DATE:     12/5/00   
CONTACT:  Martha Duke, (864) 656-4905
WRITER:   Giles  Singleton, (864) 656-3876        

Knoxville student in new
Clemson University service program

     CLEMSON -- Vineet Menachery, from Knoxville, enjoys being a 
role model for youth. He likes to look back and see the difference 
his communityservice work has made in people's lives. 
    "It changes me too," he said. Menachery currently serves as 
a mentor at Sans Souci Intermediate School in Greenville, S.C.
     Menachery is one of five students to become a Campbell Scholar 
at Clemson University. These scholarships are a new kind of 
community scholarship for Clemson, made possible by the generosity 
and vision of Bob Campbell, a Clemson alumnus, and Betsy Campbell, 
a Furman University alumna.
     Five students from Clemson and four from Furman were selected 
as Campbell Scholars because of their demonstrated commitment to 
public service activities. Each student spends ten hours a week
participating in tutoring, after-school activities and writing 
and discussion to enhance their community. 
     The Campbell Young Leaders program is a school project also 
funded by Bob and Betsy Campbell and provides academics and 
enrichment activities at three Greenville area elementary schools 
and one middle school. The Campbells believe that if properly
motivated, young people can help other young people.
By changing the lives of children, young leaders create changes in 
the community.
     The Campbell Young Leaders Corp. has been collaborating with 
Cone Primary School to offer an after-school program for the past 
two years. Daily school attendance has increased since the program
started because students must be in school to participate in the 
after school activities, according to principal James L. Gardner.
     "The Campbell Scholars exemplify the type of student we want 
to attract to Clemson University. They are bright, articulate and
dedicated to serving the community," said John Kelly, Vice President
for Public Service and Agriculture at Clemson University.
     The 2000-2001 Clemson Campbell Scholars are Menachery; 
Jennifer Criscola from Elizabethtown, Ky.; Bylan Dillard from 
Columbia, S.C.; Jason Friday from Sumter, S.C. and Dawn Smith 
from Whitmire, S.C. 
     Menachery is studying microbiology and plans to attend 
medical school or go into research. In high school he was an 
Eagle Scout, a peer retreat leader and a member of the National 
Honor Society.
                              END