2014 – Clemson Alumni Association

Dr. Jerry Reel, HA ’00

February 11, 2015/612 Comments/in Clemson Medallion

Clemson’s historian since 2002, Jerry Reel has quite a history with the university himself. His career at Clemson went from potentially short-lived to one as honored professor and academic leader for 50 years. The New Orleans native began putting down his roots in Clemson when, shortly after earning his bachelor’s degree in art history and literature and master’s in history from Mississippi Southern College (now the University of Southern Mississippi). He accepted a faculty position with Clemson in 1963. He was an instructor, then quickly advanced to assistant and associate professor, before being named professor of history in 1971. By then, he had become hooked on Clemson life. He is active in Fort Hill Presbyterian Church and served as adviser to Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity for more than 25 years. Students nominated him as a Clemson University Alumni Master Teacher in 1975.

“Our plan was to just stay here long enough to get my research for my Ph.D. finished,” Reel recalled. “I was going to go to England in 1964, do my research there, come back, do writing and translating, and then, hopefully, get my Ph.D. and go off to some other place. And here we still are.”

He earned his doctorate in British medieval history from Emory University in 1967. Reel was named dean of undergraduate studies in 1979 and two years later was promoted to vice provost and dean of undergraduate studies, a position he held until 1992 when he became senior vice provost. Reel stepped down from that position in 2003 and became professor emeritus. He earned the South Carolina Governor’s Award in the Humanities in 2011.

Since 1978, Reel has taught a freshman one-hour-per-semester class and given more than 500 speeches about Clemson University’s history to various groups and organizations. It is his love for Clemson that has led the Medallion winner to write a monograph and two books detailing the history of the university. He also contributed to two others. An honorary Clemson alumnus, Reel has direct Tiger “orange bloodlines” throughout his family. His wife, Edmee, holds a master’s degree from Clemson, and all three of his children, two sons-in-law and a daughter-in-law are Clemson alumni. One grandson is a current Clemson student.

“I am overwhelmed, and slightly embarrassed, by this honor,” Reel said. “Typically, very important alumni win this award. It’s not something that a college teacher normally wins. So I am very honored, on behalf of all the people who have contributed to the history of Clemson University.”

Smyth McKissick ’79

February 11, 2015/553 Comments/in Clemson Medallion

Smyth McKissick has played many roles in his association with Clemson University through the years: student, alumnus (having graduated in 1979 with a Bachelor of Science in administrative management), benefactor and trustee. University officials have now bestowed the school’s highest honor on the Greenville native.

McKissick has been engaged with the university continuously. He has been a trustee since 1998, chairing or serving on numerous committees, including Finance and Facilities, Educational Policy, Institutional Advancement, Student Affairs, Research and Economic Development, Executive and Audit, and Agriculture and Natural Resources. He served as chairman of the presidential search committee that, along with the board of trustees, selected Clemson’s 15th president, Clements, last fall. He also served as a member of the search committee that, along with the board of trustees, named Clemson’s 14th president, James F. Barker, in 1999. He is an IPTAY member, served as Clemson University Foundation director, and currently chairs the university’s $1 billion capital campaign, The Will to Lead.

In 2012, he received the Clemson Alumni Association’s highest honor: the Distinguished Service Award.

McKissick is the fourth generation of his family to lead the family-owned textile business, Alice Manufacturing Company, where he has served as CEO since 1998. Smyth and his wife, Martha, have three children. Their daughter, Holly, is a Clemson graduate. “Clemson University is still that student-centered university that cares most about students and the faculty and provides a student experience that affords young people the opportunity to be the best they can be. I’m proud of Clemson for putting that at the nucleus of all we do,” he said. “One of the great joys of my Clemson experience has been working with wonderful volunteers and serving next to great leaders who are all committed to the betterment of our university.”

Laneika K. Musalini M ’11

January 7, 2015/552 Comments/in The Roaring 10

Laneika K. Musalini M ’11 is director of grants at Tri-County Technical College and a grants writer and administrator for Community Colleges of Appalachia. She also is founder and CEO of Women’s Empowerment. The 2013 recipient of Clemson’s MLK award for Excellence in Service-Community Member award, she was awarded the Duke Energy/Clemson University Center for Workforce Development STEM Innovator Award in 2012.

