Devon Garber ’01 Named 2024 Volunteer of the Year

Devon Garber Honored with Clemson Alumni Association’s 2024 Frank Kellers III Volunteer of the Year Award

The Clemson Alumni Association is proud to announce Devon (Farrington) Garber ‘01, as the recipient of the 2024 Frank Kellers III Volunteer of the Year Award. This prestigious accolade, presented annually by the Clemson Alumni Association staff since 1988, recognizes outstanding service and volunteerism by an individual who has demonstrated exceptional dedication to Clemson University and its alumni community.

Devon graduated in 2001 with a Health Science degree and has spent much of her professional career in the pharmaceutical industry. She resides in Pennington, NJ, with her husband, Dave Garber ’01, and their two Iptay-sustaining Tiger Cubs, Ethan and Hannah.

Garber has a passion for event planning and networking, which she was able to combine her love for Clemson by joining the Philadelphia Clemson Club board in 2016. Garber’s innovative approach and relentless pursuit of inclusivity have been instrumental in the club’s success. During her tenure, she has spearheaded initiatives such as The Adopt-a-Highway clean-up (2 miles of Kelly Drive leading up to the Rocky steps) and the New Student Send-off party, which this past year welcomed over 40 soon-to-be Clemson students and nearly 100 guests from the DE, PA and NJ areas. Her efforts have ensured that all current and future Clemson alumni in the area feel included and valued and have an outlet to show support to their community and to their alma mater.

Under her guidance as president last year, the club hosted numerous successful events, including the Young Alumni Welcome to the City event, the club’s Annual Golf Tournament & Silent Auction Dinner, which raised over $7,000, and the Bethesda Project sock collection, which gathered over 2,000 pairs of new socks for those experiencing homelessness. Additionally, the Clemson Day at The Phillies event sold out a 75-ticket block, showcasing the club’s ability to engage the Clemson community in Philadelphia. Her ability to think creatively and inspire her board to explore new ideas has significantly contributed to the club’s growth and engagement.

The Frank Kellers III Volunteer of the Year Award is named in honor of the late Frank Kellers III, a member of Clemson’s Class of 1957. This award is the highest recognition extended by the Alumni Association staff, celebrating individuals who have shown a passion for service and building the Clemson family.

The Clemson Alumni Association, an open-membership, nonprofit organization since its inception in 1896, connects members of the more than 189,000-strong Clemson family. The association inspires pride, celebrates achievement, provides service, and strengthens relationships with Clemson University and each other.