Clemson National Scholars announces new class, 10th anniversary

Published: September 16, 2009

CLEMSON – The Clemson National Scholars Program has entered its 10^th year with eight new members.

The newest class of National Scholars includes:

• Chris Covey, microbiology major from Old Saybrook, Conn.;
• Brown Farinholt, electrical and computer engineering major from Richmond, Va.;
• Liz Johnson, accounting major from Galena, Ohio;
• Matthew Kofoed, engineering major from Simpsonville;
• Nadine Luedicke, bioengineering major from Columbia;
• Anna Merryman, health sciences major from Myrtle Beach;
• Edward Sullivan, civil and environmental engineering major from North Potomac, Md.; and
• Taylor Wells, civil engineering major from Columbia.

Jamie Williams, associate director of the National Scholars Program at Clemson, said this class has the highest average SAT score of any since 2002, at 1516, as well as the highest percentage with a No. 1 class rank since 2005.

“Since it began, the National Scholars Program has been a vital part of helping in Clemson’s efforts to become a top 20 institution,” Williams said. “Regardless of how they fare in the scholar competition, the top high school students around the country are choosing to make Clemson their college home and to conduct exciting, innovative research while they are here.”

In addition to celebrating the 10^th class this fall, Williams said the program has scheduled a celebratory weekend in late September.

“We’ll be hosting nearly 200 current scholars, alumni, parents and supporters of the program at a reception on Friday, Sept. 25, and at a tailgate on Saturday, Sept. 26,” he said. “The weekend will be a great time for all of us to reflect on how far the program has come in such a short time as well as to set the stage for the next 10 years.”

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