Dr. Steven Martin Named Honorary Alumnus

The Clemson Alumni Association recognized Dr. Steven Martin of Clemson with the designation of Honorary Alumnus of Clemson University. The Honorary Alumnus/a designation is a special recognition reserved for unwavering supporters of Clemson whose passion for the university is undeniable, even though they never officially attended Clemson.

Dr. Steve Martin is an orthopedic surgeon at Blue Ridge Orthopedics in Seneca. He is also a clinical instructor for Prisma Orthopedic Surgery Residency and an adjunct professor in Clemson’s Department of Bioengineering, where he also serves as a mentor for senior capstone design projects. He is a clinical internship mentor and has assisted students and professors in their quest to develop patented orthopedic devices. He aids students in completing their medical school applications, coaches them for their medical school interviews and provides tutoring in surgical approaches and disease management, leading to more than 1,500 students and more than 50 research interns who have benefitted from his mentorship.

Martin is a critical supporter of CUBEInc, Clemson’s Biomedical Engineering Innovation Campus, located at Prisma Health Upstate’s Patewood Memorial Medical Campus, an ecosystem intended to integrate experiential education, research and clinical immersion to allow for the innovation of medical technologies. He is also a lead collaborator for the development of a future Clemson program focused on connecting Health Science, Nursing, Bioengineering and Business programs to focus on interprofessional care for efficient, patient-centered healthcare delivery.

Martine LaBerge, Ph.D., F.B.S.E., Fellow AIMBE, Fellow BMES, and Professor of Bioengineering at Clemson stated, “Overall, Dr. Martin’s passion for Clemson and education has been pivotal in strengthening the status of Clemson as a flagship in bioengineering in the community. He is the ultimate ambassador of Clemson University and exemplifies the title of Honorary Alumnus.”

In addition, Martin has supported Clemson student-athletes for over thirty years, volunteering his time as the Head Orthopedic Surgeon for Clemson athletics. Martin leads the team of physicians for Clemson Athletics and specifically serves the football, men’s, and women’s soccer and gymnastics teams. He attends all football games and practices, travels to their away games and attends each home game for the other sports, assessing and addressing any previous or in-game/practice injuries.

Wil Brasington, CEO of the Clemson Alumni Association (CAA), praised Martin’s devotion to Clemson: “Clemson is lucky to have someone so dedicated to the success of our students and the health of our student-athletes. Dr. Martin has been an integral part of Clemson for more than thirty years, and his impact speaks volumes about why he was chosen as an Honorary Alumnus.”

The Honorary Alumnus designation was personally presented to Dr. Martin in Clemson by Wil Brasington, CEO of the Clemson Alumni Association (CAA) and Deb Conklin, Chair of the CAA Board of Directors.

Honorary alumni are carefully selected by the Alumni Association board of directors based on their exceptional service, lifelong devotion, and unwavering loyalty to Clemson University or the Clemson Alumni Association. Nominations for the 2026 Honorary Alumnus/a designation will open in October. To nominate a deserving individual, review past honorees, or access award guidelines, visit the Clem