Explore highlights and National Scholars Program student accomplishments throughout the past year.
Annual Report 2023-24
PROGRAM IMPACT
24 years since the program’s inception
209 living alumni 37 current scholars
SCHOLAR RECOGNITION
12 recipients of the Norris Medal, awarded to the most outstanding Clemson graduating senior. 10 recipients of the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Student Award, presented annually to two seniors for outstanding service to the University and community. 3 student body presidents
Of scholars who graduated more than 5 years ago: POST-GRADUATION st the Social Sciences 1 Clemson’s
Churchill Scholar Truman Scholar in 40 years Knight-Hennessy Scholar National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow in
80% earned graduate degrees 50% completed doctorates
Three NSP graduates have also been recognized with Clemson’s Roaring10 alumni award over the past two years.
About the NSP
The National Scholars Program is Clemson University’s most prestigious and selective university-wide undergraduate scholarship. Scholars are selected based on their ability to demonstrate academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, a wide range of interests and experiences, leadership ability, and the potential to make an impact on their local and global communities. Scholars receive a cost-of-attendance award; have access to dedicated academic, personal, and professional development opportunities; and join a community of learners who are focused on making a difference. Scholars engage in cross-cohort mentoring and community-building activities and are connected to program alumni throughout their time at Clemson, creating a cycle of learning and an ongoing scholar community that lasts long beyond their four years at Clemson.
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NEW PERSPECTIVES AND DIRECTIONS
This year, we celebrate the graduation of the 2020 scholar cohort. They began their time at Clemson near the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The National Scholars Program strives to create a transformative community offering life-changing experiences and developing thoughtful scholar-leaders who listen, critically examine their place in the world, and use their talents to serve.
survivors and her advocacy for cancer research. Shannon Kay (‘16) and Lauren Trondsen (’12) were recognized as Outstanding Young Alumni by the College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences. We also welcomed six NSP alumni and one NSP parent back to campus as speakers in the inaugural year of the Honors College’s Alumni Speaker Series. Looking forward, we see an exciting future. This spring, we welcomed a new Director of Scholarship Programs to oversee the strategic direction of the National Scholars Program. We are also excited to welcome Dr. Kyle Barrett as our newest faculty fellow for the incoming cohort. He will teach a first- year seminar entitled “Ecology of the City” to our incoming class of first-year National Scholars and provide continuing support and mentorship for our newest cohort throughout their four years at Clemson. Finally, we are excited to welcome our incoming class of 11 scholars. The newest members of our community come from across the United States, and we are thrilled to welcome our first National Scholar from Brazil. As always, our National Scholars community continues to exemplify the best of Clemson University.
For most of this cohort, their NSP first-year seminar was the only class that met in-person for their first semester of college; a glimmer of normalcy in an uncertain and ever-changing world. Despite the challenges that this cohort faced transitioning through various COVID protocols, they have thrived as National Scholars. They have become Norris Medalists, Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award winners, Marshall Scholarship semifinalists, finalists for the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program, and Fulbright grantees, in addition to the numerous other awards they received.We send them off to Paris, Prague, and London; to Rice University and UT Austin; and to Microsoft and other companies. Beyond our graduating class, we had much to celebrate this year. Elizabeth Caldwell (’25) was selected as a Truman Scholar in recognition and support of her advocacy for disability issues and her work to improve accessibility around campus and beyond. Elizabeth was
recognized at the spring Board of Trustees meeting where President
Clements surprised her with the news of her selection. Our alumni also had an outstanding year. Dr. Brittany McKelvey (‘15) received the Roaring10 Award from the Clemson Alumni Association in recognition of her work with cancer
Garrett Fontenot, Ph.D. Kris Fuller, M.S., M.S. Ed. Alejandro Mejia-Tejada
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COMMUNITY OF SCHOLARS BUILDING A
The Scholarship Programs Office, located in the Honors Center on campus, now houses both the National Scholars and Breakthrough Scholars programs. Bringing the University’s two premier scholarship programs together ensures Scholars from both programs are now more closely connected, participating in special events together and sharing a space that is open 24/7 for them to work, socialize, and build community.
