James Rhett Hendricks, Jr. ’68, M ’71
Witt Irion Langstaff, Jr. ’75
Patricia “Patti” McAbee HA ’03
Dr. Boyd Hobson Parr ’76
Harrison F. “Hack” Trammell ’78
Clemson Alumni Association to Honor Five Leaders with Distinguished Service Award
CLEMSON, S.C. – The Clemson Alumni Association will recognize five distinguished individuals with its highest honor, the Distinguished Service Award, during a May 2026 ceremony. The award celebrates those whose personal and professional accomplishments, dedication to Clemson and commitment to community service exemplify the University’s highest ideals.
The 2026 Distinguished Service Award recipients are James Rhett Hendricks Jr., Patricia “Patti” McAbee, Witt Irion Langstaff Jr., Dr. Boyd Hobson Parr, and Harrison F. “Hack” Trammell — leaders whose collective impact spans engineering, education, environmental stewardship, healthcare, business, agriculture and public service, all grounded in a deep and lasting connection to Clemson University.
James Rhett Hendricks, Jr. ’68, M ’71, a retired Duke Energy executive and Pawleys Island resident, is a Clemson alumnus and Distinguished Military Graduate who earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in engineering from the University. Throughout his career and retirement, Hendricks strengthened ties between Clemson and industry, supported environmental research and education, served on University-related foundation boards, and established a family scholarship fund. Multiple generations of his family are Clemson graduates, reflecting a lifelong commitment to the University.
Witt Irion Langstaff, Jr. ’75, a Clemson alumnus and Greenville resident, earned a degree in forestry and has remained deeply engaged with the University for decades. A former business executive and leadership consultant, Langstaff has held numerous alumni leadership roles, including president of the Clemson Alumni National Council. He is also a devoted conservationist, mentor and philanthropist whose service reflects a multi-generational Clemson family legacy.
Patricia “Patti” McAbee HA ’03, of Greenville, is an Honorary Alumna and a trailblazer in higher education governance, nonprofit leadership and the arts. She made history as the first woman to serve on the Clemson University Board of Trustees, where she has served since 1993. A passionate advocate for Clemson’s academic mission, cultural assets and natural resources, McAbee has helped advance scholarships, the arts and stewardship initiatives across the University and the state.
Dr. Boyd Hobson Parr ’76, a Newberry County resident and Clemson alumnus, is a retired South Carolina state veterinarian whose career has been instrumental in advancing animal health and agricultural education. Parr played a key leadership role in establishing South Carolina’s first college of veterinary medicine at Clemson and continues to serve the University as an advisor, volunteer and adjunct professor. His professional and civic leadership has earned state and national recognition.
Harrison F. “Hack” Trammell ’78 a Clemson alumnus, is a former healthcare executive and past president and CEO of the Clemson University Foundation. Under his leadership, the Foundation strengthened its financial footing and expanded its impact in support of Clemson students, faculty and programs. Alongside his family, Trammell remains a generous donor and advocate for Clemson and has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to service through University and community leadership roles.
Recipients of the Clemson Alumni Association Distinguished Service Award are nominated by members of the Clemson family and selected based on personal and professional achievement, service to Clemson University and dedication to community and public service.
The Clemson Alumni Association is a nonprofit, open-membership organization dedicated to connecting alumni with their alma mater and ensuring they experience Clemson every day.