Raven Magwood ’12

January 7, 2015/562 Comments/in The Roaring 10

Raven Magwood ’12 graduated from Clemson at the age of 19 with a 4.0 GPA. She published her first book at age 12, and followed that up with another during college, 7 Practices of Exceptional Student Athletes. Magwood has written a screen play, “Switching Lanes,” scheduled to be released as a feature film later this year and travels as a motivational speaker.

Tripp James ’02, M ’04

January 7, 2015/30 Comments/in The Roaring 10

Tripp James ’02, M ’04 has founded, operated and harvested several successful small businesses and currently serves as small-business programs manager for the Greenville Chamber of Commerce. A graduate of Leadership Greenville, he has heavily invested his time and talent in PULSE, Greenville’s organization for young professionals. A member of the College of Business and Behavioral Science Alumni Loyalty Board, he serves as a mentor for students.

Thomas Rhodes ’06

January 7, 2015/879 Comments/in The Roaring 10

Thomas Rhodes ’06 heads his family business, Rhodes Graduation Services, and is owner of Sumter Advertising Company and chief operating officer of Custom Bike Rings in Summerton. He designed the 2014 Clemson Orange Bowl Ring for Coach Dabo Swinney. Last year, he helped establish the Distinguished Clemson Athletes award to honor former athletes who are making a difference in their communities through non-athletic endeavors.

George Nathanial Magrath ’06

January 7, 2015/833 Comments/in The Roaring 10

George Nathanial Magrath ’06 is completing a two-year ocular oncology fellowship at Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia. During his time at the Medical University of South Carolina, he was the first resident in South Carolina to perform laser-assisted cataract surgery. He developed web application algorithms for diagnosing complex eye diseases, melanoma and ocular inflammation, which were featured in Review of Ophthalmology and Ocular Surgery News.

Tia Nicole Williams ’05

January 7, 2015/582 Comments/in The Roaring 10

Tia Nicole Williams ’05 is owner and operator of the SERVPRO franchise in Cayce, West Columbia and Lexington. She also is owner and editor of the Lexington Anchor, a monthly online publication. Former secretary and current treasurer of the Columbia Clemson Club, Williams is communications chair of the State Chamber Small Business Council and a company adviser for State Chamber Business Week, teaching high school students about business.

Steven Foushee ’05

January 7, 2015/611 Comments/in The Roaring 10

Steven Foushee ’05 is a project manager for Moss 7 Associates, a construction management firm in Greenville. He is the youngest of only seven registered Design Build Institute of American professionals in the state. A volunteer with the U.S. Green Building Council’s South Carolina chapter, he was in charge of education and outreach for green building initiatives. He is a member of Clemson’s Construction Science Management Industry Advisory Board.

Hannah Hopkins Pittman '03, '13 - Roaring 10 Recipient

Hannah Hopkins Pittman ’03, M ’13

January 7, 2015/734 Comments/in The Roaring 10

Hannah Hopkins Pittman ’03, M ’13 is director of professional development for the S.C. Association of School Administrators. Treasurer of the Columbia Clemson Club since 2011, Pittman led efforts to fund a $25,000 scholarship endowment that revitalized the involvement of Richland County alumni. A member of Women’s Alumni Council, Pittman planned and coordinated “Bring Your Daughter to Clemson” Weekend that raised approximately $8,000 for scholarship.

Brian Ammons ’08

January 7, 2015/609 Comments/in The Roaring 10

Brian Ammons ’08 works in investor relations with Dow Chemical in Midland, Michigan. In 2012 he was one of six people to receive the company’s highest award in both sales and marketing. A board member of Give Us Names, a nonprofit organization formed by Clemson alumni, he spearheaded a partnership with a Chicago-based theatre company founded by alumni to donate profits from a stage production to the charitable organization.

