A gift from Clemson alumnus Nathan ’04 and Wendy Wiker will expand experiential learning opportunities for students in the Clemson University Honors College’s Breakthrough Scholars Program.
The Wikers’ gift highlights the impact donors can make as Clemson prepares for Give Day on April 8, funding spring break travel experiences that allow scholars to visit industry leaders, explore graduate programs and engage directly with professionals in STEM fields.
When Nathan Wiker enrolled at Clemson from Orangeburg, South Carolina, to major in chemical engineering, financial support played a defining role in his decision.
“Clemson was free,” Wiker said. “That set me up for success in ways I didn’t fully appreciate at the time.”
Now Nathan and his wife, Wendy, who is also a chemical engineer, are extending that opportunity to others.
The investment will enable Clemson’s Breakthrough Scholars, recruited for their academic excellence, passion for discovery and plans to pursue advanced degrees, to travel to industry hubs, explore potential graduate program options and engage directly with professionals in their fields.
The program is focused on keeping these future STEM leaders in South Carolina for their undergraduate studies to help strengthen the state’s pipeline of talent in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Experiential learning shapes career paths
While at Clemson, Nathan explored multiple facets of chemical engineering through undergraduate research and co-op rotations, experiences that helped clarify his career direction.
“I realized I didn’t want to work in a lab, and I didn’t want to work in a plant,” he said. “But I wouldn’t have known that if I hadn’t had those opportunities.”
Wendy similarly credits internships and research with shaping her career in manufacturing.
“There are a lot of things you can do with a STEM degree,” she said. “Those experiences help you figure that out early.”
That perspective aligned with the mission of the Breakthrough Scholars Program, which prepares students for life after graduation through academic and professional engagement.
Growing up in Orangeburg, Nathan witnessed disparities in access to education and career pathways. His own experience, made possible through scholarships, helped shape his future.
“There’s a big opportunity gap,” he said. “We’re passionate about helping close that gap for South Carolinians.”
Their gift will help remove financial barriers to career exploration, allowing students to visit companies, connect with professionals and gain insight into potential pathways.
“If you don’t have real-world experience, you’re at a disadvantage,” Nathan said. “You can’t answer the same questions in interviews if you haven’t been in those environments.”
Investing in Clemson’s future
The Wikers also see their gift as an investment in Clemson’s future and its ability to attract top students.
“It’s really difficult to attract and retain the best talent,” Nathan said. “We want Clemson to continue to be a place that draws those students, and giving helps make that possible.”
Wendy added that understanding the impact of philanthropy can motivate others to get involved.
“Hearing how opportunities shape someone’s path—that’s what inspires people to give,” she said.
As Clemson prepares for Give Day on April 8, the Wikers encourage fellow alumni to consider how they can support student success.
“Clemson gave me so much,” Nathan said. “Giving back helps create those same opportunities for the next generation.”
Support the Honors College and the Breakthrough Scholars Program by making a gift on Clemson’s Give Day at https://giveday.clemson.edu/pages/clemson-honors-college.
