In partnership with the Clemson Alumni Association, alumni from the Class of 1976 recently returned to the University to celebrate five decades since their graduation, which coincided with the American Bicentennial. Alumnus Jack McKenzie ’76 offers his perspective on the Golden Tiger Reunion and reflects on the notable impression made on — and by — a historic Clemson class.
What is the Golden Tiger Reunion?
Jack McKenzie: In 1986, the Alumni Association created the Golden Tiger Society to recognize alumni on the 50th anniversary of their graduation with a graduation-like induction ceremony.
For most alumni, there are four major milestones in their Clemson Journey: their acceptance, the Clemson Ring ceremony, graduation and the Golden Tiger induction. The first three are full of wonder, excitement and anticipation for what lies ahead. The fourth — becoming a Golden Tiger — is full of recognition, gratitude and celebration for how far we’ve come.
The Class of ’76 graduated during the United States Bicentennial and became Golden Tigers during the semiquincentennial anniversary of America’s independence. As children of the Greatest Generation, what kind of significance does that hold for you and your classmates?
JM: It makes us proud, and it certainly makes me proud to have our milestone year in the same year as the nation’s 250th anniversary.
With our strong military heritage and legacy, patriotism is a core value at Clemson. It is a part of the personality of the whole University, and that’s especially true for the Class of ’76 because we are in the Class of ’76, which is such an important number in American history.
How do you remember the class celebrating the bicentennial at the time?
JM: The most vivid memory is those Liberty Bells that were attached to our mortar boards. At graduation, we wore caps that had a small Liberty Bell souvenir attached to the tassel.
Which part of the student experience do you think created the strongest bond for the Class of ’76?
JM: Being a Tiger. The most visible — and loudest — parts of the experience were the athletic events, the pep rallies, watching and hearing the Tiger Band play “Tiger Rag,” the First Friday Parades, and the many other moments of joy and celebration that we shared.
Whether you were an architecture major, political science major or accounting major, we knew we were all part of the Clemson Family. You were a Clemson person, and that spirit — that sense of belonging — united us then and unites us now.
What are your fondest memories of being a Clemson student then?
JM: I remember living in Johnstone Hall and having Dr. Jerry Reel for my freshman history class in historic Hardin Hall. Early on in my Clemson Experience, I made a point of going into Fort Hill, touring the house and becoming more aware of and more appreciative of the history and legacy of (University founder) Thomas Green Clemson and (his wife) Anna Maria Calhoun Clemson.
Clemson seemed like a really big place back then. On my first day, I took a long walk and ended up on the other side of campus at the Poole Agricultural Center. I could see the clock tower from where I was, and I said to myself, “I know my (dorm) room is right behind that clock tower. As long as I can see that, I know how to get home.” That continues to be true today. I know I’m home when I can see the clock tower at Clemson.
How is the Class of ’76 giving back to Clemson?
JM: Many of us in the Class of ’76 truly appreciate the impact and necessity of scholarships. We could not have attended Clemson without scholarships. With deep gratitude for the support we received, we are establishing a need-based scholarship endowment so that, forever, the legacy of our class will include future students who receive the Class of ’76 Golden Anniversary Scholarship.
And to honor the 250th anniversary of our nation, we’re creating a fund to install a flagpole in front of the Nieri Family Alumni and Visitors Center to display the American, South Carolina and Clemson alumni flags. This gift will be a physical reminder of the Class of ’76’s connection to the bicentennial and to Clemson’s proud legacy of patriotism and military service.
