To the Business Class of 2020

Dear 2020 Graduate:

As we wrap up this unprecedented academic year, I want to let you know I’m thinking about you during this very special time in your lives.

I want to congratulate you for crossing the finish line under less-than-ideal circumstances. Though the pomp, pageantry and family celebrations that traditionally accompany graduation have been put on hold, I commend you on your accomplishment of earning a coveted Clemson degree.

Some of my most cherished school-year events are graduation ceremonies. Like you, I will greatly miss our May commencement and all the excitement surrounding it. But I am confident in the University’s plan to appropriately recognize and celebrate your achievements at a future date.

Be proud and optimistic as you move on, knowing you’ve succeeded at one of the country’s top public universities. Your hard work, in combination with the University and the College of Business have prepared you well to succeed professionally. You are ready to engage in the next chapter our your life, emboldened by the knowledge you will succeed by leveraging the values and skills you were taught – leadership, ethics, integrity, innovativeness and of course, resiliency, something you’ve gotten a heavy dose of in your final semester of college.

Your ability to adapt to the extraordinary events of the past several months has been a test of your resiliency, and is something you will draw upon again and again professionally and personally. Learn from it, knowing you can overcome adversity and achieve your goals.

This spring marks both an ending and a beginning for you. There are the many warm and lasting memories you will take away from your Clemson experience, but many goals and dreams await as you leave your beloved alma mater.

As you embark on your careers, don’t be strangers. As a Clemson Family member, you’re always welcome back home. Come visit me in the new College of Business building and give me that hand shake or hug we would have exchanged this May.

Until we meet face to face at commencement, stay well, positive and proud of all that you have accomplished. I know I’m certainly proud of you.

Warmest Regards,
Wendy York, Dean
College of Business