Clemson Alumni Association names three honorary alumni

Published: September 19, 2012

Gene Darby (left) and Wil Brasington, senior director of alumni relations image by: Clemson University

By Raquel Cobb

CLEMSON — The Clemson Alumni Association has named Gene Darby of Beaufort, Linda Driggers Williams of Rock Hill and Dave Dryden of Greenville as honorary alumni. These recipients are honored for their hard work and devotion to Clemson University and the Alumni Association.

Darby is the president of the Beaufort County Clemson Club, and is known for his devotion to Clemson through volunteering. Through the Beaufort County Clemson Club, Darby works to provide a Beaufort County student with a Clemson University scholarship. He is also an IPTAY member. Darby recently retired after more than 45 years in the construction business.

“He is the model to which so many Clemson volunteers, alumni and friends strive to achieve,” said Heather Byrd, a Clemson Class of ’99 graduate.

Williams, a Hartsville native, is a Winthrop College graduate and wife of Clemson graduate Charles “Chick” Williams. She has helped keep members of Sigma Alpha Zeta, Clemson’s first social fraternity, in contact with one another since her husband’s graduation in 1963. Her efforts have led the fraternity, now Pi Kappa Alpha, to adopt a project to provide students with a technology presentation room in Cooper Library where they can create and practice multimedia presentations. The Williams’ two children both are Clemson graduates. 

“Her association with Clemson, her love for our school and her years of contribution through her tireless devotion to strengthening and preserving the loyalty of literally hundreds of our fellow alumni has seldom been matched,” said Mike Britt, a Clemson Class of ’63 graduate.

Dryden, Clemson’s director of creative services, began his Clemson journey in 1990 as a graphic designer. Dryden is responsible for designing alumni communications and oversees Clemson World magazine, annual fund solicitations and support for alumni events. Dryden was a leader in the development of the Clemson World iPad app, which has received international recognition. Dryden, a native of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, graduated from Iowa State University.

“Because of Dave Dryden, the Clemson brand is bigger, brighter, prouder, broader, more accessible and more relevant,” said Neill Cameron, Clemson’s vice president for advancement.

Any Clemson alumnus can nominate someone to be an honorary alumnus. Honorary alumni are specially selected by the Alumni Council for their outstanding service, lifelong devotion and loyalty to Clemson University or the Clemson Alumni Association. To see past honorary alumni or to view the award guidelines, visit the honorary alumni web page.

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