NATIONAL

SCHOLARS
PROGRAM
2013-2014
Annual Report
Our Mission Statement
In collaboration with other University ofces and programs, the mission of
Clemsons National Scholars Program (NSP) is as follows:
Recruit and select the top high school students from throughout the United
States.
Provide a competitive scholarship that covers all tuition, fees and other
required expenses.
Coordinate a rewarding summer of study and travel after freshman year.
Create and program intellectually challenging and rewarding enrichment
opportunities.
Provide individual and group advising that addresses and enhances the
National Scholars interests and skills.
Prepare the National Scholars to excel in graduate school and on fellowship
applications.
Our Supporters
The NSP is thankful to the Clemson Ofce of Development for its support
and deeply grateful for the considerable generosity of several Clemson alumni,
including the following:
The estate of Mr. and Mrs. William M. Ballenger, Class of 1923
J. Anderson Berly III, Class of 1978
Mr. and Mrs. Frank M. Bishop Jr., Class of 1965
Dr. and Mrs. Paul W. McAlister, Class of 1941*
The E. Smyth McKissick III, Class of 1979, Clemson National Scholars
Endowment
Dr. and Mrs. Richard A. McMahan, Class of 1954**
Dr. and Mrs. R. Roy Pearce, Class of 1941***
The von Rosenberg Family Endowment for Clemson National Scholars
Additionally, the NSP family has donated more than $200,000 to the NSP
Excellence Fund since 2009. These current scholars, alumni and parents have
made gifts to support the intellectual and professional enrichment programs
that are the hallmark of the NSP.
*Dr. McAlister passed away in January 2007; Mrs. McAlister passed away in April 2013.
**Dr. McMahan passed away in January 2011.
***Dr. Pearce passed away in November 2004.
On the Cover: Before their study abroad at
Stellenbosch University in South Africa during
summer 2013, the National Scholars toured
Cape Town and learned about apartheid.
Above: A group of junior and senior National Scholars
take a break at Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia
during the Maymester Educational Enrichment
Expedition in the Balkans.
A PROMISE
FULFILLED
I
f you add up the collective miles the
graduating National Scholars have
traveled as part of an NSP experience
to Cambridge University in England, to
Scotland, to Quebec City and St. Johns
Newfoundland in Canada and throughout the
Balkans in eastern Europe you could circle
the globe six times.
Add up where they have individually studied abroad,
conducted research or served needy populations in
India, Honduras, Italy and Belgium, to name only a few
and you could circle the globe six MORE times.
While it is safe to say that the senior National
Scholars passports are full, more importantly, Clemson
has fullled the promise made to these students four
years ago when they were invited to join the NSP.
We promised to provide the kind of undergraduate
education that could not be found anywhere else. We
promised small seminars that offered rigorous intellectual
discourse to complement their major course work. We
promised opportunities to explore around the world the
topics they studied in class. We promised the mentoring
to ensure that the promise they showed as high school
seniors was nurtured at Clemson. We promised the
exibility to advise in developing plans to challenge
and support them in being successful however THEY
dened their success both during and after their time
at Clemson.
In reviewing their accomplishments on the following
pages the leadership in key campus organizations, the
departmental and Universitywide awards, the research
conducted at Clemson and elsewhere, the service
conducted around the world youll see that the promise
of the NSP was exceeded, thanks to the creativity,
innovation and diligence of the scholars themselves.
Grace Greene
Highlights of the Year
Sociology professor Sarah Winslow, Ph.D., was selected as the second NSP Faculty Fellow
and joins Michael LeMahieu, Ph.D., in mentoring National Scholars and teaching the
NSP freshman seminar.
The NSP hosted a campus visit in the fall with Ta-Nehisi Coates, author and columnist for
The Atlantic magazine. Coates led a discussion of his book The Beautiful Struggle in the NSP
freshman seminar prior to a standing-room-only campus lecture, Why Do So Few Blacks
Study the Civil War?
A record number of National Scholars, NSP alumni and parents donated to the NSP
Excellence Fund this year. This small group has made more than $200,000 in gifts to
support our intellectual and professional development programs.
Six National Scholars participated in the Undergraduate Scholars Program Administrators
Associations Scholar Summit, a leadership institute bringing together dozens of students
from scholars programs around the country to develop ideas for program growth and
collaboration.
After ve years of service to the NSP, former assistant director Stefani Thachik left
Clemson to begin a doctoral program. Thachik was succeeded as assistant director by Katie
Bower.
The nalists chosen for 2014 were the strongest group in the programs history, with an
average SAT score of 1528, an average high school class rank in the top .7 percent and
more than 100 scores of 5 on Advanced Placement exams.
Building on a collaboration between Clemson and the World Bank, Parks, Recreation
and Tourism Management Professor Bob Powell, Ph.D., taught a spring course on wildlife
conservation and land management, which will be followed by a Maymester study abroad
in Bhutan.
History professor James Burns, Ph.D., continues to teach a course on African history to
prepare the rst-year National Scholars for their travels to Johannesburg, Durban and
Kruger National Park, South Africa, before their summer study abroad at Stellenbosch
University.
Ta-Nehisi Coates
2 A PROMISE FULFILLED
Looking back to your freshman year,
how do you think you have changed?
What promoted these changes?
Preston Berkeley: I almost cannot fathom
the person I was coming into college. Four
years later, I see fewer answers and more
questions. I try to look more for the words
Id speculate to precede opinion rather than
obviously. I was short on possessions and
long on opinions. On the way out of Clemson, I
hope Ive added some insight, knowledge and
perspective.
