Lee Ayers ’82 Named Clemson Alumni Association’s Volunteer of the Year

Irmo’s Lee Ayers named Clemson Alumni Association’s Volunteer of the Year

The Clemson Alumni Association has selected Lee H. Ayers of Irmo to receive the 2021 Frank Kellers III Volunteer of the Year Award. The award recognizes a Clemson University alumnus for outstanding volunteerism and service to the university.

The Clemson Alumni Association chose Ayers for his extensive support of the alumni association and the university along with his unwavering advocacy for initiatives promoting Clemson.

An electrical engineering graduate of Clemson in 1982, Ayers is the vice president of Engineering at Mid-Carolina Electric Cooperative in Lexington. He currently serves as the president of Columbia’s Second Century Society, a Clemson University-based luncheon club which provides a forum for Clemson to share its message with alumni and friends of Clemson in the Columbia area. Active as a volunteer since its inception, Ayers has provided his leadership and service to the Second Century Society for more than 30 years.

In addition to his volunteer efforts at Clemson, he serves on the Utilities Technology Council, is an active member of the Electric Co-op Engineering Association and is a strong proponent for providing high-speed internet to rural, underserved areas of South Carolina.

Ayers has devoted his time and attention to various local organizations including the Lake Murray Power Squadron, a non-profit organization serving Lake Murray with a three-part mission; education, civic service, and encouraging the enjoyment of boating. He is a certified classroom and boat handling instructor and donates his time to teaching SCUBA diving.

Ayers is an active leader in his church, Salem United Methodist Church in Ballentine, South Carolina holding many offices, currently as the chairman of the Church Council.

The Clemson Alumni Association has presented the Frank Kellers III Volunteer of the Year Award annually since 1988 to show recognition and appreciation to individuals who have a passion for service and building the Clemson family. The award is named for Frank Kellers III, a member of Clemson’s Class of 1957.

The Clemson Alumni Association, an open-membership, nonprofit organization since its inception in 1896, connects members of the more than 154,000-strong Clemson family, inspiring pride, celebrating achievement, providing service and strengthening relationships with Clemson University and each other.