Clemson to celebrate Founder’s Day April 5

Published: March 30, 2010

CLEMSON — Clemson University’s annual Founder’s Day celebration will present “A Different Side of Mr. Clemson” at 5 p.m. Monday, April 5, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Pendleton.

The event will feature two speakers who will provide a fresh perspective on the life of university founder Thomas Green Clemson and his wife, Anna Calhoun Clemson.

History professor Don McKale will talk about Clemson’s life and what led to the decision to give his land to found a college. He also will share some little-known facts about Clemson.

Author Ann Ratliff Russell will speak on the life of Anna Calhoun Clemson and the role she played in the founding of the university. Russell is the author of the book “Legacy of a Southern Lady: Anna Calhoun Clemson, 1817-1875” and co-author of the biography “Thomas Green Clemson.”

Thomas Clemson's paintings will be on display, and the event will feature a violin performance of music he wrote. The event will conclude with a wreath laying on his grave.

“Founder’s Day is our opportunity to remember and commemorate Thomas Green Clemson,” said J.T. Clark, a senior landscape architecture major and member of Tiger Brotherhood, which organized the event. “If it wasn’t for his dream of this institution, none of us would be at Clemson today. The pleasures and education that students take advantage of today are all because of the vision Thomas and Anna Clemson had for this university.”

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