Named for the first alumni director of the Clemson Alumni Association, Joe Sherman ’34, the Sherman Awards are presented annually to Clemson University alumni clubs and groups for outstanding service, dedication and commitment to their communities. Category winners are selected by alumni staff members.
Rising Star: Cape Fear
The Rising Star award is presented to the club or affinity group that has showcased an impressive amount of activity in a relatively short period of time. The Cape Fear Clemson Club has diligently and passionately worked to establish a Clemson community along the coast, successfully hosting a student send-off in July and establishing a regular watch party location.
Others nominated: Georgetown County, Hispanic/Latinx, Twin Cities
Community Champion: Clemson Black Alumni Council
Recognizing clubs and groups for having a positive influence, the Community Champion award goes to the group that best exhibits great partnership while positively impacting their community. The Clemson Black Alumni Council won for its work supporting the Men of Color Summit. From University leaders to nationally recognized voices, the Summit, held each spring, serves young men and women of color statewide in terms of professional development, higher education, a sense of identity and more.
Others nominated: Aiken County (Blood Drive vs. UGA), Baltimore/D.C. (Wreaths Across America), Central Florida (Feast on the 50), Fort Hill (Habitat for Humanity), Richmond (James River Park System Clean-Up), Student Alumni Council (Record-Breaking Welcome Back), The Villages (College Colors Day and Canned Food Drive)
Quality Collaboration: Anderson Area Clemson Club and Women’s Alumni Council
The Quality Collaboration award is a joint honor presented to a club and group that excel in working together to benefit the community. The Anderson Area Clemson Club and Women’s Alumni Council take this award for their partnership in coordinating a positive baseball tailgate experience for ClemsonLIFE, a program that offers a collegiate experience while preparing individuals with intellectual disabilities for competitive employment and independent living.
Others nominated: Charlotte Clemson Club and LGBTQ+ (Charlotte Pride Fundraiser), Triangle Clemson Club and Nursing Alumni Council (Nurses’ Happy Hour), Triangle Clemson Club and Women’s Alumni Council (Photos with Santa)
Small but Mighty: Treasure Coast
Named after a phrase many use to describe the city of Clemson, the Small But Mighty award acknowledges those clubs doing a lot with a little. The Treasure Coast Clemson Club truly embodies that mantra. Although many within the club’s footprint use their Florida address as a winter home, the club has hosted regular watch parties, joint tailgates and other events with the neighboring South Florida Clemson Club.
Others nominated: Aiken County, Colorado, Greater Daytona/Flagler Beach, Northern California, San Antonio, Tidewater
All in Athletic Supporter: Union County
The All In Athletic Supporter award goes to a club that meaningfully incorporates athletics into its activities, separate from regular watch party events. Whether joining forces with Clemson Athletics or an athletic entity in its area, the events and initiatives have proven to be effective ways to get Clemson to show up and show out. The Union County Clemson Club recently did that by having former Clemson Men’s Basketball star Trevor Booker and University historian Otis Pickett attend the celebration of its 20th year of existence.
Others nominated: Greater Greenwood, Cherokee County, Dallas, Jacksonville, Nashville
Signature Event: Fort Hill
A nod to longevity, the Signature Event award recognizes those that stand the test of time and become the crown jewel of what a club offers its constituents annually. The Fort Hill Clemson Club has found what works with the annual Recruiting Wrap-Up. The event, which combines athletics, facilities and campus personalities, regularly attracts close to 1,000 attendees and generates over $100,000 for the club’s scholarship endowment.
Others nominated: Anderson, Philadelphia, New York/Tri-State, Clemson Corps, Black Alumni Council
