Saving tigers is a complex problem to solve.
Conservation is a multi-layered issue that requires expertise from multiple disciplines, like biology, sociology, economics, wildlife management and political science.
Any plan to save tigers must address each of these factors. There is no “one and done” solution, which is why we, at Tigers United, are thrilled to be part of a Schwehr Family Global Service-Learning Endowment focused on sustainable development, women’s economic empowerment, social entrepreneurship, and conservation in India.
Tigers United is participating in one of Clemson’s new Schwehr Global-Service Learning Platforms in India. Clemson faculty from three different colleges are developing a regional hub in Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh for student programming, service and research activities, according to Kyle Anderson, Senior Director of Global Engagement at Clemson University.
“Tigers United is a key constituent in providing sustainable and ethical activities focused on natural systems conservation in the north and central regions of the subcontinent,” Anderson said.
“We’re blessed to be able to help others in the Clemson family participate in missions at locations of need around the world,” said Michael Schwehr.
A $500,000 gift was made by Schwehr family members Michael William ’81, Linda Pogue, Laurel Michelle and Victoria Leigh ’16 in 2019. This gift funded the Schwehr Family Global Service Learning Annual and Schwehr Family Global Service Learning Endowment. The annual gift is what supported the grant that includes Tigers United.
Michael W. Schwehr graduated from Clemson with a degree in mechanical engineering. After Clemson, he went to ExxonMobil, where his career spanned more than 35 years. During his time there he served in various assignments, including refining, products supply, retail marketing, environmental remediation and real estate. He traveled and lived abroad on numerous occasions and his work led him to Europe, Asia, South America and Africa.
Schwehr’s daughter, Victoria Leigh, graduated from Clemson with a degree in language and international trade. As an undergraduate she studied and worked abroad in Paris, France. After graduation she joined Amazon in Louisville, Kentucky, and later progressed to AeroTek, a prominent national staffing and placement firm.
The regional hub in India will combine service-learning projects in two states in India by utilizing an online website housed on Clemson servers. This website will allow on-going research and results from multiple projects to be stored, visualized, analyzed, and accessed for curricular development, while outcomes from these projects will be integrated with land use information being planned by Tigers United in order to help us visualize our tiger conservation efforts.
Drs. Lori Dickes, Diane Perpich, Sarah White, and Tigers United Director Dr. Brett Wright will serve as team leaders.
“Conservation and environmental protection issues in a country like India directly intersect with social and economic factors. Women’s Leadership is delighted to team up with Tigers United to research sustainable solutions that empower women economically, promote the education of girls, and benefit all members of the community,” said Dr. Perpich, Principle Investigator. “Our work over the last several years with the Self Employed Women’s Association of India, helping women lift themselves and their families out of poverty, has provided students with a unique opportunity to experience the richness of Indian culture, the beauty of the landscape, and the generosity and kindness of the region’s people.”
We extend our thanks to the Schwehr family for their support and look forward to implementing this project. The Schwehr family’s generosity allows us to continue our organizational goal of saving wild tigers, while also supporting local communities in India; empowering women and girls; and providing educational opportunities to Clemson students.