Staff for both programs have offices in the suite and their proximity to Scholars ensures they provide the intensive advising and mentoring that is a hallmark of each program.
MEET THE NSP TEAM
Garrett Fontenot, Ph.D. Director of Scholarship Programs
Kris Fuller, M.S., M.S. Ed. Associate Director of the NSP
Alejandro Mejia-Tejada
Graduate Assistant
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NSP FACULTY FELLOWS
NSP Faculty Fellows play a key role in creating a transformative National Scholars community by serving as a faculty connection for the cohort throughout their four years at Clemson.
Drs. Barrett and Pyle provide support, mentorship, and guidance throughout their scholars’ campus experience, teaching first-year and senior-year seminars and joining the scholars on study-travel trips.
Faculty Fellows also work collaboratively to create cross-cohort educational and enrichment activities to support scholar learning, personal development, and growth.
Andrew Pyle, Ph.D. 2023 Cohort Faculty Fellow
Kyle Barrett, Ph.D. 2024 Cohort Faculty Fellow
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CHRISTIAN BLACKBURN WILDLIFE & FISHERIES BIOLOGY, B.S. MANAGEMENT MINOR MOUNT PLEASANT, SOUTH CAROLINA
HIGHLIGHTS U.S. Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship - Czech Republic Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange Program for Young Professionals Recipient Clemson University Algernon Sullivan Student Service Award College of Agriculture Outstanding Senior Award Alpha Phi Omega Outstanding Service Certificate Alpha Phi Omega President’s Award for Outstanding Leadership
The National Scholars Program has allowed me to make the most of my time at Clemson by connecting me with the most amazing faculty, mentors, and peers who consistently push me to reach my fullest potential. The resources and people the program provides have enabled me to discover my passions and accomplish more than I thought was possible for myself.
Alpha Phi Omega Scouting Service Award Fire Tigers - Clemson Prescribed Fire Council Weyerhaeuser Forestry Internship Clemson Academic Success Center Tutor WSBF-FM Clemson Student Radio
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GRAYSON CLIFF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, B.S. MATHEMATICS MINOR SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA
The interdisciplinary nature of the NSP has opened my eyes to the interconnectedness of engineering with policy, law, history, geography, and more. The NSP and its emphasis on creating engaged and well- rounded students have shaped my interest in increasing access to reliable and clean energy worldwide and contributed to my development as a thoughtful scholar-leader.
2024 National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships Program Honorable Mention 2023 Carl Donner Nelson Jr. Award 2022 Engineering Peer-Assisted Learning Leader of the Year Honors Student Advisory Board (Delegate to Curriculum Committee) HIGHLIGHTS
Honors Student Ambassador Peer-Assisted Learning Leader Grand Challenge Scholars (VP of Brand) Clemson University Tiger Band Clemson University Pep Band Clemson University Jazz Ensemble
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The environment of care, inclusivity, and friendship inherent in the atmosphere sets both Clemson and the NSP apart. I felt that faculty and staff cared about mentoring, gratitude was always emphasized, and wellness was encouraged in such a healthy way.