Chris Hapstack: Coming into college, I
hoped to change. I never expected to change
so much. I am more open-minded and take
a more global perspective in all that I do.
This is a direct result of the eye-opening
experiences afforded to me by the NSP. I could
have studied the politics of the Balkan states
all I wanted and never reached the same level
of understanding I gained from the candid
conversations I had with Serbian and Croatian
college students while on a NSP Maymester
trip there. I have also learned the art of
balancing my life, thanks in large part to the
examples set by older scholars. Im just glad
that I havent stopped growing yet.
Jenny Tumas: I came to Clemson with the
wide eyes of optimism and pink glasses of
naivet. Traveling abroad, becoming more
tuned into global affairs and working in
Detroit for a summer made me realize the
size and strength of prejudice, inequality and
marginalization of people. I have come to see
with glasses that are less pink, realizing both
the interconnectedness and vast size of the
world. My time at Clemson has tainted my
optimism with a bit of realism but never made
me see the world as too big to take on.
Jessica Lau: As I approach graduate school,
I am becoming more appreciative of the wide
variety of courses that I have taken. Now, more
than ever, I am aware of my goal to maintain
a well-rounded worldview by remaining an
active citizen in my community.
Karl Lykken: My present self is more aware
of my abilities and limitations, somewhat
less introverted and considerably more willing
to seek out assistance and advice than my
freshman self. The latter two of these changes
are largely attributable to the experiences I
have had and relationships that I have built
with my fellow National Scholars and other
Clemson family members who drew me a
little out of my shell and whose thoughts and
opinions I respect immensely.
Select Learning
Experiences:
Internship with IEEE-USA
(Energy Policy Research),
Washington, D.C.
Engineering Department
Honors Research with
Elham Makram, Ph.D.:
Policy and Modeling of
Transmission Planning
Internship with National
Renewable Energy Lab
(strategic energy analysis),
Denver, Colo.
Creative Inquiry with
Leidy Klotz, Ph.D.,
(Department of Civil
Engineering): Sustainable
Engineering and Energy
Decision-Making
Internship with Duke
Energy (transmission
planning), Charlotte, N.C.
Key Involvement, Leadership and
Recognition:
Blue Key Honor Society (vice president)
Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society
(president)
Omicron Delta Kappa Honor Society
(treasurer)
Clemson University Student
Government Research and Development
(director)
Engineers Without Borders (secretary)
Robert W. Moorman Award for Most
Outstanding Junior in the College of
Engineering and Science
Samuel B. Earle Award for Most
Outstanding Senior in the College of
Engineering and Science
Ross Beppler
Johns Creek, Ga.
Major: Electrical Engineering
3 SENIOR NATIONAL SCHOLARS

Key Involvement, Leadership and
Recognition:
Blue Key Honor Society (2013 Tigerama
director)
Engineers Without Borders (external vice
president)
2014 Senior Class Gift Committee
Clemson University Livestock Judging
Team
Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity (executive
board)
Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership Honor
Society
Dixon Global Policy Scholars Program
Dixon Fellows Program
Select Learning Experiences:
ExxonMobil Development
Company Instrumentation
and Controls internship,
Houston, Texas
E-Z-GO Parts and Accessories
Engineering internship,
Augusta, Ga.
Creative Inquiry on
sustainable water catchment
and treatment in Central
America, Engineers Without
Borders
Ross Beppler: I have become more
outgoing and more comfortable speaking in
both social and professional settings. I now
feel much more condent addressing other
people, and I think NSP has contributed to
that growth. Having meetings with high-
prole guests, taking a leadership role at
Clemson and just discussing things with
others in the program has developed my
conversation skills.
What do you hope to have
accomplished by the time you
graduate from Clemson?
Preston Berkeley: I hope to have formed
relationships that stand the test of time. As
Ive moved through college, my focus has
transitioned from very concrete goals to
less tangible ambitions. I think less about
academic achievements and recognition
than I once did and more about building
memories and relationships that have more
lasting value.
Chris Hapstack: I hope to leave Clemson
and specically the National Scholars
Program in a better state than when I got
here. Whether that comes in the form of
improving organizations, starting new NSP
traditions or even just helping out a friend,
I feel both the desire and the obligation to
do so.
Jenny Tumas: I hope to have my research
on nutrition labeling published in a
social science journal. I hope to have
represented Clemson at the debate world
championships. And I hope to have made
an impact on the Clemson community
through my community service, work as a
writing tutor and a tness instructor, and
commitment to my friends.
Karl Lykken: By graduation, I hope to have
acquired a plethora of skills and knowledge
that could potentially help me in my future
ventures, formed lasting friendships,
determined where I will begin my career,
helped broaden and diversify Clemsons
intellectual environment, and gured out a
direction for my life.
Sarah Waddill: I hope to have developed
my skills in design and application of
engineering concepts enough to feel
condent and prepared for a future career.
Preston Berkeley
Ranson, W.Va.
