Quattlebaum Family gifts student housing to support coastal environment research 

“Believing is better than hoping” – Andy Quattlebaum

In a world that seems to be dominated by possessions, power and wealth, Andy was a firm believer that the natural lands, the marshes, the oceans, the forests and all of the living creatures around us were the real treasure that enriched our lives. 

Andy loved to spend time outdoors. Whether it was boating, camping, fishing, hunting, rock climbing or scuba diving, he was always smiling in the arms of mother nature. Andy’s sensitive nature compelled him to always think about others, his family, his friends, the environment and animals of all kinds, especially Oak, his dear yellow Labrador.

Andy followed his father’s (’76), grandfather’s (’34) and great-grandfather’s (1909) footsteps by attending Clemson, where he started in the Bridge to Clemson Program. His grandfather, Alexander McQueen Quattlebaum, was an engineering professor at Clemson and went on to serve on the Board of Trustees from 1958-74. His father, Don Quattlebaum, earned a degree in building construction before launching a successful entrepreneurial career. Andy’s mother, Hayden Blackwell Quattlebaum, built a successful career as co-owner of the Pepsi-Cola Bottling Co. of Conway — a family business started by her grandfather in the 1930s. 

The devastating passing of Andy on March 27, 2019 left the Quattlebaum family and all those who loved him heartbroken. Andy was just 22 years old. “Our lives will never be the same after losing our son,” Don explained. “We love him more and miss him more every day. He is gone from us, but his legacy will live on.”

On February 21st, Andy’s Cottage Dedication, which featured remarks from President Jim Clements and Don, was held at the Belle W. Baruch Institute of Coastal Ecology and Forest Science, located in Georgetown. Designed and engineered by Clemson University students, Andy’s Cottage will provide housing to students, research technicians, visiting scientists and workshop and conference participants as they explore the state’s coastal environment and study conservation at the Institute.

“There are some extremely important things being studied here on these historic grounds. Land use, water quality, natural resource conservation and many others. These things were important to Andy, even more so because this area was his home. Andy would have loved this beautiful building that bears his name, and that its presence helps achieve the goals set here,” said Don Quattlebaum. 

The dorm cottage, with the capacity to house 3-4 individuals, is fully-equipped with two bedrooms, a living/dining room, a full kitchen, a screen porch, and Wi-Fi.

Gifts such as Andy’s Cottage enable us to house and train students, host visiting scientists, and hold workshops and other training events, thereby amplifying our mission to advance conservation of coasts, watersheds, forests, and their biodiversity.

MAŽEIKA PATRICIO SULLIVÁN, DIRECTOR OF BARUCH INSTITUTE OF COASTAL ECOLOGY AND FOREST SCIENCE

Hayden and Don established the Andy Quattlebaum and Blackwell Family Foundation in honor of their beloved son. The Quattlebaums have made significant contributions through their foundation to support initiatives that were dear to Andy, including education, conservation, community enrichment, veterans, animals and veterinary schools. Andy’s Cottage is part of the family’s academic cornerstone gift of $2.7M which also established the Andy Quattlebaum Outdoor Education Center. The Quattlebaums also created the Andy Quattlebaum Endowed Presidential Scholarship to provide full-tuition student scholarship support. Andy’s legacy continues to live on through these generous gifts that are impacting Clemson students each day.