Clemson University to graduate 1,130, honor astronaut Charles Duke

Published: December 13, 2012

CLEMSON — For the first time, Clemson University will hold two ceremonies for its winter graduation. About 1,130 students will graduate Dec. 20 in Littlejohn Coliseum.

At 9:30 a.m., degrees will be awarded to graduates in the College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences; College of Architecture, Arts and Humanities; and College of Engineering and Science. At 1:30 p.m., the College of Business and Behavioral Science and the College of Health Education and Human Development graduates will receive their diplomas.

Two noteworthy female graduates will march across the stage. Published author, noted speaker and television show host Raven Magwood of Greenville will graduate at age 19. Ala Qattawi will make history as the first woman in the country to earn a Ph.D. in automotive engineering.   

Clemson officials also will award an honorary Doctorate of Science degree to Charles Moss Duke Jr., the 10^th man to walk the moon and an American hero.

Duke serves as chairman of the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation. With support from more than 100 astronauts, the foundation has awarded $3.5 million in scholarships since 1984 to help the United States “retain its world leadership in science and technology.” Clemson is one of only 20 universities selected to nominate students for the scholarships.

END