Joseph Cyrus Semsar, ’09

The Clemson University Young Alumni Council (YAC) has recognized Joseph Cyrus Semsar of Washington, DC as one of the 2017 “Roaring 10” – young alumni who have made an impact in business, leadership, community, educational and/or philanthropic endeavors.

Honorees were selected based on their continued efforts to uphold the university’s core values of honesty, integrity and respect and to demonstrate an “ever-loyal” relationship with Clemson University.

Deputy chief of staff for the United States Office of Personnel Management, Semsar oversees organizational and operational effectiveness. He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Clemson and a Master’s of Public Administration from the University of Pennsylvania’s Fels Institute of Government. Semsar began his career with Teach for America as a corps member and national staff member. Named Teacher of the Year, he helped bring NBC to his school for a $3 million renovation. A Coca-Cola Scholar, Semsar stays involved with the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation through coaching new scholars and training at the Leadership Development Institute. He served as president of Clemson’s Young Alumni Council and is now a board member of the Alumni Association.

The primary mission of Clemson YAC is to support the goals of the Clemson Alumni Association specifically on matters pertaining to Young Alumni. Clemson YAC exists to connect Young Alumni with the University, assist Young Alumni in the transition from active student to alumnus, facilitate fellowship, personal growth and professional development opportunities for young alumni and formally represent Young Alumni interests to the Clemson Alumni Council. The purpose of these efforts is to affect seminal influence on young alumni so they may continue to be connected and contributing alumni for a better Clemson throughout their lives.