063-Annual-Report-2023-v13 Final pages - Flipbook - Page 18
HONORING FRIENDS AND PARTNERS
The College of Education honors alumni, partners and friends during its Alumni and Friends Celebration. The
Distinguished Friend of the College Award is presented to an individual or organization that has demonstrated
strong commitment to College initiatives, research endeavors and programs, while the College of Education
Distinguished Partnership Award allows the College to recognize a partnership that has provided sustained or
innovative support.
Distinguished Friend of the College Award
Al and Evelyn Berry
Al and Evelyn Berry shared a commitment to leaving a legacy within public school
education, driven by their passion for nurturing the potential in every student. Al worked as
a school administrator and home builder, while Evelyn began her career as a teacher before
becoming an administrator and later superintendent of Lexington School District One.
After retiring, the Berrys continued to volunteer their time, talents and resources in many
ways. Al Berry served on Clemson’s Board of Visitors, led the Board of Visitors as chairman
in 2000-2001 and was awarded the Distinguished Service Award — the highest honor that
the Alumni Association can bestow on an alumnus.
Al and Evelyn Berry established multiple scholarship endowments for students in the
College of Education and College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences, paying it
forward for the next generation.
Al Berry passed away in June of 2024 after a hard-fought battle with cancer, leaving behind
a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations. His life demonstrated the value of
hard work, proved that a determined attitude can open doors and reflected the enduring
importance of giving back to others.
Distinguished Partner of the College Award
Greenville Technical College and
Tri-County Technical College
Expressway to Tiger Town provides a seamless, accelerated pathway from high school
to a Clemson University education degree for students in several South Carolina school
districts. The partnership between the Clemson University College of Education, school
districts and both Greenville Technical College and Tri-County Technical College aims to
identify, inspire and prepare students for a career in education.
Participants in Expressway to Tiger Town take dual credit courses in high school, study for
one year at a technical college and then finish the remainder of the program at Clemson,
allowing them to receive a bachelor’s degree in just three years.
Our partners at Greenville Technical College and Tri-County Technical College have
worked closely with the College and school districts for years now to make the program
a reality, and students are seeing it as an attractive, cost-effective and efficient way
to pursue a rewarding career. The College of Education is proud to honor these valued
partners and looks forward to continuing to work alongside them to expand the program.
17 | College of Education
