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Varsity [218]
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Joined: 2/1/13
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40 Years
Aug 16, 2014, 11:03 AM
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It’s Freshman Move In Day in TigerTown!
By 9:30 this morning the lines of cars waiting to unload stretched from the president’s house across the Hwy 76 overpass. This semester marks 40 years since my own freshman move-in, arriving as an out-of-state student who rolled the dice and chose Clemson primarily because it was 600 miles from home. Four decades later, after earning 2 Clemson degrees, raising two daughters (also Clemson grads), and serving almost 30 years on the Clemson faculty, I’m still here. And except for a two year stint in grad school at the justifiably proud, but pointlessly pompous dog pound down the road, I never left.
In what might mark a severe case of arrested development, college memories that ought to have long ago faded into the distant past seem like yesterday: Steak Night in Harcombe included a single serving of something that was usually identifiable as meat, but never got within shouting distance of steakishness. Milk shakes were cheap, delicious, and served through a window that could only be found by those who knew where to look. Judge Keller’s was still run by the Judge. Movies were shown every night at the Holtzendorff YMCA Theater for 50¢. In the basement of the Y was a dive called the Gutter that featured live, and occasionaly outstanding, music. Winn Dixie was the only grocery store in town (down the hill next to the once-thriving Astro Movie Theater). The vast majority of students lived on campus and, if you were lucky, you had a friend who had a car you could borrow. The Bookstore and Study Hall were both bars. Red Parker’s football team was so bad that a big sign in a Johnstone window on the hill leading down to DV pleaded in giant letters “Beat Somebody!”
The list could go on and on and on. While decades have passed and much has changed, some things remain untouched. The Clemson experience runs deep; the Clemson family is real; being a Clemson student is a tremendous privilege, opportunity, and responsibility.
So… Welcome Freshmen! The quiet, peaceful, and painfully dull months that marked students' summer absence are finally over. Traffic gets worse; lines at Bi-Lo and Publix get longer; Taco Night at Monterey’s requires early arrival or long waits to get in; parties get loud; and Clemson life in general gets much, much more interesting. Whether you stumbled into Clemson accidentally like I did or obeyed the cross-generational imperative of family tradition, you’re one of us now. It’s a condition from which you’ll probably never recover. Most of us can’t imagine why you would ever want to.
Wear your orange proudly.
Go Tigers!
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1st Rounder [638]
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Joined: 6/11/01
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Re: 40 Years
Aug 16, 2014, 11:12 AM
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Thanks for the thread 78. I was right there 46 years ago. On my first day on campus after getting moved in, the hall monitor next door to me shaved my head. I was officially a rat.....Jaybird4
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Orange Blooded [2916]
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Joined: 9/13/11
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Memories....back in the day....
Aug 16, 2014, 11:19 AM
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When the Walker course was the maternity ward for the cows and getting ice cream at the dairy....
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Orange Blooded [3220]
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Joined: 1/12/12
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43 years ago for me!
Aug 16, 2014, 11:24 AM
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But I was in-state . . . being born in Raleigh, I wanted to go to N.C. State, where Dad was a graduate. But we moved to Greenville when I was entering the eighth grade, and the Lord's hand guided me to these hills after graduating high school!
I, too, have two degrees, both from Clemson. Three semesters of senior football tickets was the silver lining to that (Section E in the Lower Deck back then)!
Hard work and fond memories . . . Long hours and good friends! God bless Clemson!
Go, Tigers!
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Aficionado [184]
TigerPulse: 96%
Posts: 481
Joined: 3/13/07
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Re: 40 Years
Aug 16, 2014, 11:25 AM
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When I got there in 62---got there early as I was in the band. Old Frank Howard was on his last legs as coach and I still have my rat hat!
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Recruit [95]
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Posts: 73
Joined: 1/30/00
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Study Hall, Library, Book Store, Lester's, Esso, Red Carpet
Aug 16, 2014, 12:08 PM
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University Union sponsored beer bash (aka freshmen picnic) on the lawn at the President's house, the double tray trick at Harcomb, "way out Wayne", the freshman register, ... Erasable Fs - thank God!
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Varsity [218]
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Posts: 39
Joined: 2/1/13
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Re: Study Hall, Library, Book Store, Lester's, Esso, Red Carpet
Aug 16, 2014, 12:35 PM
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Way Out Wayne! Yeah!
