Bryn Smith Named 2014 Volunteer of the Year

The Clemson Alumni Association has honored Bryn Smith (2002) with the 2013 Frank Kellers III Volunteer of the Year Award, the highest and greatest expression of appreciation extended to an individual by the Alumni Association staff for outstanding service and volunteerism. Smith graduated in May 2002 in graphic communications and has been thoroughly involved in developing an alumni community in New York City’s Manhattan, where she lives. During her time at Clemson, Smith worked on Taps Yearbook as a member of the junior staff, academics editor and editor-In-chief. She also wrote for The Tiger and interned as a DJ on WSBF.

Shortly after graduating, Smith began to inquire about other alumni in the New York area. She reached out to a handful of friends and began to build a network of alumni. By mid-football season 2004, she met fellow alumna Carrie Dean and the two collaborated to have the New York/Tri-State Clemson Club chartered as an official university alumni club. “Bryn has dedicated herself to Clemson in so many ways and has proven to be one of the most passionate volunteers we have,” said Wil Brasington, senior director of the Clemson Alumni Association.

“Her efforts have helped to extend the reach of the Clemson family and strengthen the presence of Tiger alumni in the New York City metropolitan area and beyond, for which we are most grateful.”

Over the years, Smith has also served a pivotal role in assisting alumni and students in their job or internship searches. She also helped them find places to live and meet other alumni across the country when their jobs took them out of the New York area. She has connected with parents of current students to make them feel welcome and a part of the Clemson family.

Smith has been working with the other ACC club presidents in the New York City area for the past seven years to build an ACC alumni group. This group gets together occasionally to promote camaraderie and networking within the conference. The Alumni Association has presented the Frank Kellers III Volunteer of the Year Award annually since 1988 to show recognition and appreciation to individuals who have a passion for service and building the Clemson family. The award is named for Frank Kellers III ’57, longtime leader of the Northern California Clemson Club and tireless supporter of Clemson Clubs around the world.