DATE: May 12, 2009

CONTACT: Joy Smith, 864-656-0471
joy@clemson.edu

WRITER: Angela Nixon, 864-656-0382
anixon@clemson.edu

North Potomac resident receives Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award from Clemson

CLEMSON, S.C. — Eric Giles of North Potomac received the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award from Clemson University at Commencement May 8.

The Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award is given annually “in recognition of the recipient's influence for good, excellence in maintaining high ideals of living and genuine and disinterested service to others.” The award, named in honor of the first president of the New York Southern Society, was established by an agreement between the society and Clemson University.

Giles graduated with a bachelor’s degree in economics and political science and a minor in philosophy.
 
Giles is a member of several honor societies, including Phi Beta Kappa, Blue Key, Omicron Delta Kappa and Golden Key. He graduated with both departmental and general honors. He was active in student government and served as president of the Student Senate in 2007-2008. He worked as a tutor to student-athletes and held internships with U.S. Rep. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., and with the Institute for Policy Studies.