What was the double tray trick? I missed that one.
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Scout Team [167]
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Posts: 210
Joined: 12/7/09
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Re: 40 Years
Aug 16, 2014, 12:27 PM
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26 years for me. By the time I got there, Harcombe had graduated to something more elegant sounding "Premium entree night"! Nothing really premium about it and if it was in fact steak, I'm pretty sure it was closer to coming from a kangaroo than a cow! Ahh the memories!!
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110%er [6370]
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Posts: 8854
Joined: 11/3/04
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10 years here. Never lived on campus though
Aug 16, 2014, 1:07 PM
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Moved straight into University Place and told Clemson I was commuting from home. Best time of my life.
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CU Guru [1487]
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Posts: 902
Joined: 9/30/01
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65 years ago here. All military, no bars allowed.***
Aug 16, 2014, 1:13 PM
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Orange Blooded [2916]
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Joined: 9/13/11
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^^^^^Wonder if you knew my Grandparents?....***
Aug 16, 2014, 1:28 PM
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Orange Blooded [2538]
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Posts: 771
Joined: 9/3/10
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Re: 40 Years
Aug 16, 2014, 1:28 PM
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68 years ago! The first year that the WWII vets returned and that made for an interesting mixture; kid cadets trying to play soldier and older vets not long from the battle fields of Europe, the Pacific and other areas. Of course there was tension between the two diverse groups. We had fire hose battles between dorms and many other such fun activities. I could go on and on, for much too long, about some of the amusing things that happened, but some might be too gross for todays audience.
Some of the professors had difficulty dealing with the more mature (most of the time)battle tested students.
Overall, the four years were filled with many memorable times that wove the Clemson spirit deeply into the fabric of our lives.
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Orange Blooded [2419]
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Joined: 3/5/07
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Re: 40 Years
Aug 16, 2014, 1:55 PM
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Great post. I moved in 38 years ago today. About the only thing I could find to eat before Harcombe opened was Hardees. You made me pause today and recall the terror I felt being alone and away from my Florida home. Only took 2 or 3 days before Clemson became my true home.
To all incoming Freshman, hang on until Wednesday ( or before) and the anxiety you feel will leave you. Enjoy your days on campus as they dissolve much too fast!
And one more thing-DO NOT read inscription on Ben Tillmans statue until your graduation day!
Welcome new sons and daughters of Clemson.
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Walk-On [107]
TigerPulse: 93%
Posts: 21
Joined: 10/2/06
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Re: 40 Years
Aug 16, 2014, 2:22 PM
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49 for me...seems like yesterday. Dan's Hamburger joint with the pool room next door was a daily activity.
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Hall of Famer [22711]
TigerPulse: 100%
Posts: 5884
Joined: 3/28/09
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34 years ago for me; took my son, BigAl, yesterday
Aug 16, 2014, 3:00 PM
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to Highpointe for the Bridge program. Nice place and
program, but the list of requirements and expenses$$ and
the lines went on and on. He's already homesick, anxious,
worried, and a little overwhelmed, so somebody please pray
for him and the other anxious freshmen.
I grew up in the area (Central) and commuted, so I was
already familiar with it going to games since the early
70s, movies at the Astro, playing on the practice fields,
seeing RC Edwards running at the track and going to the
middle school named after him, sneaking in the gameroom,
Tillman Hall, etc. The most dangerous thing was sliding
on the library pond when it froze up thick in '76 or '77
and the funniest thing was seeing some underwear laying
around in the mornings during the streaking fad in the
mid 70s. Moved away in '88 to Greenville area (not far),
but have missed being around there since.
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Legend [16439]
TigerPulse: 100%
Posts: 14914
Joined: 1/26/99
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28 for me***
Aug 16, 2014, 4:09 PM
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All-TigerNet [12270]
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Joined: 12/1/03
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37 for me.***
Aug 16, 2014, 5:16 PM
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CU Guru [1344]
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Posts: 953
Joined: 7/25/10
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Re: 40 Years
Aug 16, 2014, 5:27 PM
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41 years for me. I recall we had a Friday all you could eat steak night a Harcombe, only lasted one Friday. Beer party at the president house since 18 was the legal age. Good times.
