Archive for category: Honorary Alumni

The Clemson Alumni Association recently recognized Barbara Ann “Bobbi” Porch Swann of Greenville, SC with the designation of Honorary Alumna of Clemson University. The distinction of Honorary Alumnus/a is a special recognition intended for steadfast Tiger supporters whose “blood runs orange” but who never attended Clemson.

Bobbi Swann has had a significant impact on the success of Clemson University for many years. A graduate of Ohio University, Swann is a former teacher having taught 3^rd and 4^th grade. She is the mother of three Clemson graduates, Erin Swann ’92, Audrey Melzer ’95 and Ted Swann ‘97. She currently has two granddaughters who attend Clemson.

Swann has dedicated her time, talent, and treasure to Clemson since marrying her husband, a 1963 graduate, Joe Swann. As told by her daughter, Erin, her father’s love for Clemson was contagious and her mother was “converted immediately. Her blood runs a deep, deep orange to this day.”

She is an enthusiastic Clemson sports supporter, always ready to don her orange and cheer on the team, whether it be a football, basketball, or soccer game. When she is unable to attend, you will find her in the kitchen listening to the game while she cooks.

Swann has faithfully served alongside her husband as a Board of Trustee spouse for 32 years, and previously as a Board of Visitor spouse. The Swann family provided a Cornerstone Gift to Clemson Athletics of $3.3 million for the development of the Swann Pavilion, which includes a practice court, locker rooms and coaches’ offices for the basketball program in Littlejohn Coliseum. The Swann family also contributed to the Swann Fitness Center on Clemson’s campus, an endowment of the men’s soccer coaching position, and an endowment to provide tutoring for freshmen.

Clemson Alumni Association Executive Director, Wil Brasington, stated, “Bobbi is a prime example of a dedicated Tiger. She has embraced Clemson as her family, and we are proud to take this moment to let her know how much she is appreciated by recognizing her with the distinction of Honorary Alumna.”

Swann is also a servant-leader within her community, serving as an emeritus board member for the Meyer Center for Special Children; co-chair of the American Heart Association’s Heart Ball; an Above All Ministries Bible study leader and facilitator; and a Circle 555 membership committee member.

The Honorary Alumna designation was presented to Swann while surrounded by her family and friends by Wil Brasington and alumni association board chair, Jeff Duckworth, in the Board of Trustee’s suite at the Syracuse football game during Homecoming festivities. She was completely surprised but very appreciative.

Honorary alumni are selected by the Alumni Association board of directors on the basis of outstanding service, lifelong devotion and loyalty to Clemson University or the Clemson Alumni Association. Nominations for the 2023 Honorary Alumnus/a designation open in October and close January 31. To nominate a deserving person, to review past honorees or to view the award guidelines, visit the Clemson Alumni website at alumni.clemson.edu/honoraryalum.

The Clemson Family is made up of people from all different backgrounds, professions and demographics. They are friends and supporters. They are graduates and lifelong fans. And at the heart of the Clemson Family is our alumni. They are those who stand proudly and say, “I went to Clemson.” They know firsthand the wealth of opportunities being a Clemson Tiger provides. And because Clemson provides students with an exceptional education and the one-of-a-kind Clemson Experience, the University can always count on them to be its strongest advocates and give back to the University in any capacity they can as alumni. From mentoring current students to providing financial support to cheering for our Athletics in competition, they are always there for their fellow Tigers – sharing their time, talent and treasure with future generations of Clemson students.

Given their outstanding service, unwavering dedication and commitment and their loyalty to Clemson, many are surprised to learn that David (Dave) and Lynette Snow are not Clemson alumni.

Dave and Lynette first visited Clemson with their daughter Ashley ‘15 who was considering becoming a Tiger. It was Spring Game weekend on campus; Zac Brown was performing at Littlejohn Coliseum; and it was a perfect, beautiful spring weekend – the type of weekend that the Clemson Family knows well. Ashley was immediately sold on Clemson. Throughout the weekend, Dave and Lynette began to see what is special about Clemson. And throughout Ashley’s time on campus, they continued to see the bond among Tigers. Ashley was embraced, nurtured and challenged.

