Tag: Military and veteran engagement

As Clemson University prepares to mark the 25th anniversary of September 11, the campus community will have two meaningful opportunities to come together in remembrance, reflection, and gratitude. Through dual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb events, Clemson students, employees, and community members are invited to honor the lives lost on September 11, 2001, while recognizing the courage and sacrifice of first responders who answered the call that day and continue to serve today.

The first event, hosted by Clemson’s Military and Veteran Engagement office, will take place at Littlejohn Coliseum. Centered around the theme “110 Floors of Resolve; 25 Years Later, Clemson Remembers,” the memorial stair climb serves as a powerful tribute to the firefighters who climbed the 110 stories of the World Trade Center towers to save lives. Participants will symbolically take on that challenge by climbing the Coliseum stairs, reflecting on the determination, bravery, and selflessness demonstrated in the face of unimaginable adversity.

The Littlejohn event is open to Clemson students, faculty, staff, alumni, and members of the public. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m., with the program starting promptly at 8:30 a.m. Attendees who are unable to climb stairs are encouraged to participate by walking the concourse, ensuring that everyone can be part of this important day of remembrance. Organizers also encourage participants to bring thank-you cards for first responders, which will be delivered to local emergency personnel following the event.

In addition to remembering those who lost their lives on 9/11, the event will honor the dedicated professionals who continue to protect and serve communities every day, including members of the Clemson University Police Department, Clemson Fire Department, and Clemson Emergency Medical Services.

The Eventbrite link for this event is:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/911-memorial-stair-climb-at-clemson-university-tickets-1991781045725.

A second memorial stair climb will be held in Fike Recreation Center, offering another way for the Clemson community to participate. Using the facility’s stair-climb machines, participants can complete their climb while reflecting on the significance of the anniversary and the enduring legacy of service and sacrifice associated with September 11. This event provides a flexible fitness-focused option for those who may prefer a gym setting while still taking part in the shared mission of remembrance.

Sign up for this event here:
https://www.clemsoncampusrec.com/Program/GetProgramDetails?courseId=6f0a374a-9394-468c-9ab9-3e56829166d6.

Together, these events demonstrate Clemson’s commitment to honoring the memory of the nearly 3,000 lives lost on September 11 and paying tribute to the first responders whose heroism inspired a nation. Twenty-five years later, the lessons of courage, resilience, and unity remain as relevant as ever.

Meet Emily DaBruzzi, Director of Military & Veteran Engagement  

Can you tell us about your role here at Clemson?

I am lucky enough to lead an incredible team that works together to ensure the success, well-being, and sense of belonging of military-connected students by serving as both advocates for and experts on military-connected student needs. We oversee tailored support services, guide students through academic and VA-related processes, and equip them for academic, career, and personal success. 

One of my favorite things about my role is that it is completely student facing. I get the privilege of working with students daily to empower them through personalized support, promote academic and career readiness, share knowledge about impactful programs and resources, and foster meaningful connections all alongside THE BEST team while collaborating with campus partners to enhance the overall student experience. 

Ultimately, it’s my hope that my position ensures Clemson University delivers a high-impact, military-inclusive environment by aligning programs, communications, and resources to help military-connected students thrive from enrollment through graduation and beyond. 

What is something fun we might not know about you?

My family has a brand new swimming pool at our house, and we can’t wait to enjoy it daily when the South Carolina summer is fully upon us! 

What brought you to Clemson?

Our family relocated to the Clemson area from Jacksonville Beach, Florida, when I was offered my current role. We love the Upstate and Clemson University. Everything feels like home here and everyone feels like family. My youngest son, Maxwell, is so “All In” that he was 5 years old before he realized the color orange wasn’t actually named “Clemson.” 

Is there anything you would like for people to know about your department?

There are actually two incredible offices on campus that support military-connected students 100% of the time- Military & Veteran Engagement, which falls under Student Affairs, and the VA Educational Benefits Office, which falls under the Registrar’s Office. While technically we belong to two separate divisions entirely, we work together as a team daily to ensure our students are cared for and successful. If you call either of us, we’ll be sure to assist you or connect you to the other office if they are the best point of contact for your question or need.  

The Clemson Champion is Staff Senate’s spotlight for exceptional staff and teams at Clemson. Stay tuned and meet more Clemson Champions in future posts.

Good afternoon! In this month’s newsletter, Staff Senate extends a huge thank you to the participants and sponsors who helped Staff Senate Golf Tournament a great success. The Office of Human Resources is offering a session to learn about the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program. This month’s newsletter also highlights the various resources offered by Campus Recreation enhance overall well-being, Green Zone Training and more.