The Ultimate Field Trip

Gift provides students with opportunities for education abroad

THE LATE PAM HENDRIX was an international traveler who understood the incredible learning experiences that studying abroad could provide. In fact, for many years she instilled her passion for travel in her own children so that they might learn and grow through the shared experience of traveling the world together.
As part of the adventure, the Hendrix family saved money in a “Dream Jar” that they all contributed to. In 2015, that jar became the inspiration behind the Pamela Maddex Hendrix Dream Jar Travel Endowment, established by her children and their spouses. Since that fund was created, more than 38 Clemson students have been able to study abroad thanks to the Dream Jar Endowment.
When Pam Hendrix passed away in 2018, her family could think of no better way to honor her memory than to expand upon the Dream Jar Endowment and create a center at Clemson dedicated to preparing students who want to pursue international education. Research has shown that preparation is a key factor for a successful study abroad experience. The Pam Hendrix Center for Education Abroad will provide students with the opportunity to apply for a planning scholarship during their freshman year. During the interim, scholarship recipients will take part in the “Dream Jar Curriculum,” working alongside academic advisers and receiving financial aid to plan a study abroad experience that aligns with their professional and financial goals.
Through the Hendrix family’s gift, Clemson will be able to help students learn, study and research in other countries. “Pam’s story of encouraging her family to travel while ensuring they planned and prepared for their adventures was the inspiration behind the center,” said Sharon Nagy, associate provost for Global Engagement. “We hope to honor her legacy by inspiring students to follow their dreams while also helping plan for them.”
Study abroad and other global engagement opportunities expand the learning environment beyond the classroom into unique and often challenging cultural contexts. The Pam Hendrix Center for Education Abroad will provide operational support to international student engagement programs that align with the University’s goals and emphasis areas. The center will support the development of activities, programs, exchanges and events that foster global and intercultural aware-ness, knowledge and understanding among faculty, staff and students.
The Hendrix family’s impact at Clemson has been far-reaching, throughout both academics and athletics, for many years. Pam’s husband of 50 years, Bill Hendrix ’63, M ’68, was student body president while he was a Clemson undergraduate and has been on the Clemson board of trustees since 1995. He served as board chair for three terms from 2003 to 2009. The Hendrix family’s leadership, service and philanthropy have touched almost every aspect of Clemson University, including the Hendrix Student Center, which provides students with invaluable resources and opportunities. With this latest gift inspired by their adventurous matriarch, the Hendrix family is ensuring that future generations of Clemson students will have access to quality study abroad opportunities and, by extension, life-changing experiences.