Maddie Frank did not recognize the number calling her cell phone early Wednesday morning last week, but she answered it anyway.
It’s a good thing she did, because Clemson University Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Chris Miller was on the other end of the line. Miller proudly informed Frank she was the grand prize winner among students as part of the Fall 2021 Vaccine Incentives Program and would be receiving two academic semesters of free tuition.
In her own words, Frank was “extremely caught off-guard.”
“I didn’t understand why he was calling at first,” she laughed. “When I figured it out, I was ecstatic. It was a great way to start my morning.”
She followed by calling and informing her parents, who were — needless to say — thrilled with the news. Frank is a sophomore biochemistry major from Hilton Head, South Carolina who transferred to Clemson following one year at Charleston Southern University. She is a member of Tri-Delta sorority and is a leader within Clemson’s Young Life student organization.
Frank said while she was happy to benefit from the incentives program, she was just as happy to hear that more than 16,000 students voluntarily uploaded proof of vaccination.
“Just seeing 60-plus percent (of students) are vaccinated and knowing people are contributing to the health and safety of campus is a good thing,” she said. “Clemson deserves a big thank-you for making this opportunity available to students. I’m very grateful to have been drawn as a winner.”
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Wanda Johnson has served Clemson University in several capacities throughout the years. She previously worked in University Relations as a member of its strategic communications team, as director of communications for Inclusion & Equity and as director of broadcasting for Public Affairs.
On top of those roles, she has also taught academic courses such as broadcast news productions and public speaking. Currently, she serves as the director of student media in the Department of Communication.
Johnson was one of 150 employees who received a main campus meal plan (valued up to 50 total meals) as part of the incentives program. In all, more than 1,400 employees earned prizes through the drawing.
“I happily took a shot in the arm to help fight COVID-19,” Johnson said. “Winning a prize for doing it is simply amazing!”
All students and staff who were randomly selected in the incentives program have been notified and were provided instructions on redeeming prizes.
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View the list of student and employee incentive winners here. Note: All students who participated earned $50 in Paw Points; 1,200 employees received drinkware items of their choice, in addition to the published winners on this list.