Major: Electrical Engineering
4 SENIOR NATIONAL SCHOLARS
Select Learning
Experiences:
Creative Inquiry with
Todd Schweisinger,
Ph.D., (Department of
Mechanical Engineering):
Development of a
Pediatric Arm Support
for a Hospital Treatment
Room
Project services
internship with the
ExxonMobil Production
Company, Houston,
Texas
Machinery internship
with the ExxonMobil
Production Company,
Houston, Texas
Key Involvement, Leadership and Recognition:
Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership Honors Society
(president, honor stole chair)
Engineers Without Borders (vice president, Nicaragua
project team)
Blue Key Honor Society
Teaching assistant, Department of Mechanical
Engineering
Outstanding Junior in Mechanical Engineering Award
NSP New Scholar Retreat (team leader)
Community youth Lego robotics team (coach)
Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society
What has been the greatest lesson
youve learned during your time at
Clemson?
Preston Berkeley: The culturally broadening
experiences Ive had over my college career have
exposed a world to me that I never knew existed.
From a global perspective, I had a fairly narrow
set of experiences coming into college, and the
opportunity to see so many things outside of
this gave me an awareness that the world offers
possibilities that are innite when compared
with our short time to explore them.
Chris Hapstack: I learned what motivates
me and thus how to be effective in all that
I do. From class projects to organizations to
internships, I have been innitely more engaged
when I nd my work challenging and interesting.
I learned that the hardest things in life are the
most rewarding because the more you put into
something, the more you will gain from it. While
I may have struggled through some challenges,
the knowledge and skills I gained made all the
work worth it.
Jenny Tumas: The most important lesson I will
take away from my time at Clemson is that life
is not about what you have done, its about who
youve become. It is all too easy to feel like who
you are is dened by what you do. My time at
Clemson has shown me that being an honest,
hard-working, passionate person will enable me
to do the things I want, but I am still that person
regardless of what those things are.
Karl Lykken: Perhaps the greatest lesson Ive
learned at Clemson is that working with other
people can actually be better than working
alone. While at Clemson, I found that there are
other people who can not only contribute great
ideas and work to a group project, but also help
to excite me about what we are doing and drive
me to work harder and more efciently than I
would on my own.
Ross Beppler: The greatest lessons I have
learned during my time at Clemson are that its
okay to say no and okay to change your mind.
The important thing is nding things you are
passionate about and giving 100 percent to
those endeavors.
Sarah Waddill: Ive learned that I have to
nd my own balance between classes, work,
involvement and personal life. That balance is
different from other peoples and particularly
other National Scholars, but it is essential
for my own health and well-being to know my
balance and keep to it.
Chris Hapstack
Greenville, S.C.
Major: Mechanical Engineering
5 SENIOR NATIONAL SCHOLARS
Select Learning Experiences:
Research in the Department
of Bioengineering in
developing a polymeric
prodrug for amebiasis
infection (honors thesis),
Jeoung Soo Lee, Ph.D.
Amgen Scholars Program
research internship in
immunology engineering at
Columbia University, New
York, N.Y.
Department of Energy
Science Undergraduate
Laboratory internship in
tuberculosis diagnostics
at Lawrence Livermore
National Laboratory,
Livermore, Calif.
French immersion semester
study abroad at the
Universit catholique de
Louvain, Belgium
Creative Inquiry with
Meredith McCarroll, Ph.D.,
(Department of English):
Researching Effective
Methods for Tutoring in
Writing
Research in the Department
of Chemical and
Biomolecular Engineering in
gold nanoparticle synthesis,
Christopher Kitchens, Ph.D.

Key Involvement, Leadership and
Recognition:
Writing Fellows Program tutor
Women in Science and Engineering
(mentor, professional committee chair)
Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society
(Engineering Week chair)
Alpha Omega Epsilon (professional
committee chair)
Undergraduate Clemson Bioengineering
Society (newsletter committee chair)
Decipher magazine (staff writer)
The Tiger newspaper (columnist)
Clemson Dancers
THE HIGHLIGHTS. What has been
your most enlightening or favorite
moment as a National Scholar?
Preston Berkeley: I will always remember
taking my seat on the plane back from
our study abroad in Cambridge after
my freshman year. I had been out of the
country for nearly three months, traveling
through parts of central and western
Europe. I was struck by a sense that I had
t more life experience in a relatively short
period of time than I had for much of my
life.
Chris Hapstack: The study-abroad trips
sponsored by NSP have unquestionably
been my best experiences in college.
International travel in itself is always a
learning experience, but the NSP trips
have taught me more than I could have
ever learned on my own. I had special
opportunities (such as meeting with
advisers to the Bosnian president and
with the staff of the American Embassy
in Belgrade) that would not have been
available otherwise. Most importantly, the
other scholars have given me the advice, I
needed to become the person I am today.
Jenny Tumas: One of my most challenging
moments at Clemson was deciding to quit
the rowing team. I rowed for two years
for the varsity team, and I blamed a back
injury when I quit. My back was injured,
but leaving the rowing team symbolized a
shift in my priorities. It was challenging
to fundamentally change the way I dened
myself. I had to start making decisions
about what I wanted to do with my life, and
I had to nd things to do in college that
prepared me for whatever that was.
Jessica Lau: My most enlightening
experience during my undergraduate career
came during my semester abroad studying
French at the Universit catholique de
Louvain in Belgium. I was able to reect
on my personal and academic goals. I
returned to Clemson more condent of how
I t into my community and how I aim to
shape the world.
Karl Lykken: While at the NSP retreat, we
had a book discussion about the graphic
novel Watchmen. That discussion proved to
be the rst of many with my fellow scholars
that exposed me to new and interesting
ideas and challenged my preconceptions.
Jessica Lau
Glen Allen, Va.