Since then, Dave and Lynette have been “All In” for Clemson, seeing that “there is something in these hills.” Today, when they come to campus, they feel that they are “home.” As Clemson parents, they offered their support with the goal of wholeheartedly supporting Clemson students and providing them with a phenomenal Clemson Experience. And now as parents of a Clemson alumna, they have continued to devote themselves to Clemson by providing support for future generations of Tigers. Their thoughtful generosity has allowed Clemson to develop facilities, programs and services that have transformed the recreation, leisure and wellness aspect of student and community life. Their passion for improving the quality of life for Clemson students is a model to all within the Clemson Family.

In 2014, Dave and Lynette graciously gave a $2.4 million gift to support student recreation areas and programs. In recognition of this gift – the largest to the University from parents who are not Clemson alumni – the University’s recreation area on Highway 93 was named Snow Family Outdoor Fitness and Wellness Center. In September 2016, recognizing that the project needed a boost, the Snows pledged to match up to $1 million in funds raised to complete the intramural field complex on Lake Hartwell. This match, known as the Snow Challenge, led to an additional $1 million in gifts from new donors.

College students say the benefits of recreational sports include emotional well-being, stress reduction, workload management and improvement of their overall happiness and self-confidence, and the Snow Family Outdoor Fitness and Wellness Center offers an environment to facilitate the physical, mental and social development for Clemson students.

The center provides an active learning environment for experiential education, environmental awareness programs, recreational skills and life skills in leadership, community development and employment. Activities include club sport and intramural play, outdoor recreation classes, instruction

and guided trips, leisure skills classes, leisure recreation and major events. The center offers the Clemson community amenities to enjoy year-round.

The Snow family’s dedication to the University and Clemson students has set the bar for the future. Through the Snow Challenge, Dave and Lynette not only fulfilled their passion for giving but also their passion for inspiring others. They have always felt compelled to lead by example, and they are inspiring others through their thoughtful generosity.

In their letter nominating Dave and Lynette to be recognized as Clemson Honorary Alumni, Rich and Kelly Davies wrote:

“When we think about the Clemson legacy, we immediately think of Dave and Lynette. The Snow family’s legacy will forever be a part of our University’s legacy – a name recognized by thousands of students across generations. A name Clemson students associate with their fondest Clemson Experiences. From days on the shores of Lake Hartwell to evenings around the fire pit, the Snows are ensuring that Clemson students have a place to enjoy life – a place to make lifelong friends and unforgettable memories.”

Collectively, Dave and Lynette have six higher education degrees, and even though Clemson is not on that list, they give generously to the University. This is because they believe in Clemson’s mission, and they trust the University’s leadership, faculty, staff and students to make sure it is fulfilled. Dave always says that he believes in life you must pursue a “noble cause,” and he and Lynette have found that Clemson is among the noblest causes.

Dave and Lynette have given more than $3.5 million cumulatively to Clemson. But their commitment to Clemson extends far beyond their financial contributions. They also give graciously of their time and talent. The couple chaired the Vice President of Student Affairs Executive Council for Student Affairs, and they currently serve on the Committee on Philanthropy. Dave also serves on the Clemson Capitalism Institute Board and President Clements’ Advisory Board.

Dave graduated from Bates College in 1976 with a degree in economics. He then attended the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University in 1978 and graduated from the Master of Health Administration program. During his time in the MHA program, Dave met Lynette, a nursing student from East Carolina University doing her summer internship at Duke Hospital.

Throughout his career, Dave has led pharmacy benefit managers, health plans, hospitals and physician groups. He began his career in hospital administration before moving on to run health plans. Dave is currently the Chairman and CEO of Cedar Gate Technologies, Inc., a health care predictive and prescriptive analytics company that he founded in 2014. The strategic intent of the company is to acquire and build the talent, software and services required to provide world-class health care analytics to integrated delivery systems and accountable care organizations (ACOs).

Lynette graduated from East Carolina University’s nursing program and then received her master’s from the University of Pennsylvania. She worked as a geriatric nurse practitioner for several years and then shifted her focus to raising two successful daughters, Lauren and Ashley, and keeping the family’s life at home grounded. Lauren graduated from Elon University in 2015, and Ashley graduated from Clemson in 2015 with a degree in marketing. Lauren received a master’s degree in Nutrition Science and Food Policy from Tufts University’s Gerald J. and Dorothy R. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, and

Ashley followed in her father’s footsteps, graduating from Fuqua School of Business with a Master of Management Studies degree.

