Paul Hund

Civil engineering, engineering civility

Sir John Fowler, famed British engineer, once said of his profession: “Engineers are not mere technicians and should not approve or lend their name to any project that does not promise to be beneficent to man and the advancement of civilization.” Both professionally and personally, Paul Hund Jr. ‘60 is the living embodiment of Sir Fowler’s remark.

“My father was an architectural engineer. He really influenced me,” Hund stated, reflecting on his reasons for choosing to study Civil Engineering with an emphasis in construction. “I love to see things built.”

Paul enriched this love by taking full advantage of the practical experiences he considers the cornerstone of his Clemson education. “Being able to look at things, examine them—hands on experience is what makes Clemson great,” he said.

But Paul postponed his construction ambitions to work as an officer for the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey, a governmental agency where Paul was part of a team surveying the bottom of the Pacific Ocean from the coast of Hawaii to Alaska. “When you finished college, it was almost expected that you’d serve in the military,” he explained. “This was my service to my country.”

Following his governmental work, Paul did put his construction experience to use and has been involved in the business ever since. Even in retirement he stays active with the Charleston Contractors Association, a group he once chaired, as well as American Military Engineers.

And though Paul has helped build many physical structures, it’s the building of another kind that seems to be his passion: the building of community, of life changing projects—projects that Sir Fowler would have loved as much as Paul does.

His many service projects include involvement with the Red Cross as chairman of the Disaster Relief Committee; one of the founders of the James Island Outreach, a group to help victims of Hurricane Hugo; leadership within the Bethany United Methodist Church on James Island; and work with the Ronald McDonald House of Charleston.

“I was involved with the construction of a Ronald McDonald House in this area,” he recalled. “And when I retired I helped them add an additional 13 beds.”

The work he seems most proud of, though, is his involvement with the Clemson Board of Visitors, goodwill ambassadors appointed by the president. “Basically, we’re the cheerleading group for Clemson,” Paul said. “As part of the legislative committee, we go to Columbia at least once yearly and tell the legislature about exciting campus news.”

As the father of two alumni, Paul III ‘86 and Priscilla ‘87, Paul has sustained excitement about Clemson, but he’s thrilled to continue his involvement. “I get to stay connected during this extremely exciting part of Clemson history—as we move toward a top 20 institute.” 

From James Island, S.C., his residence and hometown, Paul hopes to continue his meaningful building, professionally and personally, with his wife Elizabeth, whom he married six years ago after being reacquainted at a high school reunion.

“It’s a fun time to be alive,” he said, in an admirable, enthusiastic, hopeful tone.