Major: Bioengineering
6 SENIOR NATIONAL SCHOLARS
Select Learning
Experiences:
Design internship at Sage
Automotive Interiors
(summer 2012 and 2013)
Greenville, S.C.
Study abroad at Charles
E. Daniel Center for
Building Research and
Urban Studies in Genoa,
Italy
Key Involvement, Leadership and
Recognition:
Habitat for Humanity (volunteer)
Pleasant Valley Connection Community
Center (art camp director)
American Institute of Architecture
student
SURPRISE! What has surprised you
most about your experiences as
a Clemson student and National
Scholar?
Preston Berkeley: Nothing. And everything. All
at the same time. On one hand I could have
never imagined how the last four years would
play out. And yet, every expectation I could
have had for college was met.
Chris Hapstack: I really didnt think I
would enjoy it this much. I have been able
to accomplish more at Clemson thanks
entirely to the support of the NSP than
I ever could have at another university. Ive
seen more of the world in these four years
than I could have ever hoped. Coming to
Clemson and being a part of this amazing
program was the best decision of my life.
Jenny Tumas: The support network at Clemson,
and as a National Scholar specically, is
astounding. I have developed relationships
with NSP alumni who are willing to talk with
me at length about their careers and give me
advice. Most of the best professors on campus
are connected to NSP in some way, and their
willingness to provide advice, support and
guidance has been instrumental to my success.
Equally as important, the friendships that I
have made through NSP have given me a safe
space to test limits, question what I know and
nd my own boundaries.
Jessica Lau: I am surprised at the ease with
which I accomplished the goals that I set
for myself when I was a freshman. I came
to Clemson with a game plan, expecting to
accomplish a specic set of tasks during
my undergraduate career. I have met all
these goals and more, in part because of the
support from the NSP students, alumni and
advisers. I was encouraged to pursue these
goals early on, even though I had barely begun
my academic training.
Karl Lykken: I was very surprised upon
coming to Clemson to discover how easy it
was to obtain leadership positions in and
become heavily involved with all sorts of
organizations that may not relate to anything
one has done previously. I recall my surprise
upon being elected Opinions editor of the
campus newspaper my freshman year. This
experience and many others demonstrate
the wealth and diversity of meaningful
opportunities that are open to scholars and
other motivated students at Clemson.
Fielding Lowrance
Greenville, S.C.
Major: Architecture
7 SENIOR NATIONAL SCHOLARS
Key Involvement, Leadership and
Recognition:
The Tiger newspaper (Opinions section
editor, columnist)
Clemson University Student Government
Sustainability Committee (assistant
director)
Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society
Engineers Without Borders
Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society
Alice Louise Gray Fulmer Award for
Sophomore in the Department of
Mathematical Sciences
John Charles Harden Award for Junior in
Mathematical Sciences
Select Learning Experiences:
Assistant teacher for
Cryptography for Duke Talent
Identication Program,
Davidson, N.C.
Creative Inquiry with
Tauquar Khan, Ph.D.,
(Department of Mathematical
Sciences): Mammography
and Radiology
Internship with Los Alamos
National Laboratory
modeling atmospheric
plume dispersion in urban
environments, Los Alamos,
N.M.
SENIOR NATIONAL SCHOLARS
Ross Beppler: What surprised me the most
was the lack of pressure that I felt as a result
of being a National Scholar. Nobody ever told
me that I had to do something because I
was a National Scholar or tried to get me to
take a specic path. I was able to make my
own journey, and it was an adventure but
benecial in the long run.
THE NEXT CHAPTER. How do you
feel about moving on to another
school after graduation or into a job
after your time at Clemson?
Chris Hapstack: I am certainly nervous
about taking the next step after college,
but I remind myself that my successes here
will help me to build success elsewhere.
Jenny Tumas: I cannot imagine having a
better four years to prepare myself for life
after college. I am excited to take everything
Clemson has helped me learn and apply it
to a career. I am sad to leave my network of
support and a bit nervous to walk away from
all the opportunities that I was afforded by
Clemson. I am absolutely prepared and ready
for the next step, but Clemson is a lot to leave
behind.
Jessica Lau: I feel prepared to move on to
graduate school. In fact, I felt prepared at
some point in the last year. I am ready to
start graduate school and dedicate more
time to laboratory research.
Karl Lykken: I feel well-prepared for the job
that I plan to move into after graduation.
While I will face many new challenges in
this position and surely have a lot to learn,
my time at Clemson has given me the skills
and condence that I need to tackle most
of the trials that lie ahead of me and to
elicit the help that I need to overcome any
problems.
Ross Beppler: I feel as though I can
compete with anyone in the country. I am
well-rounded and able to think on my feet,
which will serve me well wherever I end up.
Sarah Waddill: I feel mostly prepared for
moving on. I think that most people feel
some degree of questioning whether they
are prepared for the next step in life, but I
think that Clemson has prepared me well.
Karl Lykken
Wheaton, Ill. Phi Beta Kappa
Major: Mathematical Sciences
8
Select Learning
Experiences:
Internship with
Environmental
and Physical
Sciences Technical
Communications Team
at Los Alamos National
Laboratory, Los Alamos,
N.M.
Creative Inquiry with
Michael Morris, Ph.D.,
(Department of Political
Science): Canadian
Political Values and
Responses
University of Michigan
Summer Enrichment
Program in Health Policy
and Administration,
internship with
Neighborhood Service
Organization, a nonprot
in Detroit, Mich.
