From the Dean
We had the pleasure this month of recognizing several alumni who are at the forefront of their careers, making a significant impact in their fields, their communities and the nation. Charlie Blackwell-Thompson, J. Richard Cottingham, Mike Mansuetti and Tony Mathis were formally inducted into the Thomas Green Clemson Academy of Engineers and Scientists, the college’s highest honor, in an online ceremony on Oct. 7. During this ceremony, Matt Kelley and Elizabeth Sloan were also recognized as Outstanding Young Alumni. You can watch the full ceremony here.
Each of these alumni represents the impact of a degree from our college, a point that was underscored a few days after the ceremony. Several newspapers in South Carolina and North Carolina featured Charlie and a fellow alumna, Vanessa Wyche, for their roles in leading NASA’s return to the moon.
This issue features Martin Lightsey for this month’s philanthropy profile. Martin, who earned his Bachelor of Science in industrial engineering, is showing his gratitude for the education he received at Clemson by helping the next generation of students achieve their dreams of becoming engineers and entrepreneurs. In addition, we welcome Greg Mocko, an associate professor in mechanical engineering, as the director of Clemson’s advanced manufacturing track and congratulate John Ballato on being named a Fellow of the American Physical Society.
We began our Thriving in Interesting Times panel discussions this month, and I’d like to offer my personal thanks to Ralph Hulseman, president, Hoowaki LLC; Shaun Malin, S.C. regional manager, HRP Associates; and Tony Mathis, president and CEO, Military Systems, GE Aviation, for sharing their time, experiences and insights. I hope that you can join us on November 19 for the second in the series, Investing for Growth during COVID-19.
This month’s newsletter also highlights our research in computer graphics, the new Clemson Composites Center and the new COVID-19 Clinical Diagnostics Lab. This lab, supported by generous funding from the state, will foster innovation and research not only for COVID-19 but also for other infectious diseases. These research and professional accomplishments are possible only because of your generosity, and you can continue to support the next generation of innovators, scholars, engineers, entrepreneurs and scientists by clicking the “Make a Gift” link below. Your contributions of time and treasure are key for our success, and I wholeheartedly appreciate all that you have done and continue to do for this college.
Stay healthy and safe,
Anand K. Gramopadhye, Dean
