Ron and Katherine Harper named honorary Clemson University alumni

Published: August 9, 2011

Wil Brasington (center), senior director of alumni relations, and Claude Lilly (standing), dean of the College of Business and Behavioral Science, present a certificate naming Katherine and Ron Harper honorary alumni. image by: Clemson University

CLEMSON — The Clemson Alumni Association has named Ron and Katherine Harper of Stanley, N.C., honorary alumni.

The Harpers have been strong supporters of Clemson University for more than 20 years. The culmination of their support was a fall 2009 gift of $1.1 million to the graphic communications department in the College of Business and Behavioral Science and the Sonoco Institute.

“As a couple they have given Clemson far more support than just dollars,” said Missy Ryan, senior director of development for the College of Business and Behavioral Science. “They have given of their talent over the years by speaking to students, hiring interns at their corporation and even hiring our graduates.”

The Harpers founded the Harper Corporation in 1971. The company has facilities in Charlotte; Green Bay, Wis.; Thailand; and Germany and specializes in printing trades, machinery, polishes and sanitation goods.

“Ron and Katherine’s commitment and devotion to Clemson over the years so closely resembles that which we have come to expect from our most loyal alumni supporters,” said Wil Brasington, senior director of alumni relations. “The best and most appropriate way we knew to express our gratitude was to officially make them ‘one of us’ through this honorary alumni designation.”

In April 2008 the Harpers were inducted into the National Technical Honor Society Hall of Fame for Educational Excellence. The couple also received the Silver Star Award from the American Technical Education Association and the National Technical Honor Society in recognition of their support and commitment to advancing postsecondary technical education.

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