Dear Clemson Family:
Last week, our Board of Trustees had a productive meeting, taking several actions, including approving a plan to widen Perimeter Road and make improvements to pedestrian safety. This much-needed project is slated to be completed in the summer of 2023. The board also voted to allow the Glenn Department of Civil Engineering to combine with the Department of Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences to form the School of Civil & Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, effective this coming fall. You can read a full recap of the board meeting here.
Cornerstone Partner gift to support CAFLS; Give Day success
During the board meeting, we also announced the first Academic Cornerstone Partner gift to the College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences — $2.5 million from Micky and Amy Scott to support scholarships and fellowships, primarily in forestry and environmental conservation. The Scotts are long-time supporters of Clemson and wonderful people, and I am incredibly thankful for their generosity. To date, we have 29 total Cornerstone Partners who have supported academic or athletics programs.
I would also like to say thank you to everyone who donated on Give Day last week. We raised more than $1.7 million with gifts from 2,880 donors. Every dollar raised will help move Clemson forward, and I knew I could count on the Clemson Family for their support.
Congratulations all around
Congratulations are in order for Dr. Chris Miller, who was recently named Vice President for Student Affairs. Chris was named interim vice president in 2019 and has worked tirelessly to support our students and lead the Division of Student Affairs. I am glad to have him on my Executive Leadership Team, and I thank him for his continued service to the University.
I also want to extend my congratulations to everyone who will be recognized with awards at our annual Spring Awards event on Monday. Our 2020 awardees will also be recognized at the ceremony, and I look forward to celebrating with everyone. I was also proud to celebrate our recent Outstanding Women Award recipients and our retiring faculty members at events this past week, and I will also be on-hand to present our University Research, Scholarship and Artistic Achievement (URSAA) Awards at our Research Symposium next week. Awards season is always busy, but it is one of my favorite times of year.
I am also excited about Commencement ceremonies next week. We will celebrate our graduates in 12 ceremonies over four days at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville. Congratulations to everyone who will be graduating and thank you to everyone working behind the scenes to coordinate the ceremonies.
As we wrap up this unusual and challenging academic year, I want to express my gratitude to everyone for their hard work, patience, and flexibility over the course of this year. Our students, faculty and staff rose to the challenge every step of the way, complying with COVID protocols and procedures; adapting to new ways of working, teaching and learning; and maintaining a positive attitude throughout it all. Our alumni, parents and other friends offered wonderful support and feedback. Everyone in the Clemson Family had an important role to play in helping us have a safe and successful year. I am grateful for all of you.
Go Tigers!