Proactive club leadership earns Ganesan special recognition
Each year, the Clemson Alumni Association takes time to reflect on the impact its volunteers have had on Clemson University, with one person typically rising to the top as having made a significant difference. In 2025, that person was Bharat Ganesan ’09.
Ganesan, who received his bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from Clemson, has held various volunteer roles with the Greenville Clemson Club, the Clemson Alumni Association’s largest official club representing more than 23,000 alumni in Greenville, South Carolina, and the surrounding areas. For reasons beyond its control, the club recently faced declining event attendance and financial support. As club president, Ganesan took the opportunity to reevaluate club goals and challenged its board to find ways to engage more alumni.
Under his direction, the club redefined event locations, hosting different pop-up events outside of downtown Greenville in areas where large pockets of alumni work and live. Last year, the club hosted a record number of events, including Clemson Day at The Drive; Welcome to the City for new graduates moving into the area; the Clemson Celebrity Softball Game featuring current and former Clemson athletes and coaches; the Annual Toy Drive; and multiple watch parties and social gatherings. He also spearheaded the club’s first-ever Pickleball Tournament. Thanks to Ganesan’s leadership, the club saw an increase in alumni participation and an influx of donations that made it possible for the club to fulfill its pledges to the Snow Family Outdoor Fitness and Wellness Complex and the Samuel J. Cadden Chapel, ensuring future Tigers benefit from spaces that inspire well-being, reflection and community.
In recognition of his leadership, Ganesan was named the Frank Kellers III Volunteer of the Year, presented annually by the Clemson Alumni Association to an alumnus/a who has demonstrated exceptional volunteerism and service to the organization.
“Bharat exemplifies what it means to be ‘Ever Loyal,’” said Tim Britton ’14, M ’22, who nominated Ganesan for the award. “His energy, creativity and commitment to Clemson are unmatched. He doesn’t just show up — he leads, he inspires, and he delivers.”
Whether organizing events, mentoring young alumni or fostering University partnerships, Ganesan’s impact is felt across generations of Tigers.
