Clemson University reserves its highest public honor, The Clemson Medallion, for individuals whose notable and significant service to Clemson exemplifies the dedication and foresight of the University’s founder and benefactor, Thomas Green Clemson.
Dr. J.J. Britton
Dr. J.J. Britton ’58 embodies the core values and mission of Clemson University through his dedicated service and leadership, profoundly transforming the University and extending its influence. During his undergraduate years, which began in the fall of 1954, Britton excelled academically and was actively involved in various leadership roles and organizations, including Blue Key, Pershing Rifles and Tiger Brotherhood. He was active in the Numeral Society (later SAE Fraternity) and the Central Dance Association. He also received the Outstanding Senior Award and was elected as student body president. After graduating with honors and a degree in pre-professional studies, Britton went on to earn his M.D. from the Medical University of South Carolina in 1962.
Britton’s connection to Clemson only grew stronger after graduation as he continued to make frequent trips to campus for alumni events and football tailgates. In 1975, he became treasurer of the Sumter County Clemson Club. He is also a member of the Clemson Legacy Society and an IPTAY District representative and has served on the Hobcaw Barony board of trustees since 2019.
Britton began his service with the Clemson University Board of Trustees in 1982 and held the position of vice chairman of the Board of Trustees for two terms: 1985–1986 and 1991–1993. He was honored with the Clemson Alumni Association’s Distinguished Service Award in 1985, reflecting his exceptional devotion to his profession, public service and Clemson University. Britton also served as vice president of the Clemson University Foundation board of directors from 1988–1989.
Beyond his service to Clemson, Britton has distinguished himself in the medical field, achieving fellowship status with the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, serving as chair and president of the South Carolina OB-GYN Society, and receiving the Medical University of South Carolina’s Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2012. He is a devoted member of the Anglican Church of the Holy Comforter.
Britton’s dedication to service continues to drive his efforts to elevate Clemson as a premier institution of higher learning. His contributions have not only shaped the University’s past and present but also will influence its future through the Dr. and Mrs. John J. Britton (J.J. and Connie) Family Scholarship Endowment.
“J.J. consistently finds the behind-the-scenes work that nobody sees or knows about, and he gets it done out of pure love for students and the mission of our University.”
Kim Wilkerson
Chair, Clemson University Board of Trustees
Gosnold “Goz” Segars
Gosnold “Goz” Segars ’66 exemplifies the values of integrity, compassion and dedication in all areas of his life. After earning his agronomy degree from Clemson, Segars built a successful career across multiple industries, including real estate, industrial development, management and agriculture.
The Segars family has a long history of entrepreneurship, dating back to 1901. Segars’ “others-first” approach has carried forward a culture of quality and trust that has become synonymous with the family name. As a seventh-generation farmer, Segars remains dedicated to preserving the family’s farmland here in South Carolina. Segars is also the owner of an Angus beef breeding stock cattle ranch located in southeastern Montana, where he has established experiential learning opportunities for Clemson students through a $1.5 million gift to the College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences.
Segars has also left a lasting impact on Clemson University through his leadership and service. In 2003, Segars was appointed to the Clemson University Board of Visitors and served until 2006 when he was elected to serve on the Clemson University Foundation board of directors. Segars has also been deeply involved in service to the Clemson University Real Estate Foundation and the Clemson University Land Stewardship Foundation. In 2008, as our country went through a significant financial downturn, Segars was chair of the investment committee for the Clemson University Foundation. His successful decision-making throughout this crisis continues to inform the success that Clemson University has today.
For his incredible accomplishments at Clemson, Segars has been recognized by the University with multiple awards, including Clemson’s Institutional Advancement Award (2011), Clemson Alumni Association’s Distinguished Service Award (2012), the Ruby C. McSwain Outstanding Philanthropist Award (2013) and the Margaret Lloyd Award (2022).
Goz Segars’ dedication to his family, community and Clemson University will serve as an inspiration for future generations, and his legacy will continue to shape the future of South Carolina and beyond through his endowment, which supports scholarships, fellowships and other student engagement programs.
“Goz understands the importance of Clemson University and its role in supporting our country. He takes action to ensure that the agricultural community, especially in South Carolina, is well-equipped with the critical tools and new technologies needed to put food on tables.”
David Beasley
Former Governor of South Carolina
