F<\/span>ourteen years ago, James Barker approached the podium for his inaugural address. Unlike many new presidents, he already had a fairly comprehensive understanding of the institution. After all, \u201cpresident\u201d was just the most recent of his Clemson monikers. Student, alumnus, faculty member, dean, parent \u2014 he had already experienced the University from all of those perspectives. And the charge that Jim Barker accepted at his inauguration was \u201cto ensure that the idea of Clemson will be stronger at the end of my service than it is now at the beginning.\u201d In what is known now as characteristic Barker, he stated his strong conviction that \u201cthe only way to fulfill this responsibility is to find the way for each of you to join me in this effort.\u201d
\nAs he reflected with those in attendance on \u201cThe Idea of Clemson,\u201d it was from a very well-informed perch. In an address that was forward-looking and optimistic and challenging, he examined nine qualities \u2014 of being inclusive, academically challenging, visionary, indomitable, bold and innovative, distinctive, sensitive to the needs of others, focused on the value of the individual and based on family \u2014 that he said described the \u201cwonderful, powerful, noble idea called Clemson.\u201d
\n\u201cThe most important ideas,\u201d he said, \u201chave a physical manifestation. The idea of Clemson surrounds you today in the \u2018sense of place\u2019 and \u2018sense of community\u2019 you can see and feel on this campus.\u201d He went on to say, \u201cTo all gathered here today, I say that with everything I am, I believe in the idea called Clemson. But Clemson is still a work in progress.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>
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\nWith that statement, and the one that followed, he launched the idea of \u201cOne Clemson.\u201d
\n\u201cI am convinced,\u201d Barker said, \u201cthat there is no university in America stronger than Clemson when we are \u2018one Clemson.\u2019 \u2026 If we unite around the idea of Clemson, we have a future beyond our highest aspirations.\u201d
\nAfter referencing the legacy and destiny of the University, President James Barker finished by simply saying, \u201cLet\u2019s get started.\u201d
\nAnd get started he did. In the next few pages, alumni, faculty, staff, students and friends share their reflections on the ways in which Jim Barker\u2019s presidency advanced what he called \u201cThe Idea of Clemson.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>
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