Linda Watt named Honorary Alumna

The Clemson Alumni Association recently honored Linda Griffin Watt 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.

Linda Watt has long been recognized as the quiet force behind the Watt family. A graduate of Northern Virginia Community College, Linda supported her husband, Charles, class of 1959, in his entrepreneurial endeavors while she served as a Labor and Delivery Nurse in both Fairfax, Virginia and Charleston, South Carolina.

Watt and her husband have supported Clemson University for many years through their time, their talents and their treasure. Together, along with their family, Charles and Linda funded the Watt Family Innovation Center and the Watt Family Innovation Center Technology Fund. They provided the financial support for the first scanning electron-microscope at Clemson in the Electrical Engineering Department. Linda and Charles are founding members of the Barker Scholarship Endowment and are members of the President’s Leadership Circle, the Provost’s Excellence Fund and the Thomas Green Clemson Society.

Although Linda never attended Clemson, she is known as being one of the university’s biggest supporters, encouraging her children and grandchildren to continue the family legacy at Clemson. Both of her sons, Steve and Michael, attended Clemson as did both of their spouses and five of her grandchildren.

“Linda Watt is a Tiger who has never sought the spotlight for herself and her contributions have always been behind the scenes,” said Clemson University President Emeritus, Jim Barker. “Yet, I know of no member of the Clemson family who is more committed, more focused and more dedicated to Clemson than Linda Watt. She has raised her family so that they feel her love of our school and they have carried her dedication into their own lives and passed it into their own families.”

The Honorary Alumnus/a designation was presented to Linda while surrounded by her family during the Clemson vs. Florida State in the Watt Family Suite. The Clemson Alumni Association Executive Director, Wil Brasington, alumni board president, Gregg Morton, and university president, Jim Clements, presented her with the honor along with a host of Clemson staff and friends.

Honorary alumni are selected by the Alumni Association Honors and Awards Committee on the basis of outstanding service, lifelong devotion and loyalty to Clemson University or the Clemson Alumni Association. Nominations for 2022 Honorary Alumni are open and close December 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.