Mary Kathryn Dempsey ’08

January 7, 2015/548 Comments/in The Roaring 10

Mary Kathryn Dempsey ’08 is a senior fundraising consultant for Blackbaud in Charleston. A member of the Charleston Junior League and Clemson in the Lowcountry, she volunteers with the Dee Norton Lowcountry Children’s Center. Dempsey devoted a lot of time to the Young Alumni Council — as a representative, at-large member and president. She is vice chair of the Alumni Council Engagement Committee and a currently serves on the Alumni Board of Directors.

Dr. Charng-Hsein Juang, Civil Engineering

July 16, 2014/24 Comments/in Faculty Award

The Alumni Award for Outstanding Achievement in Research was presented to Dr. Charng-Hsein Juang in Civil Engineering. Juang’s research is in geotechnical engineering, which is the branch of civil engineering that focuses on the behavior of earth materials, such as rock and soil. His most recent research is on liquefaction — the loss of soil stability — caused by earthquakes. Another current research project involves the development of a new robust geotechnical design methodology, which could lead to improvements in deep excavation projects in congested, urban areas. Dr. Juang is the Co-Editor in Chief for Engineering Geology, an international journal. Click here to learn more about Juang’s work.

Daniel C. Stanzione Sr.

July 10, 2014/in Distinguished Service Award

Distinguished Service Award honorees demonstrate a dedication to enhancing the value of the university for future generations, professional and public service and personal accomplishments that serve as a model for present and future Clemson students.

Stanzione earned his bachelor’s in electrical engineering from Clemson in 1967. He received his graduate degrees from Clemson as well — a master’s in environmental systems engineering in 1968 and a Ph.D. in electrical engineering and computer science in 1972.

Stanzione is president emeritus at Bell Laboratories. He began his career at Bell in 1972 and served as president from 1995 to 1999. He also served as president of business units within AT&T in the late 1980s and early 1990s and as COO of Lucent Technologies from 1997 to 1999. He continues to serve as a director or adviser for several other public technology companies. Stanzione is a fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers. He has published several papers on computer simulation, microprocessors and software design and holds five patents.

Stanzione is a member of the Clemson University Foundation board of directors and has served on the corporate and foundation relations committee of The Will to Lead capital campaign. He made a donation to endow the Stanzione Endowed Scholars program, which benefits women majoring in engineering. He is a founding member of the Clemson Leadership Circle and Barker Scholars Endowment, a member of the Clemson Legacy Society, a member of the John C. Calhoun Society and was elected to the Thomas Green Clemson Academy of Engineers. He also served on President Barker’s Advisory Board.

Stanzione is a veteran of the United States Air Force. He recently married Lisa Votta and has three children.

Steve C. Griffith Jr.

July 10, 2014/in Distinguished Service Award

The Clemson Alumni Association has recognized Steve C. Griffith Jr. of Prosperity as one of four recipients of the 2014 Distinguished Service Award, the association’s highest honor.

Distinguished Service Award honorees demonstrate a dedication to enhancing the value of the university for future generations, professional and public service and personal accomplishments that serve as a model for present and future Clemson students.

Griffith graduated from Clemson in 1954 and from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1959. He retired as general counsel and vice chairman of Duke Power in 1997 after 30 years with the company. Prior to joining Duke Power, he practiced law in Newberry from 1959 to 1964 and served in the South Carolina House of Representatives from 1960 to 1962.

In 1988, Griffith was appointed by President Ronald Regan to chair the Presidential Commission on Catastrophic Nuclear Accidents. He also served on the board of directors for Nuclear Mutual Limited from 1988 to 1997. He chaired the American Bar Association section of Public Utility, Communications and Transportation Law in 1994.

Griffith led a campaign among Clemson alumni who worked at Duke Power to make donations to Clemson; those donations were matched by Duke Power and led to the establishment of an endowed chair position in engineering. Griffith has donated annually to the Clemson Fund since his graduation and has been an IPTAY member since 1976.

Griffith supported and donated money in 1988 to start the Clemson Crew men’s and women’s rowing teams. Later women’s rowing became a varsity sport at Clemson. Today, he is affectionately known as the “Father of the Rowing Team.”

Griffith served on the Clemson Board of Visitors from 1983 to 1985 and on the Clemson University Foundation board of directors from 1989 to 1993.

