Clemson’s new Class of 1956 Academic Success Center building opens

Published: April 10, 2012

The Class of 1956 Academic Success Center image by: Craig Mahaffey/Clemson University

CLEMSON — The new home of the Class of 1956 Academic Success Center at Clemson University will be dedicated at 2 p.m. Thursday, April 12. Class members, who will be on campus for the celebration, raised more than $2.8 million as seed money for the construction of the building located behind R.M. Cooper Library.

“We’re proud to have our class associated with a program with a mission to help students succeed in the classroom,” said John M. Blackmon Jr., Class of 1956.  “From now on, when students enter this building to get tutoring and other help, they’ll know that Clemson alumni paved the way for their success.”

Established in fall 2001, the Academic Success Center takes a multidimensional approach to student success. Its programs, including CU 101 (a course developed for freshmen and first-semester transfer students), supplemental instruction, academic coaching and tutoring, are designed to increase student retention and improve graduation rates.

It also helps students keep their grade-point averages high enough to keep their state scholarships, said Elaine Richardson, director of the Academic Success Center.

“I have watched many students experience academic success as a direct result of our programs and dedicated staff," Richardson said.

After nearly a decade in the lower level of Cooper Library, as well as in other nooks and crannies across campus, the Academic Success Center will share its new home with Student Disability Services, the Writing Center and additional tutoring, supplemental instruction sessions and classroom space.

The $13.7 million building project included construction of the 35,000-square-foot, three-story building, site preparation, furnishings and landscaping.

The class gift is part of  Clemson's The Will to Lead capital campaign to raise $600 million to support students and faculty with scholarships, professorships, facilities, technology and enhanced opportunities for learning and research.

The Academic Success Center staff comprises Richardson, three program coordinators, two academic coaches, one academic counselor, three administrative support staff, four graduate assistants and more than 150 undergraduate student employees. The center has been recognized nationally and internationally by the Association for the Tutoring Profession, the International Center for Supplemental Instruction and the National College Learning Center Association.

“I’m grateful to the Class of 1956 for their generosity and their commitment to Clemson," Richardson said. "The programs housed in this building are changing lives and helping students live up to their full potential.”

President James F. Barker echoed that appreciation. “The Class of 1956 demonstrates what it means to be loyal Clemson alumni,” he said. “Their lifelong involvement in and dedication to Clemson continues to make a tremendous difference in the lives of our students.”

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