R.C. Edwards: 1914-2008
Share your memories of Dr. Edwards and your thoughts about his legacy and impact on Clemson University. Send your comments using this form.
Your thoughts and memories of Dr. Edwards
Dr. Edwards has always been a part of my Clemson experience, from the
day I first walked onto campus to today. When he shook my hand at
graduation in 1970, it was one of the proudest days of my life. I still
stand in awe of all that he accomplished as president.
President James F. Barker
President James F. Barker
I'm sitting here at my desk with tears running down my face. It's almost impossible to consider Clemson without Dr Edwards. He was the first person I met when I came to visit as a potential student in 1968 and was a large part of the reason I decided to come to school here and then stayed on as an employee for all these years. There are way too memories to list but outside of that first visit I will always remember him and Mrs. Edwards taking walks in the morning around the Clemson Campus greeting everyone they passed with a smile and a hello. God Speed and thank you.
Sandi Piazza
There will never be anyone that did more for Clemson than Dr. Edwards. Dr. Edwards is a true Great American. Right now God has a complete team for his new university. Bob Bradley as SID, Coach Frank Howard as Coach, Jim Phillips as Play-By-Play and now Dr. Edwards as President. Thank You Dr. Edwards for all that you did for Clemson University. You will be missed!
Jeff Bright
Although it has been many years since I attended Clemson as a student under the leadership of R.C. Edwards, the memories of that experience have remained with me, and in many cases shaped the person I have become. RC and "Moon Pie" were beloved both then and now by Clemson students; they brought a sense of fun and family to the University campus while maintaining a sense of academic excellence and dignity. Clemson University and indeed, South Carolina, has lost a valuable gem today, but I know RC has entered the Pearly Gates with orange tiger paws on his cheeks, and he and Moon Pie will still be watching every Clemson football game, just from better seats!
Cynthia Murphy
Cynthia Murphy
I never knew Dr. Edwards, but as a Clemson student and alumni, I felt his presence in many aspects of Clemson University. From the diversity of the student body to include those from all races and nations, to the transformation of Clemson from an all-male college into a coeducational university that continues to benefit from his contrubutions so many years ago. There are so many things that we take for granted today at Clemson that Dr. Edwards helped make possible and his legacy will last far beyond our years. Thank you, Dr. Edwards, for your life and your dedication to Clemson University.
John Adam Wickliffe
I have few Clemson regrets, but one is that I did not have the opportunity to graduate while Dr. Edwards was still our president. I have always been jealous of my friends who graduated in May 1979. God Bless Dr. Edwards family.
Joel Jones
Joel Jones
When I read Jeff Bright's "Thoughts," tears came to my eyes. I, too, thought of the great things that Dr. Edwards did for Clemson.
I graduated in August 1958. I think that that group of diplomas were the first signed by Dr. Edwards. Mine is signed: "Robert C. Edwards, Acting Prsident."
I graduated in August 1958. I think that that group of diplomas were the first signed by Dr. Edwards. Mine is signed: "Robert C. Edwards, Acting Prsident."
Howard Clark
My father graduated from Clemson College in 1932 and had the distinction of having Dr. Edwards as his "rat" in 1929. They became good friends and I grew up hearing stories about Smokey Edwards. I had the privilege of graduating in 1972 while Dr. Edwards was President. A true gentleman and a Clemson icon has passed away. Clemson will forever be in his debt.
Tommy Suber, Class of 1972
Tommy Suber, Class of 1972