Dear Faculty, Staff, Alumni and Friends,
The beginning of the new academic year 2022-23 feels like we are beginning to return to normal which, for me, is an introduction to a whole new Clemson!
At the Brooks Center, the new executive director, Janice Crews, launched things with a pre-program picnic for the Friends of the Brooks Center. It was lovely to see some familiar faces and to get to meet some supporters for the first time. The sun was shining on one of those balmy late summer afternoons. Idyllic. The picnic was followed by a splendid performance by the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, playing to a packed and enthusiastic audience. It was fantastic.
At the Lee Gallery, the opening exhibition “Redefining the Multiple: 13 Japanese Printmakers,” organized by Gallery Director, Denise Woodward-Detrich, was kicked off with a lecture by Sam Yates, Professor Emeritus from University of Tennessee, Knoxville, whose exhibit this is.
Yates relayed details from his trips to Japan, accompanied by numerous slides, to a rapt audience. This was followed by his guided tour of the exhibit itself and interaction with students. What a great way to start off the year!
Meanwhile, at the other end of the Lee complex, the School of Architecture kicked things off with their First Friday Field Day, bringing together students, faculty, and staff for an evening of fun. There were games, food, and a genuine feeling of togetherness — Clemson Family at its best. The Health and Wellness Team, led by Associate Professor of Architecture Dina Battisto, has been focusing intensely on student wellness and mental health, and her efforts are so needed and appreciated.
Over at Hardin Hall, Associate Professor of History Doug Seefeldt hosted a reception for graduate students, faculty, and staff to launch the new Ph.D. in Digital History and welcome the first cohort of students. The Ph.D. in Digital History now brings the total number of Ph.D. degree programs in the College to three and will add significantly to our contribution to Clemson’s research profile and Carnegie R1 standing. It is the first program of its kind in the country.
Last, but definitely not least, Humanities Hall opened its doors for business. We are so eternally grateful to the Holder Construction Company for delivering the building on time. What a great building, designed by Lord Aeck Sargent of Atlanta. Last week, I had the pleasure and the honor of giving the Committee on Philanthropy a tour of the new structure, and hosting them for lunch in one of the showcase classrooms, designed and furnished for student collaborative work. We also saw the new Pearce Center for Professional Communication and the specially configured Debate Lab for Clemson’s high-performing debate team.
Hosting the Committee on Philanthropy was an opportunity to showcase our great College of which I am so proud.
Go Tigers!
Nicholas Vazsonyi, Dean
College of Architecture, Arts and Humanities
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