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\nEmily Wallace \u201972 has been breaking down barriers and cutting new paths since she was a student at Clemson, and now she is helping the next generation follow in her footsteps. Wallace and her husband, Jack, have established an endowed scholarship through the College of Engineering and Science. The scholarship targets groups who are underrepresented in science, technology, engineering and math.
\n\u201cAs a manager in technology, it\u2019s hard to find women in technical backgrounds,\u201d Wallace says. \u201cBut it\u2019s not just women. It can be hard to find men, too. I\u2019m trying to encourage more students in technical backgrounds.\u201d
\nWallace serves as senior director of the Knowledge Management Center at SAS, a software development company based out of Cary, North Carolina, that employs 15,000 worldwide. Emily and Jack Wallace were among the first 100 employees when they began working at the company 34 years ago.
\nThe husband-and-wife team returned to campus in November for Legacy Day and to see the Tigers play Wake Forest in the last home football game of the season. Their itinerary included a meeting with Serita Acker, the program director for Women In Science and Engineering (WISE). The program offers support to female engineering and science majors, ranging from mentoring and networking to test banks and tutoring.
\n\u201cI\u2019m a strong believer in the WISE program,\u201d Wallace says. \u201cI love Serita. I wish we had the program when I was here.\u201d
\nWhile at Clemson, Wallace became the first female director of the student radio station, WSBF. As a female math major, she was in a distinct minority. The experience helped prepare her for what was to come. \u201cIt gave me a lot of independence,\u201d she says. [pullquote]\u201cBeing among a minority of female students helped me develop a thicker skin and to deal with people who did not see my viewpoint.\u201d[\/pullquote]
\nTigers football head coach Dabo Swinney and his wife, Kathleen, helped inspire the Wallaces to give back. \u201cI was so impressed with what they are doing for the community and academic programs, it made me feel like I should do more,\u201d Emily says.
\nWhile on campus, the Wallaces also toured the Watt Family Innovation Center, a state-of-the-art building designed to link students and industry. \u201cI was blown away,\u201d Emily says. \u201cI want to come back as a student.\u201d
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