Graduates to Experience First Memorial Stadium Commencement |
CLEMSON --Some say graduation is the "first day of the rest
of your life." Clemson University 's spring graduates will not only "commence" their lives after college, they will experience another "first."Clemson's 106th Commencement on May 10 will be like no other in the school's long history. For the first time, the "rain or shine" ceremony will be held in Memorial Stadium, due to renovation work under way at Littlejohn Coliseum. There will be one ceremony, beginning at 10 a.m., and many of the cherished traditions will remain -- every name will be called and every hand will be shaken by the president. Unlike recent spring ceremonies, students in all five colleges will graduate together on this occasion sure to create unique memories for the Class of 2002. There are 1,652 undergraduate degree candidates and 413 candidates for graduate degrees. Several awards will be presented, including the faculty scholarship award, the Norris Medal to the most well-rounded student, the Alumni Master Teacher Award and the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Awards. Although the usual favorite spot for photos of graduates with family and friends is the Tiger statue on the coliseum lawn, the unique stadium location will provide a breath-taking photo opportunity of a different sort. At the conclusion of the ceremony, graduates, family and friends can also "run down the hill," as the Tiger football team does during home games. "The graduation ceremony is important to all of us here at Clemson University," says Cal Becker, assistant registrar. "We are working very hard for the event to be memorable for all of our graduates and guests." The university will provide shuttle service to the stadium from parking areas in Jervey Meadows behind the baseball field and on Perimeter Road. Cold drinks and packaged foods will be available in the stadium. Guests who prefer not to sit in the stadium may view the ceremony via a live telecast at the Madren Conference Center ballroom, Brooks Center theater or Tillman Hall auditorium. TRUSTEE DONATES $1.1 MILLION FOR CLEMSON CAMPUS RECREATION CENTER CLEMSON -- A million-dollar gift from a successful Clemson alumnus and trustee will enrich the quality of life for Clemson students for many years to come. Greenville businessman Joseph D. Swann, along with his wife, Bobbi, and children, Erin, Audrey and Ted, has pledged $1.1 million to Clemson University to establish an endowment that will generate annual revenues for student recreational programming. "The Clemson experience is about helping students develop healthy lifestyles and good citizenship as well as academic success," said Almeda Jacks, vice president for student affairs. "The Swann Fitness Center will afford our students an even better place for campus recreation, with excellent facilities, activities and programs as we provide a foundation for a healthy lifestyle." Fike Recreation Center is gaining an addition and undergoing major renovations. It is set to reopen in 2003. The Swann Fitness Center, with a walking track, climbing wall, aerobics area, cardiac exercise space and additional wellness venues, will be in the heart of the facility. Swann is president of Rockwell Automation Power Systems. He graduated from Clemson in 1963 with a degree in ceramic engineering. While a student, he was a member of Tiger Brotherhood and president of his junior and senior classes. He has been an elected Clemson trustee since 1990. He chairs the research committee of the university's board of trustees. He is also vice chair of the institutional advancement committee and serves on the executive and audit and budget and finance committees. Swann is an IPTAY representative and a past member of Clemson's board of visitors. In 1995, he received the Alumni Distinguished Service Award for his outstanding commitment to serving his profession, Clemson University and his community.
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