, Bill Quinn 

Recognition of Service: This award is presented to the person who provided impactful service and positive contributions to the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management. 

Paul Borick 

Distinguished Service Award: This award is presented in recognition of impactful service, positive contributions and steadfast leadership to the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management.

Dr. Jeff Hallo

Posted in Department News, Graduate students, Undergraduate studentsTagged , , , , , , , ,