Internship with Clemson
Ofce of Government
Affairs
Key Involvement, Leadership and
Recognition:
James F. Byrnes Award in American
Government
ClemsonLIFE volunteer
Outstanding Debater Award
Clemson Debate Team
Writing Fellows Program tutor
India Housing Project
Dixon Global Policy Scholars Program
Fike Recreation Center (tness instructor)
Political Science Student Advisory Board
SENIOR NATIONAL SCHOLARS
FAREWELL NATIONAL SCHOLARS
PROGRAM! How has participation in the
National Scholars Program prepared you
to meet your academic, personal and
professional goals?
Preston Berkeley: NSP is the single greatest
educational experience I could imagine. When
I decided to come to Clemson, it was for that
program. While I know that there will be goals I
fail to meet, I can condently say that these will
be goals that I couldnt have even attempted to
achieve without the development I experienced
at Clemson.
Chris Hapstack: In many respects, I consider
myself a better person today than I was four years
ago. I am more intelligent, more professional and
more equipped to handle the challenges of life
after college. I am a better leader, and I live a
more balanced life. I credit the National Scholars
Program and especially the incredible people
involved in every aspect of NSP.
Jenny Tumas: Academically NSP has allowed
me to connect with professors who supported my
research and became my advisers. The program
has always supported my varied academic
schedule. Professionally National Scholars has
put me in touch with alumni who have given
me irreplaceable career advice. Personally NSP
has been a network of support like none other at
Clemson. People in NSP are always challenging
each other to achieve, to do the great things
and simultaneously appreciating and accepting
each other.
Jessica Lau: My personal goal is to continually
learn, particularly in subjects with which I am
unfamiliar. Participation in the NSP Maymester
experience about the disintegration of Yugoslavia
prepared me to understand new ideas outside
of my comfort zone. By applying my interest in
foreign languages to unfamiliar topics, I gained
a better understanding of the material and an
appreciation for how I can help myself learn.
Karl Lykken: NSP provided me with a challenging
yet supportive and noncompetitive environment
that encouraged me to push myself to develop
my skills and test my limits. As such, NSP gave
me both the freedom to settle on goals that I
personally nd important and the encouragement
and stimulation needed to grow into the kind of
person who can accomplish these goals.
Ross Beppler: The National Scholars program
has given me access to all the resources I need
to meet my goals and provided advice on how to
best take advantage of them.
Jenny Tumas
Los Alamos, N.M. Phi Beta Kappa
Major: Political Science
9
Key Involvement, Leadership and
Recognition:
Alpha Omega Epsilon Engineering and
Science Sorority (professional chair)
Undergraduate teaching assistant
(engineering department)
Residents in Science and Engineering
tutor
Calhoun Honors College mentor
Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society
Pi Tau Sigma Mechanical Engineering
Honor Society
Select Learning Experiences:
Research Experience for
Undergraduates at Florida
State University S.T.R.I.D.E.
robotics lab designing
climbing and walking robots,
Tallahassee, Fla.
Mechanical engineering
internship at Hartness
International (packaging
equipment R&D) Greenville,
S.C.
Clemson Department of
Mechanical Engineering
research on variable mold
thermoforming machine

FAREWELL, CLEMSON! What do
you think you will miss most about
Clemson and the National Scholars
Program?
Preston Berkeley: The National Scholars
Program has offered me the opportunity to
make some of the best friends I could have
imagined. Weve been through the canals
of Cambridge, tried haggis in Scotland and
wandered the streets of Bosnia together.
Weve laughed, argued, negotiated,
speculated and someone has probably even
cried. I will undoubtedly miss seeing these
people every day more than anything else
Clemson has given me.
Chris Hapstack: Never again will I expect to
have such incredible opportunities and such a
large support network directly at my ngertips.
As a National Scholar, I have the feeling that
I can accomplish anything, not just because
I am smart or skilled, but also because I can
rely on so many amazing people.
Jenny Tumas: The community. NSP has
given me the opportunity to develop
friendships with Clemsons most motivated
students. My friends in NSP are doing
phenomenal research, volunteer projects
and leadership activities every day. More
importantly, they have been my support
group for the past four years.
Jessica Lau: After graduating from
Clemson, I will attend graduate school
to develop my knowledge in a specialized
eld. I will miss being part of a community
as diverse as NSP, where I have interacted
with and been challenged by peers from all
disciplines. I have been exposed to a wide
range of ideas, subjects and opportunities
that have shaped my educational path.
Karl Lykken: I will miss the people most.
My fellow National Scholars are some of the
most interesting, enjoyable and brilliant
people I have had the privilege to meet,
and while I will certainly keep in touch with
many of them, I will miss having them
around.
Ross Beppler: The National Scholars
program has given me some of my closest
friends, most inuential mentors and
trusting relationships.
Sarah Waddill: I will miss the friends I
have made through the NSP and the honors
college. The atmosphere of these programs
makes it easy to make like-minded friends.
Sarah Waddill
Rock Hill, S.C.