Griffith has been active in service to his community, both in the Charlotte, N.C., area and in Newberry County. In 1989, he chaired Charlotte’s Arts and Science Campaign, which raised nearly $2 million. He helped establish the Lawyers Volunteer Program for the Charlotte Bar Association, and Duke Power’s legal department received a special recognition award from the N.C. Bar Association for having full staff participation in this program. In 1995, Griffith received the Robinson Award, Duke Power’s highest honor, for his work to help establish a homeless shelter.

Charles E. Dalton

July 10, 2014/in Distinguished Service Award

The Clemson Alumni Association has recognized Charles E. Dalton of Greenville as one of four recipients of the 2014 Distinguished Service Award, the association’s highest honor.

Distinguished Service Award honorees demonstrate a dedication to enhancing the value of the university for future generations, professional and public service and personal accomplishments that serve as a model for present and future Clemson students.

Dalton graduated from Clemson in 1964. He has served as president and CEO of Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative Inc. since 1982. Since 1992, he has also served as president and CEO of Blue Ridge Security Solutions. Prior to that, he and his brother, Allison Dalton, owned and operated Dalton’s Incorporated in Pickens, a high-end furniture store that once provided the décor for portions of both the Clemson House and the Clemson president’s home.

Dalton served on the Clemson Alumni Association board as well as the Clemson University Foundation board of directors. He has been an annual donor to the Clemson Fund for more than 35 years, and gave a major gift to the WestZone project as part of The Will to Lead capital campaign.

Dalton recently completed serving a two-year term as the president of IPTAY, of which he has been a member for more than 40 years. He previously served IPTAY as its treasurer, secretary and president-elect.

Dalton is serving or has recently served on the boards of directors for many Upstate agencies, including the Upstate Alliance of South Carolina, Cannon Memorial Hospital, the Greenville chapter of the American Red Cross, the Palmetto Conservation Foundation, Innovate Anderson and the Peace Center. He has also served many years on the South Carolina Department of Transportation Commission.

Because of his efforts to bring jobs to Pickens County, he was named a South Carolina Development Ally in 2005. He received the Outstanding Community Service Award from the Better Business Bureau and Individual Initiative Award from the governor of South Carolina.

Dalton and his wife, Libby, have three children, all Clemson alumni.

Thomas C. Alexander

July 10, 2014/in Distinguished Service Award

The Clemson Alumni Association has recognized Thomas C. Alexander of Walhalla as one of four recipients of the 2014 Distinguished Service Award, the association’s highest honor.

Distinguished Service Award honorees demonstrate a dedication to enhancing the value of the university for future generations; professional and public service; and personal accomplishments that serve as a model for present and future Clemson students.

Alexander graduated from Clemson in 1978 with a bachelor’s degree in economics. He has served as the senator for South Carolina Senate District 1 since 1994. Prior to that, he served in the South Carolina House of Representatives from 1987 to 1994.

Alexander chairs the Senate Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee, as well as the Public Utility Review Committee. He also chairs the Health and Human Services Subcommittee and serves on the Senate Finance Committee, the Medical Affairs Committee, the Banking and Insurance Committee and the Joint Bond Review Committee. He holds multiple leadership positions in the National Conference of State Legislatures.

Alexander is also an entrepreneur, owning Alexander Office Supply in Oconee County.

During his Senate career, Alexander has been a strong supporter of Clemson through legislative initiatives to provide funding for Public Service Activities, the Wind Turbine Drivetrain Testing Facility at the Restoration Institute in North Charleston, new research facilities through the South Carolina Research University Infrastructure Act and endowed faculty positions through the SmartState Center of Economic Excellence Program.

He has been recognized with numerous awards over the years, most recently receiving the S.C. Lions Foundation Award, the S.C. Chamber of Commerce Business Advocate Award, the S.C. Commission for the Blind Foundation Legislator of the Year Award and an Honorary Doctorate of Humanities from MUSC. In 2012, he received the Legislative Leadership Award from the Clemson Board of Visitors.

Alexander is a member of Walhalla Presbyterian Church and is involved in many local civic organizations, including the Walhalla Chamber of Commerce and the Walhalla Lions Club. He and his wife Lynda have three daughters and 10 grandchildren.

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