HIGHLIGHTS
College of Architecture, Art, and Construction Phi Kappa Phi Certificate of Merit Certificate of Merit for 4th Year Synthesis Studio Project in Integration of Building and Landscape Clemson Architectural Foundation Prize to Study in Japan Phi Kappa Phi Honors Society 2024 Clemson University ACC Meeting of the Minds Scholar Clemson School of Architecture Third Year Rudolph E. Lee Award for Excellence Clemson School of Architecture Second Year Faculty Award Tau Sigma Delta Honor Society in Architecture and Allied Arts Departmental Honors in Architecture President, Clemson University Habitat for Humanity Violinist, Clemson University Symphony Orchestra Layout Editor, The Pendulum International Affairs Magazine Junior Designer, Equip Studio Intern, UPIC Program National
Scholars Program Office Publicity Chair, Equity in Architecture
Junior Mentor, ACE Mentor Program Book Editor, Studio Clemson School of Architecture Poe Mill Fluid Studio
KATHERINE HARLAND ARCHITECTURE, B.S. MUSIC AND MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES MINORS JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA
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HELENA HARTE POLITICAL SCIENCE, B.S. HISTORY, B.A. FAIRFAX, VIRGINIA
HIGHLIGHTS
Norris Medal Award Schwarzman Scholars Finalist Fulbright Semifinalist Department of Political Science’s Matt Locke Faculty Award for Excellence College of Behavioral, Social, and Health Science’s Phi Kappa Phi Certificate of Merit Vice President of Student Alumni Council Chair of the Honors Student Advisory Board Research Assistant to the University Historian Four-year Clemson University Tour Guide Phi Beta Kappa Activities Committee Freshman Council Member
The National Scholars Program provided a personalized, liberal arts education within the broader context of Clemson University. Clemson has an incredible environment that combines academic rigor with a sense of belonging and purpose that I did not experience at any other university I visited. I chose Clemson for Clemson, and the NSP was an added layer of excellence.
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I chose Clemson and the National Scholars Program because I wanted a holistic college experience where I could grow personally just as much as academically. Coming from out of state, I also wanted to join a welcoming community where I could build lasting friendships and mentorships. I found all of that and more during my time at Clemson with the National Scholars Program.
HIGHLIGHTS
Fulbright Semifinalist Phi Beta Kappa Phi Kappa Phi Award for Outstanding
Undergraduate Research from the College of Behavioral, Social, and Health Sciences James F. Byrnes Award in American Government given to the outstanding senior in the Political Science Department Marian L. Harris Award for Excellence in Economics President of PERIOD. @ Clemson Order of Omega Member of Alpha Delta Pi Honors Ambassador SASH Mentor
RILEY STOTZKY POLITICAL SCIENCE, B.S. (GLOBAL POLITICS CONCENTRATION) ECONOMICS, B.A. HAMPTON BAYS, NEW YORK
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LAYLA WHEELON PSYCHOLOGY, B.A. CREATIVE WRITING MINOR CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA
Seeing how National Scholars support one another and cheer each other on in their successes and times of hardship these past few years has been beautiful. I am inspired by the ways in which my peers pursue their passions authentically and fearlessly, in everything from studies abroad and international conferences to campus engagement and clubs.
HIGHLIGHTS
Dean’s List Fall 2020 President’s List Fall 2021 - Fall 2022 Dean’s List Spring 2023
2021 Creative Writing Award for Poetry 2023 Creative Writing Award for Poetry 2022 & 2023 Davenport Scholar Presented research at the Society for Research in Child Development (SRCD) 2023 Biennial Meeting Autism Creative Inquiry SHAARP Lab Creative Inquiry Clemson Literary Festival's Student Writing Award Winners Reading with English Major’s Club 2023 Health Career Opportunity Program
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ALYSSA WILLIAMS COMPUTER SCIENCE, B.S. SPANISH MINOR COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA
The NSP is like my family at Clemson. The people really make the program, and I’m glad to call them my colleagues and friends. I know that wherever I go, I won’t forget the people I’ve met and the experiences I’ve had through this program.
McQueen Quattlebaum Undergraduate Award for Excellence in the Pursuit of Ethical AI Outstanding Senior in Computer Science HIGHLIGHTS
CUhackit (Co-Director) Undergraduate Research Assistant in TRACE Lab The 9x9 Project Creative Inquiry Clemson PRISM (Officer)
SASH Mentor Black Honors Association (Officer) Spanish Club (Officer)
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CHLOE WRIGHT MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, B.S. SPANISH STUDIES AND MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES MINORS GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA
The NSP has absolutely altered the course of my life for the better. It has given me best friends, lifelong mentors, and incredible experiences I would have never thought possible. The NSP will forever be my closest Clemson family, and I am beyond grateful to carry this amazing group of people with me for the rest of my life.