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110%er [8095]
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Posts: 10944
Joined: 2/10/11
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Steak or Shrimp on Friday night.
Aug 16, 2014, 7:32 PM
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The steak was unrecognizable and required lots of steak sauce or ketchup to get it down. The shrimp was fairly good, but there were no seconds.
I'd love to have a meal plan now!!! The food was good 41 years ago, but is substantially better now.
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CU Guru [1068]
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Posts: 2182
Joined: 9/26/07
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11 years ago here.
Aug 16, 2014, 6:14 PM
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Still remember it like it was yesterday. Met some of my best friends on that day. Freshmen... Cherish these days.
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Legend [17626]
TigerPulse: 100%
Posts: 11052
Joined: 10/13/08
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42 years for me.
Aug 16, 2014, 6:16 PM
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3rd generation Tiger and remember everything you said. Work has taken me all over, including Raleigh now, but I still make the fall treks for football. Looking forward to retirement in a few years so we can move back to God's country.
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Orange Blooded [2110]
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Posts: 556
Joined: 10/17/11
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58 years...
Aug 16, 2014, 6:54 PM
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Clemson was transitioning away from wearing military uniforms to wearing coats and ties. Coeds were coming. The "shoeboxes" were not very old. My son, his wife, my grand daughter, a senior, have followed in my footsteps. I was the first college grad in my family and hopefully I have started the tradition.
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Orange Blooded [2916]
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Joined: 9/13/11
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Re: 58 years...
Aug 16, 2014, 7:01 PM
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Just wondering if any of you might remember my granddaddy...he was head of the mess hall when we were military.....
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MVP [548]
TigerPulse: 89%
Posts: 1299
Joined: 3/7/02
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49 years for me
Aug 16, 2014, 6:56 PM
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one of the best decisions I ever made (with help from parents). Best part is I'm only 2 hours away today, and go back often.
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All-In [25393]
TigerPulse: 100%
Posts: 14697
Joined: 11/3/11
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49 years for me, too. The day I arrived was the first time
Aug 16, 2014, 7:14 PM
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I laid eyes on Clemson.
My Father got out of the car; I grabbed my one, beat up suitcase; he shook my hand and said, "Now, you're here to study, and I want you to also find some parttime jobs to help with the expenses."
I shook his hand, gave my Mother a quick kiss...and promptly got rounded up by an Upperclassman who wanted to introduce me to the Rat System.
Four years later when I said Goodbye, the last person I saw was Walter Cox. I shook his hand, said, "Thank you for everything, Dean Cox," then walked away, choked up.
To this day I never hesitate to say that I owe everything to Almighty God, my family, my friends...and Clemson.
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All-TigerNet [10782]
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Joined: 1/28/04
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Re: 49 years for me, too. The day I arrived was the first time
Aug 17, 2014, 8:56 PM
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50 years for me.came to CU on a lark.was 17 when my dad dropped me off at the tin cans(D-603 to be specific).the academics aside,socially I don't think I could have asked for a better experience for the next 4 years.it was such a great time to be a student,and CU was one great place to be in school.
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All-TigerNet [10782]
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Joined: 1/28/04
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Re: 49 years for me
Aug 17, 2014, 8:58 PM
[ in reply to 49 years for me ] |
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wish I was as lucky as you.live too far away.
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110%er [8095]
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Posts: 10944
Joined: 2/10/11
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41 Years for me.
Aug 16, 2014, 7:26 PM
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I rode with two other people. I guess we didn't carry as much crap with us as they do these days.
And yes, I was there all 4 of the Red Parker years.
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CU Guru [1138]
TigerPulse: 93%
Posts: 878
Joined: 10/27/02
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40 for me too. What a better way to mark it than dropping
Aug 16, 2014, 7:39 PM
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off my own son for the start of his freshman year today! He gets his own bathroom, we had shower "rooms" in Johnstone. Times have changed.
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CU Guru [1261]
TigerPulse: 91%
Posts: 1192
Joined: 9/4/01
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46 years for me
Aug 16, 2014, 7:54 PM
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2 degrees and my brother,son,and daughter have Clemson degrees. They have served us all very well. Coneross fish lodge with family style (country ham,fried chicken,catfish,and all the trimmings) all you could eat was as good as it gets.
