Deb Conklin’s Gift Celebrates the Timeless Tradition of the Clemson Ring
by Ashley Galloway ’06
For Deb Conklin ’92, the Clemson Ring isn’t just a symbol, it’s a lifelong connection.
With her gift to the University, she’s inviting alumni to 
reconnect with that legacy in a new and meaningful way.
The Conklin Ring Gallery, located inside the Nieri Family Alumni and Visitors Center, gives alumni a powerful reason to come home to Clemson. At the heart of the space is a one-of-a-kind interactive display where alumni can scan their class ring and add their signature to a growing digital archive. It’s part celebration, part preservation and all about the Clemson Family.
“The Clemson Ring is so special to me,” Conklin shares. “I never thought I’d wear my college class ring as an adult but I do, and I’m so proud to wear it. It represents the connection to the Clemson Family, and that connection is real.”
As current chair of the Clemson Alumni Association Board of Directors, Conklin has long demonstrated the values the ring represents: pride, service and enduring loyalty. Her gift ensures that those values are not only remembered, but actively experienced.
Whether it’s your first visit back or your fiftieth, the Conklin Ring Gallery offers a personal way to reflect, reconnect and relive the Clemson.
How to Use the Conklin Ring Gallery
- Scan your Clemson Ring by holding the crest against the black circular scanner, with your knuckles firmly pressed against the pad.
- Continue to press against the scanner until the light turns green.
- Once your class year appears on the large screen overhead, touch Search on the touch screen panel and type your first and last name to find yourself.
- Don’t forget to sign the virtual Clemson Alumni guestbook to document your visit! After you find your name, touch your name and then press Sign the Guestbook.
- Sign your name with the tip of your finger in the signature panel.
- When you are pleased with your signature, hit submit and enter your current zip code.
- Look up at the display and see your class year, signature and your college.
- If you have issues scanning your ring, you can simply touch the left side of the display and use the search feature to manually find your name.
- If your name does not appear in the gallery or any of your information is incorrect, simply visit the Clemson Alumni Association which is located in Suite 150, to the left of the Gallery.
And feel free to explore the guestbook to see which of your fellow Tigers have visited.
For more information, contact the Clemson Alumni Association at 864-656-2345 or stop by the Alumni Association office located on the first floor of the Nieri Family Alumni and Visitors Center, 220 Madren Center Drive, Clemson, SC 29634.