HIGHLIGHTS
ME Excellence in Engineering Award Grand Challenge Scholars Program (VP of Innovation for junior and senior years) Theta Tau Engineering Fraternity (Community Service Chair) Clemson Spanish Club (President for 1 year, Treasurer for 1 year) Queer Issues in STEM Creative Inquiry (Presented at OSTEM Conference in Fall 2022 and had FOCI poster in Spring 2023, Published Paper to Frontiers in Sociology Fall 2023) Departmental Honors Research under Dr. Ardalan Vahidi – Dynamic Systems Modeling of Fatigue & Recovery in Competitive Cyclists Systems Integration Engineering Intern at GE Hitachi Mechanical Design Intern at Dominion Energy Surry Power Station
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2021 Scholars
Elizabeth Caldwell Major: Genetics Minor: Biochemistry Hometown: Hendersonville, Tennessee
Major: Management Minors: Food Science and Sustainability Hometown: Greenville, South Carolina Amandine Courbon
Major: History Minor: Russian Area Studies, Political and Legal Theory Hometown: Chapin, South Carolina Matthew Ployhart
Major: Chemical Engineering Minor: Mathematical Sciences Hometown: Columbia, South Carolina Elsa Saine
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2022 Scholars
Sara Alkelani Major: Political Science and Sociology Hometown: Greenville, South Carolina Major: Economics Minor: Creative Writing - Poetry Hometown: Charleston, South Carolina Caleb Cayouette
Rebecca Han Major: Financial Management Minor: Computer Science Hometown: Bluffton, South Carolina Major: Economics and Political Science Hometown: Hopewell, New Jersey Daisy Hutnik Majors: Biochemistry and Psychology Hometown: Lexington, South Carolina Yashvi Patel Major: Architecture and Economics Hometown: Matthews, North Carolina Andrew Tuz Major: Industrial Engineering Hometown: Shelby, North Carolina Elijah Wilbanks
Major: Biological Sciences Hometown: Tallahassee, Florida Mercy Crapps
Major: Genetics Hometown: York, South Carolina Brooke Dillingham
Major: History and Economics Minor: English Hometown: Ridgeside, Tennessee Owen Eastman
Malia Fairbanks
Major: Industrial Engineering Hometown: Tirana, Albania Nea Xhindi
Major: Computer Information Systems Minor: Cybersecurity and Spanish Hometown: Champaign, Illinois
Major: Bioengineering Minor: American Sign Language Studies Hometown: Charlotte, North Carolina Eliza Haines
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2023 Scholars
Gretchen Highberger Major: Environmental Engineering Minor: Environmental Science and Policy Hometown: Bettendorf, Iowa
Tulsi Patel Major: Philosophy
Concentration: Medicine, Health, and Human Values Minor: Public Policy Hometown: Simpsonville, South Carolina Major: Language and International Health Hometown: Miami, Florida Claudia Portocarrero
Carley Hitzelberger
Major: Language and International Health Minor: Women’s Leadership Hometown: Greenville, South Carolina
Major: Packaging Science Minor: Brand Communications Hometown: Greenville, South Carolina Shayar Joshi
Major: Genetics Hometown: Columbia, South Carolina Logan Rush
Major: Language and International Business Hometown: Chapel Hill, South Carolina Summer Marold
Major: Mechanical Engineering Hometown: Fort Mill, South Carolina Andrew Scribner
Major: Political Science and French Minor: Race, Ethnicity, and Migration Hometown: Charleston, South Carolina Briggs Murray
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New Scholar Retreat & Welcome Back Dinner (August 2023) Our new and returning Scholars began building mentoring connections at a New Scholar Retreat held just after their arrival on campus to start the new academic year. Family Weekend Tailgate (September 2023) Students, families, alumni, faculty, and staff gathered to celebrate more than $55,700 in annual contributions to the NSP Excellence Fund. This year's Natty Cup winners were: 2021 (current students), 2013 (alumni cohort), and 2022 (parent cohort). NSP Weekend (February 2024) We welcomed more than two dozen high school students from across the country to interview for the NSP and learn more about opportunities available to them through the Honors College and Clemson University. Alumni, parents, and current students enthusiastically welcomed them to campus and shared their experiences with the NSP. After this event the 2024 cohort was selected, consisting of 11 Scholars representing 7 states, as well as a student from Brazil. Senior Mentor Dinner (April 2024) Each year, our senior cohort celebrates their time at Clemson by recognizing a mentor who has been pivotal in their undergraduate experience. These mentors – classroom instructors, research mentors, internship supervisors – receive the National Scholars Program Award of Distinction in recognition of their contributions to our students' academic, personal, and professional development. Senior Send-Off (April 2024) Scholars and program staff gathered for a final celebration of our 2020 Scholar cohort, complete with our traditional Senior Superlative "paper plate" awards. NSP Scholar Recognition (April and May 2024) Elizabeth Caldwell was recognized as the University’s fourth Truman Scholar since 2017. Helena Harte received the Norris Medal, the highest honor for a student at Clemson University. Christian Blackburn was one of two recipients of the University's Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award, given in recognition of the recipient's influence for good, excellence in maintaining high ideals and of living and service before self. Christian also received a Fulbright Scholarship in the Czech Republic. This year included welcoming new scholars and program staff, opportunities for growth and engagement, and celebrating the contributions and achievements of our graduating Scholars while welcoming our new cohort to campus.
