Clemson University’s Przirembel awarded Order of the Palmetto

Published: November 3, 2009

Clemson University's Przirembel awarded Order of Palmetto image by: Clemson University

CLEMSON — Clemson University Vice President for Research and Economic Development Chris Przirembel is the latest South Carolinian to receive the Order of the Palmetto, the state’s highest honor bestowed on civilians.

Przirembel was surprised with a brief presentation ceremony Friday, Oct. 30, at the inaugural meeting of the South Carolina Centers of Economic Excellence Council of Chairs. Clemson alumnus Keith Munson, a member of the Centers of Economic Excellence Review Board, presented the award on behalf of Gov. Mark Sanford.

Munson read a letter from the governor outlining Przirembel’s distinguished career and his contributions to South Carolina. Clemson President James F. Barker announced last week that Przirembel will retire next April after 28 years of service to the university, where he has served as mechanical engineering faculty member and department head, and as associate dean of the College of Engineering and Science in addition to his current duties.

In his role as vice president for research and economic development, Przirembel has been instrumental in the development of the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR), an economic development model that combines critical academic and research programs that relate to a South Carolina growth industry with private partners in the industry. CU-ICAR was just named the Emerging Research/Science Campus for 2009 by the international Association of University Research Parks. To date, it has created more than 500 jobs and generated more than $215 million in public and private investment by the state of South Carolina and such companies as BMW, Michelin, Timken, Sun Microsystems and American Titanium Works, which recently announced it will locate a research and development facility at the Greenville campus and a manufacturing facility in Laurens County.

Przirembel’s personally compelling story was noted in the citation. A native of Germany, he arrived in the United States with his family in 1953 as an 11-year-old refugee. “For someone to arrive in this county speaking no English and knowing nothing about engineering and, in time, become a leader at a top engineering institution is an incredible achievement, and one for which you have my deep admiration,” Gov. Sanford wrote. “In short, this award honors a life well lived, and for all you have done to make our state an even better place to live, work, play, and learn, we extend our heartfelt gratitude. Thank you for upholding the highest ideals of servant leadership in all that you do.”

“I am deeply honored by this award,” Przirembel said. “My family and I have made South Carolina our home for the past 28 years. I am a product of public education and of a land-grant university, and I believe passionately that these education models serve our country well. It has been my privilege to be a part of advancing public education and working to improve the South Carolina economy and thus the opportunity for all South Carolinians, whether they are natives – as our grandchildren are – or, like me, ‘imports’ who also care deeply about our future.”

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