Dear Faculty, Staff, Alumni and Friends,
It’s April, which means it is the time of year when the result of our students’ work blooms into full view. It’s also the time when we recognize and honor their accomplishments. Here is just a taste:
Orchestral Brilliance
Last week, the CU Symphony Orchestra dazzled with a performance of Rimsky-Korsakov’s Sheherazade. It was a tour de force, especially towards the fiery climactic end, where the orchestra clicked as I have never heard before. The work our conductor and orchestra director, Kim Souther, has been doing over the last couple of years really shone. She has developed a way of bringing the audience along with her, not only introducing the concert with thoughtful words, but also having the orchestra play themes from the piece ahead of the performance to help get our ears ready for what is to come. The second half of the concert was capped with a virtuoso performance by one of our star pianists, Christian Walker, playing the first movement of the Grieg Piano Concerto. All I can say is—wow!
Honoring Excellence
Last Friday evening was our annual Honors and Awards banquet, during which each of our academic departments recognize their best students. Thank you to all the family members who traveled—great distances in some cases—to support our students, and thank you to the faculty members who attended to share in their students’ celebrations. It says a lot about our faculty and the role they play in the lives and development of our top students that their presence is considered to be so meaningful.
One of our most significant awards is in memory of Chardrevius “Dre” Martin, an award the College of Arts and Humanities presents each year to a student who embodies a spirit of service coupled with academic excellence. “Dre” was known for his compassion, care for others, and quiet leadership, and this award honors students who carry that legacy forward.
This year’s recipient, language and international health major Audrey DuBois, demonstrated a deep commitment to service both on campus and in the broader community. Her work for Every Campus a Refuge supported refugees by facilitating cultural awareness activities, assisting with events, and providing English as a Second Language instruction. She has also used her language skills to support Spanish-speaking families as they navigate immigration processes and adjust to life in a new community.
Her service to the Clemson community expanded beyond welcoming newcomers. She helped launch a women’s self-defense program in partnership with the Clemson University Police Department, and she founded the Clemson University American Red Cross Club, growing it from just two members to more than 130 students in one year and securing a Dabo All In Foundation grant to support food insecurity initiatives for veterans. Again, wow!
As I have written here in the past and reminded students at our ceremony, one of our major goals as a college is for the No. 1 Student Experience to be defined by fulfillment, belonging and purpose. Each year, I am delighted and inspired by students like Audrey who embody what our College seeks to achieve.
Go Tigers!
Nicholas Vazsonyi, Dean
