The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life celebrated 50 years of national affiliation by honoring its inaugural class of community pillars during a gala on Saturday, April 22 at the Madren Conference Center in Clemson. The inaugural recipients included James F. Barker, Bobby Clark, Mandy Hays, Jerry Reel and Kim Wilkerson. Mable Wynn was also honored posthumously.
“This evening was several years in the making,” says Gary Wiser, assistant dean of students and director of Fraternity and Sorority Life. “As part of the 50th anniversary, we created the Pillars of the Community awards to recognize fraternity and sorority alumni that have made significant contributions to Clemson University, their organizations at the local or national level, their professions, or to public service. This event would not have been possible without these pillars.”
Ali Rogers FauntLeRoy (Alpha Delta Pi ’14), former Miss South Carolina winner and Miss America runner-up, emceed the event. Special guests included Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Chris Miller, Fraternity and Sorority Life Advisory Board Chair Shannon Ballew and Department of Communication Senior Lecturer Lori Pindar, whose creative inquiry class helped research and document 50 years of Clemson fraternity and sorority affiliations with national organizations.
Following a cocktail reception, Rogers FauntLeroy led a short program which included remarks from Wiser and Miller. The night concluded with the presentation of pillars to the honorary recipients, signifying their positive contributions to the Fraternity and Sorority Life community at Clemson. Read more on the accomplishments of the inaugural class of pillars.
“These individuals have made a direct and substantial impact on the Greek community at Clemson, and it was a privilege celebrating them,” Miller says. “They set a foundation for fraternity and sorority excellence at Clemson — as members, advisors and as people.”
