Lessons in leadership
The Thomas F. Chapman Leadership Scholars were honored to have General John W. “Jay” Raymond, USAF (Ret.), ’84, speak during Military Appreciation Week and to begin the 15th-anniversary celebration of the Thomas F. Chapman Leadership Scholars Program. General Raymond, the inaugural Chief of Space Operations for the United States Space Force, spoke to Scholars about leadership principles and provided examples for implementing them into their lives. He emphasized the importance of integrity, respect, communication, setting high standards and paying attention to details, all critical for successful leadership. General Raymond ended by encouraging the Scholars to always take a step back and see how they can serve others.
Not only were the Scholars fortunate to meet and to hear from General Raymond, but Tom ’65 and Karen Chapman also attended the class and talked to Scholars afterward. Having the opportunity to learn about leadership from General Raymond and speak individually with him and Tom and Karen Chapman provided Scholars with more insights into the importance of leadership and service to others. Both General Raymond and Tom Chapman have been awarded Clemson University’s Distinguished Service Award, which is a prestigious award given to alumnus or alumna who has not only devoted their lives to professionalism and public service but who have also demonstrated a lifelong dedication to Clemson University.
Trace Burgess, marketing student and December 2024 graduate, said, “Hearing General Raymond talk with us in class was unbelievable and a fantastic reminder of the right ways to go about leadership. Talking with General Raymond and Mr. and Mrs. Chapman after class provided inspiration and incredible insights about leadership.”
Alex Sauer ’25, senior finance and management major, expressed similar thoughts, “Hearing from General Raymond about his leadership principles and experiences directing the mission of the U.S Space Force was truly one of the biggest highlights of the Chapman Leadership Scholars Program this fall. His insights were a powerful reminder of the importance of guiding and inspiring others through service. I’m incredibly grateful for the chance to speak with the Chapmans afterward; opportunities like this wouldn’t have been possible without their constant generosity and support. Thanks to them, as Scholars, we are empowered to grow into leaders who lead with purpose, uphold integrity and remain committed to serving others.”
Following class, General Raymond and Tom and Karen Chapman shared leadership lessons and inspirational stories with the faculty program leaders. Mary Anne Raymond, Thomas F. Chapman Distinguished Professor of Leadership and Director of the Thomas F. Chapman Leadership Scholars, expressed her appreciation. “General Raymond’s discussion on leadership and life provided Scholars with examples of what successful leaders must do and what they can do now as future leaders. He noted that the value of leadership is that someone cares and for each one of them to remember, ‘you’re good enough to do great things.’ Thank you, General Raymond, for caring about Clemson’s future leaders, sharing your expertise with them, and for your incredible service to our country. Also, a special thank you to Tom and Karen Chapman for a great discussion with General Raymond and faculty leaders after class and for your continuous support of the Chapman Leadership Scholars and Clemson University.”
Chapman Leadership Scholars tailgate
The anniversary celebration concluded with a Chapman Leadership Scholar Alumni Tailgate before the Clemson/Citadel football game. Over 50 Chapman Leadership Scholars stopped by the alumni tailgate, traveling from as far as St. Louis, MO, and representing graduating classes from 2015 to 2024.
John Shoemaker ’24 noted, “The Chapman Leadership Scholars Program delivered unparalleled leadership wisdom and guidance. The growth and development I found were incredible and pushed me not only to become a better leader but also a person. These experiences will be with me for life and will shape the way I approach new opportunities, challenges, and roles. I cannot say thank you enough to Tom and Karen Chapman for their commitment to student leadership success and the generous opportunities they have provided to Clemson. It was such a joy to connect with the Chapmans, past and present Scholars, and faculty members at our first-ever Alumni Tailgate before the Citadel game! Special thank you to Alex Sauer and Brian O’Rourke for organizing and bringing so many Chapman Leadership Scholars together. I know this great event will continue to bring those back to Clemson for years to come!”
Scholars who couldn’t attend wanted to give a special tribute and thank you to Tom and Karen Chapman. Tim Erb ’15 added, “I am greatly appreciative of the Thomas F. Chapman Leadership Scholars Program. In a world with ever-evolving technological change, omnipresent political division and personal challenges faced by so many each day – one antidote to help with these issues is strong leadership. The Thomas F. Chapman Leadership Scholars Program, through a strong curriculum, peer-to-peer discussions, and mentorship from Mr. and Mrs. Chapman, helped me build the foundations of my leadership style. The program gives scholars the tools and opportunities to fine-tune their leadership skills to make an impact on campus and beyond.”
About the Thomas F. Chapman Leadership Scholars
The Thomas F. Chapman Leadership Scholars Program selects freshmen at Clemson University who show leadership potential and nurtures those qualities throughout their Clemson career. The program is designed to enrich students’ academic preparation beyond the classroom and curriculum and support the college’s mission to develop leadership abilities in its students. The program is based, in part, on a leadership theme developed by former Equifax CEO and board chairman Thomas F. Chapman ’65, which uses the analogy of The Wizard of Oz characters — the scarecrow, lion and tin man — to communicate the importance of intellect, courage, and heart, three values of successful leadership.
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