While now retired, Dr. Jerome Reel lectured a great class called The History of Clemson and Higher Education or something like that. I took it my first year there and learned a great deal not only about T.G. Clemson and the establishment of Clemson University but of higher education in the US and North America as a whole. If anything similar is still offered I would recommend any incoming student to take even if an elective.
I wish I could audit that class! Learning about Thomas Clemson and what an amazing man he was -- and the circumstances of Clemson's founding -- it all makes me want to learn more!
I graduated from Clemson in 1993, and my father graduated there in 1969, and I'll know in a week if my daughter attend (fingers crossed!). The history overtly shared during my time there was more than my father learned, but less than what is shared now, and that progression is key. Exploring more and sharing new or expanded information, as in the recent work at the cemetery to uncover the extent of the African-American grave sites, helps the future generations process the actions of past generations and move forward with a better understanding.
Thank you for this! I have also read about the English Professor Rhondda Thomas and her work to shed light on the slaves and convicts who helped build Clemson's original buildings. Here is an interview about her book "Call my name, Clemson": https://news.clemson.edu/thomas-explores-marginalized-african-american-lives-in-call-my-name-clemson/.... this is making me think... maybe we should start an SC History Newsletter book club!
While now retired, Dr. Jerome Reel lectured a great class called The History of Clemson and Higher Education or something like that. I took it my first year there and learned a great deal not only about T.G. Clemson and the establishment of Clemson University but of higher education in the US and North America as a whole. If anything similar is still offered I would recommend any incoming student to take even if an elective.
I wish I could audit that class! Learning about Thomas Clemson and what an amazing man he was -- and the circumstances of Clemson's founding -- it all makes me want to learn more!
I graduated from Clemson in 1993, and my father graduated there in 1969, and I'll know in a week if my daughter attend (fingers crossed!). The history overtly shared during my time there was more than my father learned, but less than what is shared now, and that progression is key. Exploring more and sharing new or expanded information, as in the recent work at the cemetery to uncover the extent of the African-American grave sites, helps the future generations process the actions of past generations and move forward with a better understanding.
Thank you for this! I have also read about the English Professor Rhondda Thomas and her work to shed light on the slaves and convicts who helped build Clemson's original buildings. Here is an interview about her book "Call my name, Clemson": https://news.clemson.edu/thomas-explores-marginalized-african-american-lives-in-call-my-name-clemson/.... this is making me think... maybe we should start an SC History Newsletter book club!