The College of Education honors partners, friends with annual awards

The College of Education recognized alumni, partners and friends at its annual Alumni and Friends Celebration. The event was held in late November at the Botanical Garden Visitor’s Center in Clemson.

The Distinguished Friend of the College Award is presented to an individual or organization that has demonstrated strong commitment to College initiatives, research endeavors and programs. Dean Kristin M. Gehsmann presented the award to Al and Evelyn Berry.

Al and Evelyn Berry shared a commitment to leaving a legacy within public school education, driven by their passion for nurturing the potential in every student. Al worked as a school administrator and home builder, while Evelyn began her career as a teacher before becoming an administrator and later superintendent of Lexington School District One.

After retiring, the Berrys continued to volunteer their time, talents and resources in many ways. Al Berry served on Clemson’s Board of Visitors, led the Board of Visitors as chairman in 2000-2001 and was awarded the Distinguished Service Award — the highest honor that the Alumni Association can bestow on an alumnus.

Al and Evelyn Berry established multiple scholarship endowments for students in the College of Education and College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences, paying it forward for the next generation.

Al Berry passed away in June of 2024 after a hard-fought battle with cancer, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations. His life demonstrated the value of hard work, proved that a determined attitude can open doors and reflected the enduring importance of giving back to others.

Evelyn and multiple members of the Berry family were on hand to accept the award. Brian Berry, Al and Evelyn’s son, provided remarks upon receiving the award on behalf of his parents.

The College of Education Distinguished Partnership Award allows the College to recognize a partnership that has provided sustained or innovative support. Technical college partners from both Greenville Technical College and Tri-County Technical College were honored with this award for their involvement in Expressway to Tiger Town.

Expressway to Tiger Town provides a seamless, accelerated pathway from high school to a Clemson University education degree for students in several South Carolina school districts. The partnership between the Clemson University College of Education, school districts and both Greenville Technical College and Tri-County Technical College aims to identify, inspire and prepare students for a career in education.

Participants in Expressway to Tiger Town take dual credit courses in high school, study for one year at a technical college and then finish the remainder of the program at Clemson, allowing them to receive a bachelor’s degree in just three years.

College partners at Greenville Technical College and Tri-County Technical College have worked closely with the College and school districts for years now to make the program a reality, and students are seeing it as an attractive, cost-effective and efficient way to pursue a rewarding career. The College of Education is proud to honor these valued partners and looks forward to continuing to work alongside them to expand the program.