Major: Mechanical Engineering
SENIOR NATIONAL SCHOLARS 10
OTHER NATIONAL SCHOLARS
Third-year Scholars
Brittany Avin | Greenville, N.C. | Genetics
Jessica Feltracco | Cumming, Ga. | Biological Sciences
Oliva Keane | Richmond, Va. | Microbiology
Matthew Miller | Elon, N.C. | Mechanical Engineering
Kelly Moran | Wasilla, Alaska | Mathematical Sciences
Paige Pribonic | Hudson, Wis. | Language and
International Health
Michaela Reinhart | Charlotte, N.C. | Biochemistry
Medha Vyavahare | Easley, S.C. | Bioengineering
Lisa Watkins | Atlanta, Ga. | Environmental Engineering
Second-year Scholars
Kristin Buhrow | Lexington, S.C. | Language and
International Trade and Anthropology
Andrew Carlin | Mason, Ohio | Chemical Engineering
Kaitlin Carter | Springeld, Tenn. | Mathematical
Sciences
Matthew DeAngelis | Spartanburg, S.C. | Computer
Engineering
Aryana Derakhshan | Florence, S.C. | Political Science
Maxwell Franks | Greenville, S.C. | Computer Science
Austin Herbst | Easley, S.C. | Bioengineering
Laura Jameson | Great Falls, Va. | Industrial Engineering
Shannon Kay| Gastonia, N.C. | Industrial Engineering
Katie Stahel | Marrero, La. | Chemical Engineering
Zachary Whiteman | Franklin, Tenn. | Architecture
Jenny Wilson | Charlotte, N.C. | Soils and Sustainable
Crop Systems
First-year Scholars
Carter Ellis | Mt. Pleasant, S.C. | Bioengineering
Amanda Farthing | Indiatlantic, Fla. | Engineering
Aaron Gordon | Bethesda, Md. | Engineering
Grace Green | McDonough, Ga. | Microbiology
Zach Hawks | Cedar Park, Texas | Engineering
Caroline Hensley | Waxhaw, N.C. | Pre-Professional
Health
Katelyn Ragland | Knoxville, Tenn. | Bioengineering
Eliza Rhodes | Beaufort, S.C. | Engineering
Jacki Rohde | Arlington Heights, Ill. | Engineering
Claire Spellberg | Chevy Chase, Md. | English
OTHER SCHOLARS
Eliza Rhodes and Caroline Hensley
11
Achieng Adongo 11: Clemson University, masters in
industrial engineering
Jill Allen 08: Harvard University, masters in urban
planning
Katharine Amaltano 12: University of Cincinnati,
M.D.
Damon Andrews 08: University of Iowa, J.D.
Darcy Austin 04: Georgia State University, masters in
teaching
Alexandra Battey 10: Quad Graphics, placement into
highly selective advanced leadership training program
Brent Berkompas 10: Courier Printing, Nashville,
placement into highly selective advanced leadership
training program
Paul Blichmann 10: Clemson University, masters in
bioengineering
Bethany Boerckel 09: University of South Carolina,
masters in library science
Mark Boerckel 09: Clemson University, MBA
Ben Boone 11: BB&T bank, placement into highly
selective advanced leadership training program
Caitlin Boone 11: Wake Forest University, masters in
education
Colby Brooks 08: Capgemini Inc., telecommunications
development manager, Atlanta, Ga.
Juston Brown 08: Clemson University, masters in civil
engineering
Maeve Budi 12: University of Florida, Ph.D. in
materials engineering
Kristina Catani 09: Clemson University, masters in
economics
Amanda Cheung 06: University of South Carolina,
M.D.
Clarice Clemmens 05: University of South Carolina,
M.D.
Matt Clemmens 07: Consultant for Blackbaud Inc.
Jeff Clinkscales 07: University of South Carolina,
M.D.
Chris Covey 13: University of Denver, Ph.D. in
microbiology
Judith Crews 11: Clemson University, masters in
architecture and health
Ashley Denney 04: University of Alabama-Birmingham,
M.D.
Jessica Dean 11: Florida State University, masters in
higher education-student affairs
Rebecca Deery 12: Clemson University, masters in
education/teaching
Nadine Luedicke Dispenza 13: Yale University, Ph.D. in
bioengineering
Ten classes of National Scholars have graduated, and each has moved on to pursue further studies
at leading universities around the world and employment with Fortune 500 companies, including
the following:
ALUMNI
ALUMNI NATIONAL SCHOLARS 12
John Dixon 08: Harvard University, Ph.D.
in the history of American civilization
Rob Dixon 07: Carnegie Mellon
University, masters in robotics
Shannon Edd 10: Stanford University,
Ph.D. in mechanical engineering
Colleen Eils 08: University of Texas-
Austin, Ph.D. in English
Brian Eyink 06: Duke University, J.D.
Brown Farinholt, 13: University of
California at San Diego, PhD. in
computer science
Ben Garrison 09: Clemson University,
masters in computer engineering
Randy Gelhausen 10: Accenture Inc.,
technology labs consultant
Elizabeth Glaesemann 10: Virginia Tech,
masters in accounting
Joseph Godsey 04: International Institute
for Management Development, MBA;
Adidas Group, senior business solution
manager, Herzogenaurach, Germany
Allison Godwin 11: Clemson University,
Ph.D. in engineering and science
education
Stephen Gosnell 07: UC-Santa Barbara,
Ph.D. in biology
Mark Gramling 05: Vanderbilt,
Postdoctoral Research Fellow; UNC-
Chapel Hill, Ph.D. in immunopathology
Michael Griswold 09: UNC-Charlotte,
masters in public administration
Casey Hancock 06: Sonoco Products
Co., research and development chemist,
Hartsville, S.C.
Lauren Haroff 12: Fulbright Scholar,
Uganda
Laura Hart 07: University of Cincinnati,
M.D.
