Pamela Maddex Hendrix Named Honorary Alumna
The Clemson Alumni Association presented the Honorary Alumna distinction bestowed posthumously upon the late Pam Maddex Hendrix of Kiawah Island, SC, to her husband Bill, and all of her children and grandchildren.
The Clemson Alumni Association presented the Honorary Alumna distinction bestowed posthumously upon the late Pam Maddex Hendrix of Kiawah Island, SC, to her husband Bill, and all of her children and grandchildren.
Pam graduated from Winthrop University in 1965. Upon graduation, she traveled internationally and later married her husband, Leon “Bill” J. Hendrix in 1967. Once married, Pam and Bill lived on Clemson University’s campus and she worked for the University while Bill completed his degree. Through their marriage, Pam developed a deep loyalty and passion for Clemson.
Bill and Pam lived an adventurous life moving several times during Bill’s career; however, Pam always nurtured their family’s love and support for Clemson through their four children, Jill Ganzenmüller ’92, Joy Yonce ’93, Holly Cirrito ’95 and Jim Hendrix III ’98. All are proud Clemson graduates and along with their spouses they share 10 children who are loyal and devoted Clemson Tigers.
The example that Pam and Bill have shown through their generous support of Clemson has been extraordinary. Together, they have provided financial support for The Hendrix Student Center; The Hendrix Family Endowment for the Office for the Student Body President; The Class of 1963 Bridge to Clemson University Endowment; The President’s Leadership Circle; and The Emerging Scholars Program. They were Founding Partners for the James F. Barker and Marcia Barker Scholarship Endowment and distinguished members of the Trustee Oak Society.
The Hendrix Family was Clemson’s inaugural Athletic Cornerstone Partner with a commitment of $2.5 million to support facility enhancements, including upgrades to Memorial Stadium and the Allen N. Reeves Football Complex, where the Hendrix Café bares their name. They have served in various leadership roles and always led the way to support Clemson with their time, talent and treasure.
Showcasing Pam’s passion for travel and learning about other cultures, Pam’s children surprised her and developed in her name The Pamela Maddex Hendrix Dream Jar Travel Endowment which provides meaningful travel experiences for Clemson students. After her passing, the family became an Academic Cornerstone Partner with a gift of $2.5 million to create The Pamela Maddex Hendrix Dream Jar Education Abroad Endowment. This partnership program allows Clemson students to dream, plan and live their global experiences during their time at Clemson.
The Honorary Alumna designation was presented to Bill and the entire Hendrix family at Bill’s home in Clemson, South Carolina by Wil Brasington, the Executive Director of the Clemson Alumni Association and Gregg Morton, the President of the Clemson Alumni Association Board of Directors. In addition, the family was joined by other family and friends, including many Clemson Trustee members, President Jim Clements and other university administrators.
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 2021 Honorary Alumni opened in October and will close on December 31, 2020. To nominate a deserving person, to review past honorees or to view the award guidelines, visit the Clemson Alumni website at alumni.clemson.edu/awards-and-honors/honorary-alumni.