Kaye McElveen Stanzione Named Honorary Clemson Alumna

The Clemson Alumni Association recognized Kaye McElveen Stanzione of Alpharetta, GA 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.

Although she never attended Clemson University as a student, it is clear to see the impact Kaye Stanzione has had on the university she has chosen to love and support. Kaye is a Columbia College graduate. She and her husband Bob were married during his senior year at Clemson and Kaye taught school in Westminster until he completed his engineering degree. Since that time, Kaye has been an avid Clemson supporter. Her heart for Clemson has grown in many ways over the years, especially as a mother and grandmother. All three of Kaye’s children and several of her grandchildren have attended Clemson.

Kaye has been a strong advocate for Clemson fundraising efforts, even offering her time to meet with investors and stakeholders in the College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences (CECAS). She has even made a mark as a dedicated member of the ClemsonLIFE Advisory Board. She is actively engaged in ClemsonLIFE activities helping those students learn independent living skills. As stated by the Executive Director of ClemsonLIFE, Joe Ryan, Kaye offers the “benefits of her skills, guidance and knowledge.” He continued, “she has provided us with critical insights and advice regarding fundraising, programmatic expansion, and with developing long-term strategic goals.”

Kaye’s financial contributions to Clemson have had a major impact on the ClemsonLIFE program as well as Clemson’s College of Arts and Humanities and the Brooks Center for Performing Arts. Her love for music inspired Kaye to support the purchase of multiple new Steinway pianos which lead to Clemson earning the All-Steinway School designation from Steinway & Sons, a special designation for institutions committed to owning a collection of the highest quality pianos. Clemson joins only 250 schools around the world with this designation.

Clemson Alumni Association Executive Director, Wil Brasington, stated, “It is an honor to be able to recognize Kaye in this way. Honorary Alumni are a special group of people who are chosen by Clemson Alumni. Those who are selected are a dedicated and passionate example of the Clemson Family.”

Kaye is also committed to supporting her local community as evidenced by her recognition with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Georgia Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

The Honorary Alumnus designation was presented to Kaye while surrounded by her family and friends by Clemson Alumni Association Board of Directors Chair, Jeff Duckworth, Clemson University President Jim Clements; and Vice President for Advancement, Brian O’Rourke.

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 2024 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.