Jacob Hicks 05: University of Georgia,
Ph.D. in mathematics; UNC-Chapel Hill,
Ph.D. in computer science
Kate Hicks 07: Medical University
of South Carolina, M.D.; Clemson
University, masters in biosystems
engineering
Lauren Hock 12: Fulbright Scholar,
Ecuador
Katherine Chisholm Horton 05:
Emory University, M.P.H. in global
epidemiology
Taylor Hughes 12: Medical University of
South Carolina, M.D.
Lucas Hurd 10: University of Wisconsin,
masters in nuclear engineering and
engineering physics; Clemson University,
Ph.D. in physics
James Hyde 12: Clemson University,
masters in bioengineering
Susie Irizarry 11: University of Idaho,
masters in conservation social science
Zan Isgett 12: UNC-Chapel Hill, Ph.D. in
psychology
Liz Johnson 13: Vanguard, placement
into highly selective advanced leadership
training program
Kelly Jones 07: West Virginia University,
medical school
Jamie Kearns 06: Columbia (N.Y.)
University, M.D.
Matt Kerr 04: University of Washington,
Ph.D. in physics; Cambridge (UK),
advanced studies in mathematics
Rachel Kimrey 06: Clemson University,
masters in education
Matthew Kofoed 13: Medical University of
South Carolina, M.D.
Nathan Kwan 08: Johns Hopkins
University, masters in electrical
engineering
Stephen Lareau 08: UNC-Chapel Hill,
J.D.
Rahul Loungani 10: Medical University of
South Carolina, M.D.
ALUMNI NATIONAL SCHOLARS 13
Michelle Malecha 04: General Electric,
placement into highly selective advanced
leadership training program; Duke
University, MBA
Robert McCowen 04: Western Michigan
University Mallinson Institute for Science
Education, Graduate Research Fellow
Jennifer Moftt 11: Eastman Chemical
Company, research chemical engineer
Ahmed Mohiuddin 06: Medical University
of South Carolina, M.D.
Erica Morrison 10: Clemson University,
masters in graphic communications
Zach Musgrave 11: University of
Michigan, Ph.D. in computer science and
engineering
Meredith Myers 10: Boston Conservatory,
masters in musical theater
Ashley Neal, 04: Yale University, M.D.
Ariel Nissan, 12: Clemson University,
masters in bioengineering
Andrew Park 09: Vanderbilt University,
Ph.D. in chemical engineering
Suzanne Parks 09: Clemson University,
Ph.D. in bioengineering
Lori Pindar 09: University of Georgia,
masters in journalism; Clemson
University, Ph.D. in educational leadership
Laura Pollock 09: Cornell University,
veterinary school
Jennifer Rahn 10: Vanderbilt University,
medical school
Jenny Reeves 05: University of Georgia,
masters in marketing research
Chelsea Reighard 08: University of
Michigan, medical school; Bank Street
College of Education, masters in
education
Will Sams 05: Georgia Tech, masters in
physics; North Carolina State, Ph.D. in
physics
Reid Sanders 11: Textbookia startup
company
Elizabeth Sloan 11: UT-Southwestern,
medical school
Christen Smith 07: Princeton, masters in
economics and public policy; Peace Corps
assignment in Ethiopia
Lauren Smith 07: General Electric,
corporate auditor
Ray Smith 11: Massachusetts Institute
of Technology, Ph.D. in chemical
engineering
Will Spink 05: Covenant Theological
Seminary, masters in divinity
Ryan Spurrier 08: Duke University,
masters in divinity
Michael Stadnisky 05: University of
Virginia, Ph.D. in infectious disease
Jeremy Stovall 05: University of Vermont,
masters in natural resource management;
Virginia Tech, Ph.D. in forestry
Edward Sullivan, 13: University of
California at San Diego, Ph.D. in
computer science
Joshua Von Fange 11: Fluor Corp., account
manager, Shanghai, China
Ben Ward 09: Vanderbilt University, Ph.D.
in economics
Elizabeth Ward 04: University of
Tennessee, J.D.
Suzanne Weaver 07: UNC-Chapel Hill,
medical school
Taylor Wells 13: Washington University
at St. Louis, Ph.D. in mechanical
engineering
Chris Welch 04: UNC-Chapel Hill, medical
school and Ph.D. in pharmacology
Yousef Yasin 07: Wake Forest University,
M.D.
