Swinneys Named Honorary Alumni
William Christopher “Dabo” Swinney and Kathleen Bennett Swinney have been named honorary alumni of Clemson University. Both were recognized with this designation at the 2017 All In Ball, an event presented by Dabo’s ALL IN TEAM FOUNDATION.
Left to Right: Deshaun Watson, Beth Clements, Clemson University President Jim Clements, Kathleen Swinney, Dabo Swinney, Clemson Alumni Executive Director Wil Brasington, Clemson Alumni President Sandy Edge
A graduate of the University of Alabama, Dabo began his career on the Clemson University Football Coaching Staff in 2003 and was named Interim Head Coach in 2008, eventually taking on the role permanently at the end of that football season.
Known for his exemplary recruitment of talented football players and enhancing the focus on student-athlete success in the classroom, Dabo recently lead the Clemson Tigers to become the 2016 National Football Champions.
Kathleen, also a graduate of the University of Alabama and former school teacher, has not only been a support system for Dabo and her family, but has also focused her attention on using her high-profile platform as the First Lady of Clemson Football to better the lives of others.
Dabo and Kathleen are highly recognized for their impact in the community including the development of Dabo’s ALL IN TEAM FOUNDATION. The mission of this organization is “to raise awareness of critical education and health issues in order to change lives of people across the state of South Carolina.”
The Foundation raises funds for various initiatives through three major events including the All In Ball, the Dabo Swinney Ladies Football Clinic and the Dabo Swinney Football Camp focused on elementary, middle and high school athletes.
The funds raised at these events are distributed to four primary focus entities including Breast Cancer Research, Call Me MISTER, The Family Effect and LIFE Programs at the University of Alabama and Clemson University which provide specific programming for children and young adults with learning disabilities and special learning needs.
In addition the foundation provides grants to organizations throughout the Upstate with similar objectives.
The Clemson Alumni Association president, Col. Sandy Edge, and Executive Director, Wil Brasington, along with University President James P. Clements and his wife Beth, presented the Swinneys with the honor.
Honorary alumni are selected by the Alumni Association Honors and Awards Committee on the basis of outstanding service, lifelong devotion and loyalty to Clemson University or the Clemson Alumni Association. To see past honorary alumni or to view the award guidelines, visit the honorary alumni web page.
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The Clemson Alumni Association is an open-membership, nonprofit organization. Since its inception in 1896, the program has connected members of the Clemson Family, inspiring pride, celebrating achievement, providing service and strengthening relationships.