When Clemson calls on Dave and Lynette, they answer – often even greater than asked. They know the importance of family. They know how working together as ONE Clemson Family yields the greatest success, and they feel the importance of supporting family. This made them a great fit within our Clemson Family.

Dave and Lynette Snow have done remarkable things for Clemson, and they do it humbly and with immense grace. They believe in the Clemson Family. They are the Clemson Family. Dave and Lynette bleed orange.

Cheri Phyfer ’93, Senior Vice President and Group President for Fortune Brands and Clemson University Board of Trustees member, said in her nomination letter:

“Their thoughtful hearts and business minds have made – and will continue to make – Clemson a better place for generations to come. Dave is a brilliant businessman, and he brings that knowledge and perspective to Clemson. He is engaging and asks thoughtful questions. Lynette is smart, positive and engaging – a perfect fit among the Clemson Family.”

The Clemson Alumni Association is recognizing Dave and Lynette as Honorary Alumni to honor them for everything they have done for Clemson – and continue to do – to impact Clemson students today, tomorrow and forever. The distinction of Honorary Alum is a special recognition intended for steadfast Tiger supporters whose “blood runs orange” but who never attended Clemson. These individuals provide outstanding service to Clemson and/or the Alumni Association, lifelong devotion to Clemson University and demonstrate loyalty to Clemson and the Alumni Association

The Clemson Alumni Association recently honored Linda Griffin Watt with the designation of Honorary Alumna of Clemson University. The distinction of Honorary Alumnus/a is a special recognition intended for steadfast Tiger supporters whose “blood runs orange” but who never attended Clemson.

Linda Watt has long been recognized as the quiet force behind the Watt family. A graduate of Northern Virginia Community College, Linda supported her husband, Charles, class of 1959, in his entrepreneurial endeavors while she served as a Labor and Delivery Nurse in both Fairfax, Virginia and Charleston, South Carolina.

Watt and her husband have supported Clemson University for many years through their time, their talents and their treasure. Together, along with their family, Charles and Linda funded the Watt Family Innovation Center and the Watt Family Innovation Center Technology Fund. They provided the financial support for the first scanning electron-microscope at Clemson in the Electrical Engineering Department. Linda and Charles are founding members of the Barker Scholarship Endowment and are members of the President’s Leadership Circle, the Provost’s Excellence Fund and the Thomas Green Clemson Society.

Although Linda never attended Clemson, she is known as being one of the university’s biggest supporters, encouraging her children and grandchildren to continue the family legacy at Clemson. Both of her sons, Steve and Michael, attended Clemson as did both of their spouses and five of her grandchildren.

“Linda Watt is a Tiger who has never sought the spotlight for herself and her contributions have always been behind the scenes,” said Clemson University President Emeritus, Jim Barker. “Yet, I know of no member of the Clemson family who is more committed, more focused and more dedicated to Clemson than Linda Watt. She has raised her family so that they feel her love of our school and they have carried her dedication into their own lives and passed it into their own families.”

The Honorary Alumnus/a designation was presented to Linda while surrounded by her family during the Clemson vs. Florida State in the Watt Family Suite. The Clemson Alumni Association Executive Director, Wil Brasington, alumni board president, Gregg Morton, and university president, Jim Clements, presented her with the honor along with a host of Clemson staff and friends.

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. Nominations for 2022 Honorary Alumni are open and close December 31. To nominate a deserving person, to review past honorees or to view the award guidelines, visit the Clemson Alumni website at alumni.clemson.edu/honoraryalum.

Dr. Delphine Dean Named Honorary Alumna

The Clemson Alumni Association recently honored Dr. Delphine Dean with the designation of Honorary Alumna of Clemson University, Class of 2021. The distinction of Honorary Alum is a special recognition intended for steadfast Tiger supporters whose “blood runs orange” but who never attended Clemson.