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Associate AD [823]
TigerPulse: 86%
Posts: 936
Joined: 2/14/09
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30 for me!***
Aug 17, 2014, 8:47 AM
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nm
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All-In [45744]
TigerPulse: 100%
Posts: 23809
Joined: 2/1/99
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I threw Swedish Meatballs at you in Harcombe
Aug 17, 2014, 9:50 AM
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Please except my 40 year old apology.
I was young and dumb. Now I am old and dumb.
A friend dropped his son off yesterday at one of the frat houses. Proud to report that Animal House is still alive and well. Two unplugged (no not mtv) frigs in the back had been left unopened with food over the entire summer. Rumor has it there may be parties.
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All-In [45744]
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Posts: 23809
Joined: 2/1/99
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accept?******
Aug 17, 2014, 9:50 AM
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Orange Blooded [2519]
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Joined: 8/23/02
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I'm just a noob, 24 years ago for me.***
Aug 17, 2014, 10:21 AM
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All-American [567]
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Posts: 771
Joined: 8/20/07
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Re: 40 Years
Aug 17, 2014, 12:46 PM
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11 years for me. I grew up in Asheville, but second gen tigers so I was familiar with at least the stadium and downtown. When I arrived, I discovered 5 other kids from my high school in NC made it down. We weren't close, and I met my first friend on move in day when he offered to help me and dad construct the loft. He introduced me to my second friend, an Army ROTC...we were in each other's weddings, his this summer, lifelong friends. I remember picnic at presidents house, the food at harcombe was awesome, especially breakfast which I still miss, slip and slide on bowman, the band 'teaching' all the freshman the fight song in the amphitheater.
Now 11 years later, after my path took me to Chapel Hell Hole for 4 years if med school, and 3 years of residency in Anderson, I now get the pleasure of working everyday in Clemson, and soon we will be moving there. Love this place. It's amazing how quickly this place transforms from a sleepy southern town to a bustling college town in a weekend!
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Orange Blooded [4757]
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Posts: 8263
Joined: 9/13/01
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23 years for me
Aug 17, 2014, 12:49 PM
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And in many ways I remember it like it was yesterday. I miss Clemson so much, every day.
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MVP [536]
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Posts: 246
Joined: 7/12/14
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Re: 40 Years
Aug 17, 2014, 12:56 PM
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A really nice Clemson "moving in" article in the Greenville News this fine Sunday morning. Lots of compliments. Wishing the best to all of these new Tigers!
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CU Guru [1899]
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Posts: 1685
Joined: 6/13/11
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Re: 40 Years
Aug 17, 2014, 10:44 PM
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41 years for me.
I still remember my Mom and her sister, dropping me off...I tried to make it as quick as I could, since that was a little embarrasing. LOL.
Tough Freshman year...but I survived.
I still wonder occassionally if the A-frame bed I built is still being used somewhere.  Bed raised to head height, with shelves each end underneath, a couch that folded up, and a fold up and down drawing table. I still remember...$32 worth of bolts, total costs..about $100. LOL. But it was awesome! My roommate built one, similar. I used that for about 3 years, and sold it for the costs. Those were the days...
Good Times in "Those Hills".
Hope all the students have a great and successful year! Keep passing on the "Spirit"!
GO TIGERS!!!
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Aficionado [152]
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Posts: 40
Joined: 11/23/99
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35 for me...***
Aug 18, 2014, 6:12 AM
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110%er [5156]
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Joined: 5/15/05
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11 years ago.
Aug 21, 2014, 8:07 AM
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Sounds weird to say. Truly exciting moment.
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All-In [25393]
TigerPulse: 100%
Posts: 14697
Joined: 11/3/11
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Never get tired of reading these types of posts, where old
Aug 21, 2014, 8:38 AM
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and young alike have one thing in common: memories of that first time we walked the campus as Freshmen.
That, my Friends, is our bond.
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Legend [16505]
TigerPulse: 100%
Posts: 11655
Joined: 9/1/01
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Only 31 here
Aug 21, 2014, 9:08 AM
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The honors college caused my schedule to be dumped and my room to be given away. Spend over half the day in the housing office trying to get a room. Then of course had to redo my classes. But hey, it got awesome after that!
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