Amanda Youell 07: Vanderbilt University,
masters in math education
Jeff Young 05: Georgia Tech, Ph.D. in
computer engineering
Joe Ziska 05: Clemson University, masters
in economics
ALUMNI NATIONAL SCHOLARS 14
Raquel Anido, Ph.D., languages professor
Scott Baier, Ph.D., economics professor
Stephanie Barczewski, Ph.D., history professor
Alma Bennett, Ph.D., English professor
Richard Blob, Ph.D., biological sciences professor
A.B. Bodine, Ph.D., animal and veterinary sciences
professor
James Bottum, vice provost and chief information
ofcer
Richard Brooks, Ph.D., electrical and computer
engineering professor
James Burns, Ph.D., history professor
Neil Burton, Ph.D., cooperative education program
Neil Calkin, Ph.D., mathematical sciences professor
Bruce Clark, 2008 Obama campaign deputy
director
Patti Connor-Greene, Ph.D., psychology professor
Murray Daw, Ph.D., physics professor
Delphine Dean, Ph.D., bioengineering professor
Angela Dills, Ph.D., economics professor
Roy Dodd, Ph.D., bioengineering professor
Sherry Dorris, FIRST program coordinator
Michael Dorsch, Ph.D., marketing professor
William Dougan, Ph.D., economics professor
Caye Drapcho, Ph.D., bioengineering professor
Jonathan Beecher Field, Ph.D., English professor
Jeffrey Fine, Ph.D., political science professor
Robert Geist, Ph.D., computer science professor
C. Lane Glaze, Wesley Foundation campus minister
Charles Gooding, Ph.D., chemical engineering
professor
Rusty Guill, associate dean of students
Traci Harrington, former program coordinator,
CBBS Ofce of Student Engagement
Harry Harritos, architecture professor
Chris Heavner, Lutheran campus minister and
Habitat for Humanity adviser
Robert Hogan, architecture professor
Stephen Hubbard, Ph.D., electrical and computer
engineering professor
Dana Irvin, Honors College adviser
Karyn Ogata Jones, Ph.D., communications studies
professor
Karen Kemper, Ph.D., public health sciences
professor
Toshiko Kishimoto, languages professor
Leidy Klotz, Ph.D., civil engineering professor
Robin Kowalski, Ph.D., psychology professor
Since our rst graduating class, each cohort of National Scholars chooses faculty and staff
to honor with the National Scholars Program Award of Distinction. This recognition goes
to individuals for their tireless commitment to the intellectual, professional and personal
development of each graduating class of scholars. These are our recipients.
MENTOR AWARDS
NATIONAL SCHOLARS MENTOR AWARD
Michael LeMahieu
15
Thompson Mefford Rachel Mayo
NATIONAL SCHOLARS MENTOR AWARD
Martine LaBerge, Ph.D., bioengineering professor
Miguel Larsen, Ph.D., physics professor
Patricia Layton, Ph.D., environmental and natural
resources professor
Michael LeMahieu, Ph.D., English professor
Nancy Leininger, graphic communications professor
Jeff Love, Ph.D., languages and humanities
professor
Steven Marks, Ph.D., history professor
Vladimir Matic, J.J.D., political science professor
Todd May, Ph.D., philosophy professor
Rachel Mayo, Ph.D., public health sciences professor
Meredith McCarroll, Ph.D., English professor
Bobby McCormick, Ph.D., economics professor
James McCubbin, Ph.D., psychology professor
Tamara McNutt-Scott, Ph.D., biological sciences
professor
Thompson Mefford, Ph.D., materials science and
engineering professor
Jim Morris, Ph.D., biochemistry professor
Jiro Nagatomi, Ph.D., biomedical engineering
professor
Liam OHara, Ph.D., graphic communications
professor
Gary Powell, Ph.D., biochemistry professor
Krista Rudolph, Ph.D., biological sciences professor
Robert Schalkoff, Ph.D., electrical and computer
engineering professor
Eric Seiber, Ph.D., public health sciences professor
Kerrie Seymour, performing arts professor
Windsor Sherrill, Ph.D., public health sciences
professor
Kelly Smith, Ph.D., philosophy professor
Melissa Smith, Ph.D., electrical and computer
engineering professor
Elizabeth Stephan, Ph.D., general engineering
professor
Zeynep Taydas, Ph.D., political science professor
Lesly Temesvari, Ph.D., biological sciences professor
Mark Thies, Ph.D., chemical engineering professor
Charles Thomas, Ph.D., economics professor
Terry Tritt, Ph.D., physics professor
Jerry Waldvogel, Ph.D., biological sciences professor
Lance Young, College of Business and Behavioral
Sciences adviser
Yanhua Zhang, Ph.D., languages professor
John Ziegert, Ph.D., mechanical engineering
professor
David Zumbrunnen, Ph.D., mechanical engineering
professor
16
Clemsons Premier Scholarship Program
The Clemson University National Scholars Program provides a select
number of extraordinary freshmen with an extraordinary educational
experience that includes the following:
A competitive four-year scholarship
Summer study abroad
Academic seminars that explore critical thinking
Ongoing enrichment opportunities throughout the year
The Clemson National Scholars are also members of Calhoun
Honors College, which provides advanced course work and research
opportunities as well as support in competing for major national
and international fellowships. Clemson University is committed to
providing an unmatched undergraduate experience to each of our
Clemson National Scholars.
A Great University
Clemson University is a nationally ranked
research university that has managed to remain
a student-centered community. Students are
engaged, spirited, highly competitive and
according to one guidebook the nations
happiest. Clemson offers a teaching and
learning environment more common to private,
liberal arts colleges, but with the increased
academic, community service and social
opportunities found at a major public university,
all on a beautiful campus surrounded by lakes,
forests and mountains. Clemsons enrollment
is more than 20,000. Students can select
from approximately 80 undergraduate degree
programs and 110 graduate degree programs.
Contact Us
Jamie Williams
Director
jamwill@clemson.edu
Katie Bower
Assistant Director
bowerz@clemson.edu
Michael LeMahieu
Faculty Fellow
mlemahi@clemson.edu
William Lasser
Director, Calhoun Honors College
lasser@clemson.edu
Chelsea Muhlhahn
Graduate Assistant
muhlhah@clemson.edu
Clemson National Scholars Program
232 Brackett Hall
Clemson, SC 29634-5108
Telephone: 864-656-6160
Website: clemson.edu/national_scholars
The National Scholars Program is
the single biggest reason that I came
to Clemson, and I think the biggest
compliment I can pay the program and
the University is that if I had to do it all
over again, I wouldnt change a thing.
Ross Beppler