Clemson University President Jim Clements and Clemson Mayor Robert Halfacre took turns highlighting successes over the past year in front of a capacity crowd in the Madren Conference Center ballrooms as part of the annual State of Clemson luncheon on Tuesday, Feb. 25.
Clements and Halfacre were joined at the luncheon by a wide range of community leaders, including:
- University administrators, faculty, staff and students;
- City of Clemson staff, including elected officials;
- Joint City University Advisory Board members;
- Clemson Area Chamber of Commerce staff;
- Local business and nonprofit owners; and
- City of Clemson residents.
Clements updated the University’s achievements over the past year. He cited several facilities enhancements, including the Nieri Family Alumni and Visitors Center, which is on track to open this spring. He also spent time talking about the recent public launch of Fiercely Forward – Clemson’s ambitious capital campaign, a $1.889 billion fundraising goal created as a nod to the University’s founding in 1889 by Thomas Green Clemson.
“The value of the Tiger Paw has never been higher,” Clements said. “That is great for both our University and the community. When families come to Clemson, they see the University and the City — they see one Clemson. I am proud of what I see, and I look forward to continuing to work together with our partners from the City to elevate Clemson.”
Halfacre talked about the City’s resilience, citing cleanup efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. He talked about its investment in infrastructure, such as $16 million to expand the Cochran Road wastewater treatment plant to meet the demand of high-density housing in downtown Clemson. He applauded the University and City’s joint public safety efforts.
“I couldn’t be more proud of all the things we’ve accomplished this past year,” Halfacre adds. “We should celebrate successes but also acknowledge when times are tough and learn from those challenges. Together, we can build a community that is not just moving forward, but running toward a better future.”
Clements and Halfacre cited several town-gown accomplishments over the past year:
- Clemson was named the best college town in the United States by Travel + Leisure.
- University and City groups and organizations came together to serve the local community through multiple donation drives and days of service, benefiting local food pantries and other area neighbors in need.
- The two entities introduced a new two-day music festival, Clemson Music Fest, held on main campus; the second-annual event is scheduled for April 11-12.
- The Clemson University Board of Trustees recently approved an expansion of Station 1 for the Fire Department, which provides fire suppression service to both the University and City.
- The City of Clemson adopted the University’s Rave system for emergency notifications and timely alerts, creating a more uniform approach to key communications.
- CATBus ridership has increased by 62% over the past three years and expects to surpass the landmark transportation total of 1 million total riders this year.
- Traffic flow improved with the conversion of a three-way stop into a signaled intersection at Old Stone Church Road and Old Cherry Road.
- Eight pickleball courts are being constructed at Nettles Park and are scheduled to open later this year.
- Clemson is welcoming the world-famous Savannah Bananas to Memorial Stadium for a game on April 26, providing a significant boost for the local economy.
Following remarks from both leaders, the event concluded with the presentation of the 2025 Catherine Smith Award. This year’s recipient is Barbara Shehan, general manager of The Abernathy — a boutique hotel named in memory of former Clemson mayor Larry Abernathy. The award honors outstanding service to the Clemson Area Chamber of Commerce and local community and is named after another late Clemson mayor, Catherine Smith, the first woman to serve in the position.