Tyrone Oliver Gayle ‘10 – Clemson Alumni Association

The Clemson University Young Alumni Council (YAC) has recognized Tyrone Oliver Gayle of Washington, DC as one of the 2018 “Roaring 10” – young alumni who have made an impact in business, leadership, community, educational and/or philanthropic endeavors.

Honorees were selected based on their continued efforts to uphold the university’s core values of honesty, integrity and respect and to demonstrate an “ever-loyal” relationship with Clemson University.

Gayle is the Press Secretary for United States Senator Kamala Harris. He moved to Washington, D.C., after graduation and began his career on the Press and Communications team at the Center for American Progress. Gayle joined the Kaine for Virginia campaign in 2011, during which he developed a close relationship with now Virginia Senator, Tim Kaine.

In 2015, Gayle moved to New York, where he served as a key member of the Hillary for America’s Communications team. He was named a ‘Rising Star’ by Campaign and Elections Magazine and after the 2016 presidential election, Tyrone joined Senator Kamala Harris’ office in his current role. Gayle has spent the last few years mentoring young people of color in politics.

In 2016, Tyrone was diagnosed with metastatic colon cancer, which required an invasive surgery and 21 days of recovery in the hospital. As he continues to receive chemotherapy, he is often comforted by his D.C. Clemson community.

The primary mission of Clemson YAC is to support the goals of the Clemson Alumni Association specifically on matters pertaining to Young Alumni. Clemson YAC exists to connect Young Alumni with the University, assist Young Alumni in the transition from active student to alumnus, facilitate fellowship, personal growth and professional development opportunities for young alumni and formally represent Young Alumni interests to the Clemson Alumni Council. The purpose of these efforts is to affect seminal influence on young alumni so they may continue to be connected and contributing alumni for a better Clemson throughout their lives.