Charlie Barker is a strong supporter of education and servant leadership, and his devotion to Clemson University led the Clemson Alumni Association to recognize him as an Honorary Alumnus.
Charlie’s dedication to Clemson, despite never attending the University, coexists with his commitment to education. He serves on Clemson’s President’s Advisory Board and the Committee on Philanthropy. He also serves as the chair for An Achievable Dream, a school in Virginia Beach, Virginia, which caters to students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. At both schools, he provides need-based scholarships and tuition completion funds to students who attend Clemson.
While serving on the Committee on Philanthropy for Clemson, Charlie secured donations for the Cadden Chapel and became the inaugural Pillar Donor for the project. He lent support to the first ClemsonLIFE prom, was a PAW Journey Mentor, and is a Cornerstone Partner for the University.
Wil Brasington, the chief executive officer of the Clemson Alumni Association, commended Charlie’s dedication, stating, “Charlie has treated Clemson as if it is his own alma mater, and through his support, our University can continue to have an impact on future generations of Tigers.”
Kaye McElveen Stanzione was granted the designation of honorary alumna by the Clemson Alumni Association for her ever-present devotion, service and loyalty to Clemson University.
Though Kaye never attended Clemson University, her dedication to the school is felt across campus and student life. She advocates for Clemson’s fundraising efforts for the College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences and is a dedicated member of the ClemsonLIFE Advisory Board, engaging financially and personally with the students.
Joe Ryan, executive director of ClemsonLIFE, explained that Kaye offers the “benefits of her skills, guidance and knowledge” to the University.
“She has provided us with critical insights and advice regarding fundraising, programmatic expansion and developing long-term strategic goals,” he said.
Kaye’s Clemson connection began with her husband, Bob Stanzione ’69. Their combined love for the University and the arts enabled Clemson to earn the All-Steinway School designation following their donations to purchase multiple new Steinway pianos. The designation recognizes an institution committed to owning the highest-quality pianos, and Clemson joins only 250 other institutions with this designation.
Through the years, all three of Kaye’s children and many of her grandchildren have attended Clemson. The Honorary Alumna designation was presented to Kaye last fall while surrounded by her family and friends by Clemson Alumni Association Board of Directors Chairman Jeff Duckworth, Clemson University President Jim Clements and Vice President for Advancement Brian O’Rourke.
To see all honorary alumni for 2023 or view award guidelines, visit the Clemson Alumni website at alumni.clemson.edu/honoraryalum.
