For senior economics major and history minor Logan Survance, graduation will be a bittersweet event — an opportunity to celebrate a collection of unique achievements and to reflect on the memories that made his time at Clemson University so special.
Growing up in nearby Greenville, S.C., Survance has always been familiar with Clemson — too familiar, in fact. Initially hesitant to follow in the footsteps of his older sister and many of his high school classmates, Survance took the time to explore other college options. Nevertheless, he found his way back to Clemson, and he can confidently say now that it was “the best decision [he] has ever made.”
Survance’s freshman year still stands as one of his favorite experiences at Clemson. As a self-proclaimed “Man of Mauldin Hall,” he treasured the close-knit community of his on-campus residence hall, building strong friendships he maintains to this day.
At the end of his first year, once Survance had served his time on the “student” side of Clemson’s No. 1 student experience, he felt a calling to get involved — a desire to be the deliverer of this experience. He applied to be a Welcome Week leader, a trained student volunteer who guides and supports new students through the initial transition to the University. When he stepped into the role as a sophomore, Survance recalls how encouraging it was to meet so many people who were equally as committed to Clemson.
“Being around people who were motivated and wanted to do more than just build themselves up — that was incredibly impactful,” he says.
Survance went on to serve with the Welcome Week executive board the next two years, concluding his final year in the role of president. His involvement with this opportunity taught him many things: leadership skills, organizational strategies and, even a seemingly simple task he deems to be most principal, “How to professionally write an email.”
Through the bonds Survance built with his fellow Welcome Week executives, he was offered another opportunity — the chance to serve as a student marketing lead for Clemson’s inaugural on-campus music festival. In his leadership position, Survance gained valuable hands-on experience, collaborating with event organizers, key individuals and groups to produce a unique, memorable event for the Clemson community.
“Getting to interact with professionals outside of the University through Clemson Music Fest made me realize my involvement doesn’t just benefit me within the bubble that is Clemson — it gives me opportunities to connect with people and grow beyond the University,” Survance says.
Survance’s work with the Student Affairs Leadership Council — a group represented by one leader within some of Clemson’s most recognizable student organizations — also gave him a space to develop new relationships and broaden his perspective.
“Being around all of these gifted students — respecting them, getting to know them, taking notes from them — gave me a sense of humility,” Survance says. “It’s a reminder of how Clemson allows everyone to serve in different ways.”
Survance has centered his entire Clemson experience around this concept of service, and he praises the University for giving him the means and the community to do so.
“The opportunity to serve is something I hadn’t really been confronted with before in life, but I found that being in an environment where everyone shares the desire to give back truly raises me up. Through all of the experiences that I’ve had — Welcome Week, Clemson Music Fest, Student Affairs Leadership Council — I have consistently been put in rooms of people who want to make an impact,” Survance says.
As his motivation to serve on-campus has grown, a parallel desire to serve off-campus has as well, encouraging Survance to get more involved with his faith, which has given him another tight-knit community and allowed him to impact Clemson even further — while being mindful of his limits.
“I tell people not to let a bunch of different commitments distract them from what they really care about,” he says. “I like to keep it simple.”
As Commencement approaches, Survance has already set in motion his next steps, and they seem to be leading him in the same direction. Following the completion of his undergraduate degree, Survance will enroll in graduate school at Clemson University to continue studying economics. Once he completes the advanced degree, Survance’s short-term goal is to work in conservation, while he expects to return to higher education later on, hoping to pour the same support and effort into future students that was poured into him.
“I wouldn’t be going to grad school here if I didn’t meet the people at Clemson who prepared me for it, and I think having them alongside me as I go through this will be incredibly valuable,” he says.
Survance’s family — including his older sisters, who are venturing across the country — will be at Commencement on Thursday, Dec. 18, prepared to celebrate one of Clemson’s most revered student leaders. Survance is looking forward to the ceremony after previously receiving his Clemson ring in a similar service.
“It’s such a good opportunity to just sit there and bask in it — to soak it all in,” he says.
When asked what advice he would offer to the next group of incoming Clemson students, Survance speaks from experience.
“Cast your net wide at first; don’t dive headfirst into everything as soon as you show up. Just slow down and look around.”
He laughs when thinking about his journey.
“I sound old, but this place is just awesome, and if you get caught up in a busy daily schedule, you’re going to miss it. Take the time to slow down and think about what’s really important to you. Oh, and my biggest advice? Go play spikeball on Bowman.”
A very specific piece of instruction, but a valuable one — one that represents the genuine love Survance holds for every individual moment of his time at Clemson University.