Dean is currently the Ron and Jane Lindsay Family Innovation Professor of Bioengineering at Clemson University. She earned her Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dean set up Clemson’s first high complexity clinical diagnostics (CLIA) lab on campus to run all of the University’s COVID-19 screening tests. The lab runs over 3,000 tests a day, which includes all of Clemson’s COVID-19 surveillance testing as well as testing for the community.

Her lab leads a wide range of studies focused on understanding mechanics and interactions of biological systems. Her expertise is in nano- to micro-scale characterization of biological tissues including experimental techniques such as atomic force microscopy and mathematical modeling such as finite element analysis. In addition to the basic science work in the lab, Dean works on several applied translational design projects primarily aimed at enabling healthcare in low-resource areas in the U.S., Tanzania and India.

Dean is the recipient of the 2011 Phil and Mary Bradley Award for Mentoring in Creative Inquiry for her work in mentoring undergraduates at Clemson, where she currently mentors over 50 undergraduate students in creative inquiry research and design teams. These student teams work on a variety of projects, from understanding the effect of ionizing radiation on tissue to developing medical technology for the developing world. She is also the recipient of the Class of ’39 Award for Excellence.

The Honorary Alumna designation was presented to Dean during the Class of ’39 Award for Excellence reception. Clemson Alumni Association president, Gregg Morton, and board president-elect, Jeff Duckworth, presented Dean with this 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. Nominations open in the Fall of each year and close on December 31. To nominate a deserving person, to review past honorees or to view the award guidelines, visit the Clemson Alumni website at alumni.clemson.edu/awards-and-honors/honorary-alumni.

The Clemson Alumni Association recently honored Robyn Twine Nieri with the designation of Honorary Alumna of Clemson University. The distinction of Honorary Alum is a special recognition intended for steadfast Tiger supporters whose “blood runs orange” but who never attended Clemson.

Nieri graduated with a Child Development and Family Relations degree with a minor in Child Psychology and in Social Welfare from East Carolina University in 1989. She began her career as the director of several of the Columbia-based GLEAMNS Human Resource Commission program Head Start centers, a community-based organization designed to assist low-income individuals and families in achieving and maintaining self-sufficiency. GLEAMNS Human Resources Commission, Inc. serves Greenwood, Laurens, Edgefield, Abbeville, McCormick, Newberry, and Saluda Counties.

Nieri, known to many as “Clemson Mom,” has dedicated much time and service to Clemson University over the years, especially when her three children, Pennington West Nieri ‘15, Maigan Nieri Lincks ‘18, and Patrick Michael Nieri ‘19, were students. Along with her husband Michael, Nieri’s philanthropic efforts as an Athletics Cornerstone Member provided funding for the Nieri Family Student-Athlete Enrichment Center. Their support as an Academic Cornerstone Member provided funding for The Nieri Family Department of Construction Science and Management. Nieri also lends her support to head football coach Dabo Swinney’s “All In Ball,” and serves as a member of the Clemson University’s Committee on Philanthropy.

Nieri currently serves as a community volunteer on the board of directors for Camp Cole, a fully accessible camp and retreat facility for children and adults facing serious illnesses and other physical, mental, and emotional health or life challenges. She provided fundraising support and advocacy to help bring the camp to fruition after her close friend’s son, Cole Sawyer, the camp’s namesake, passed away. Nieri also volunteered and provided fundraising support for Cardinal Newman, her children’s high school, and for the Boy’s Farm Inc. in Newberry, SC, a nonprofit organization that provides unique foster care services for boys experiencing difficult family situations.

In addition to her volunteer efforts, Nieri supports the family business, Great Southern Homes, leading the family’s community outreach and philanthropic activities

The Honorary Alumnus designation was presented to Nieri during the Clemson vs. Pittsburgh football game. Clemson Alumni Association Executive Director, Wil Brasington, board president, Gregg Morton, and Clemson University President, Jim Clements, along with various university staff, family and friends, joined the presentation to congratulate Nieri on this 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. Nominations for 2021 Honorary Alumni are currently open and close on December 31. To nominate a deserving person, to review past honorees or to view the award guidelines, visit the Clemson Alumni website at alumni.clemson.edu/awards-and-honors/honorary-alumni.