Clemson’s military history saluted at Library of Congress event

Clemson University’s rich military history was front and center in the nation’s capital recently when videos of veterans’ military service remembrances were presented to the Library of Congress.

At a Baltimore-Washington Alumni Club event in Washington, D.C., College of Business Dean Wendy York added 25 veteran interviews to the Library of Congress’ collection of more than 120 Clemson remembrances that had previously been submitted.

In presenting the videos to Karen Lloyd, director of the Library of Congress’ Veterans History Project, York said she was proud to represent Clemson in contributing the veterans’ remembrances to the Library of Congress, where they will forever be preserved.

“Clemson has a deep-rooted military history. Army ROTC and military science were an integral part of the university’s curriculum since its founding in 1893, and we take great pride in preserving and honoring the legacy of those Tigers who have served our country,” she said.

Also attending the Washington event were leaders of Clemson’s storied Air Force and Army ROTC programs, housed in the College of Business, U.S. Air Force Col. Keith Balts, and U.S. Army Lt. Col. Todd (Kenneth) Crawford. In addition to cadets, Clemson’s Lt. Col. Steve Best, U.S. Army retired; and Col. Mike Mendonca, U.S. Air Force retired also attended the ceremony.

The videos were recorded by a Creative Inquiry class under the direction of Vernon Burton, a Clemson history professor, who was also in attendance with some of his students.

“Tonight, we recognize a body of work by our students that will preserve Clemson’s military heritage and make sure our veterans’ contributions and military experiences are not forgotten,” York said.

The Creative Inquiry, another longstanding tradition at Clemson, allows undergraduate research classes to take on problems or topics borne out of curiosity, a professor’s challenge, or from pressing needs of the world around them.

The class is comprised of students across various majors on campus. Its goal is to document military veterans’ experiences through professional-level interviews and videography.

“Under the direction of Professor Burton, and with continuing support from the Clemson Corps, our Creative Inquiry students have captured many treasured memories of our valiant veterans,” York added. “There is no more fitting place than the Library of Congress for these veterans’ recollections to be forever stored and cherished.”

Read about a few of our Clemson Tigers included in the Veterans History Project.

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