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THE WORLD CAN NSP TAKE YOU? WHERE IN
Since the program’s inception, National Scholars have explored the world through program travel destinations, studies abroad, internships, and other global experiences. Global destinations have included: Argentina Austria Kenya Mexico
France Galapagos Islands Germany
Switzerland Tanzania Thailand
Montenegro Netherlands Peru Russia Saudi Arabia Scotland Serbia Singapore Slovakia South Africa Spain Sweden
Australia Belgium Belize Bhutan Bosnia & Herzegovina Canada China Costa Rica Croatia Denmark Dominican Republic England
Ghana Greece
Turkey Wales Zambia
Greenland Guatamala Haiti Hungary Iceland
India Israel Italy Japan
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STUDY ABROAD IN GREENLAND NATIONAL SCHOLARS
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STUDY ABROAD IN GERMANY NATIONAL SCHOLARS
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Support the NSP
The National Scholars Program is grateful for the generous support of several Clemson alumni and friends for endowments and other major gifts, including: Smith-Westmoreland Endowment National Scholars Program Endowment National Scholars Program Excellence (Natty Cup) Smyth McKissick Endowment The von Rosenberg Annual National Scholars Fund Richard A. McMahan Endowment for the Clemson National Scholars P.W. and Barbara McAlister Clemson National Scholars - Class of 1941 Endowed Scholarship Class of 1941 Clemson National Scholars Endowment Paul W. and Barbara D. McAlister Clemson National Scholars, A Class of '41 Initiative J. Anderson Berly III, Class of 1978 Mr. and Mrs. Frank Bishop Jr., Class of 1965
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Looking Forward
Enhancing Experiential Learning Opportunities We will develop a new first-year study-travel experience that will include a spring preparatory course and trip lead by a rotating group of Clemson faculty accompanied by a six-week summer international internship curated for each individual scholar’s field of study and future career and professional goals. As we increase the number of NSP Faculty Fellows, we will also further develop their roles to include travel with the first-year cohort, support for each cohort’s services projects, and collaboration on workshops and other programs for National Scholars. Increasing Engagement With Faculty In addition to expanding the role of faculty fellows within the program, we also plan to expand their number. By 2026, we will have four faculty fellows for each of our cohorts to serve as mentors, lead programming, and support National Scholars through their time at Clemson. We will also engage new faculty from a variety of disciplines at Clemson to lead our summer study travel-trips. Their expertise will allow us to travel with National Scholars to new places, explore and expand our global reach. We Need You! If you have an internship opportunity, want to serve as a resource, or simply reconnect with the National Scholars Program, email national_scholars@clemson.edu. We'd love to hear from you! This coming year will be focused on enhancing the National Scholars Program’s experiential learning opportunities and increasing engagement with faculty.
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193 Cribb Hall 511D Fort Hill Street Clemson, SC 29634-5108 P: 864-656-6160 E: national_scholars@clemson.edu
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