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Institute for the Study of Capitalism
Snow Institute for the Study of Capitalism

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June 18, 2026
Lyceum program celebrates Lyceum Scholars Class of 2026
Lyceum Scholars complete eight courses with Lyceum faculty, take part in Socratic Tutoring and attend various lectures and events.

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April 30, 2026
From CATbus to Capitol Hill: Clemson engineering major prepares for career in law
Walker Green is charting his own course at Clemson, balancing engineering studies, public service and driving a campus bus, all while preparing for a future in law.

Audience seated in a large lecture hall watching a panel discussion on stage beneath two large blank screens.

Nov. 18, 2025
Snow Institute hosts Constitution Day Lecture and panel examining Capitalism's Influence on College Athletics
Clemson University's Snow Institute for the Study of Capitalism (SISC) hosted two public events: the annual Constitution Day Lecture and the semiannual Pope Lecture Series.

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Aug. 26, 2025
The Lyceum Program welcomes Scholars Class of 2029
Eighteen new students have been selected to join the Lyceum Scholars Program at Clemson University.

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June 18, 2025
A Milestone Gift
Snow family donates $25M as the Institute for the Study of Capitalism celebrates 20 years.

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June 6, 2025
Lyceum students explore ancient political life at the American College of Greece
Nine Lyceum students traveled to Athens, Greece, alongside two Lyceum faculty members, for a three-week study abroad program examining the classical understanding of ancient Greek political life as part of the Lyceum Abroad Program.

Group of young adults posing together indoors at an event, standing in front of a “Liberty” banner.

May 15, 2025
Snow Institute for the Study of Capitalism honors Lyceum Scholars Class of 2025
On May 7, 2025, the Snow Institute for the Study of Capitalism hosted a recognition ceremony to honor its graduating Lyceum Scholars, composed of sixteen Scholars, the largest graduating class in program history.

Four people dressed in formal attire stand beside a sign reading “Welcome to the National Ethics Case Competition” in a hotel lobby.

April 15, 2025
Lyceum Scholars compete in national business ethics competition
In early April, a team of four Lyceum Scholars, along with their faculty mentor, traveled to Denver, Colorado, to compete in the semifinal round of the Daniels Fund National Ethics Case Competition.

Split photo of a speaker at a podium and another speaker addressing an audience, with the Libertas logo and “Snow Institute for the Study of Capitalism at Clemson University” text at the top.

Dec. 11, 2024
Snow Institute for the Study of Capitalism hosts two fall lectures
This fall, the Snow Institute for the Study of Capitalism (SISC) hosted two successful lectures on Clemson's campus, which were attended by students, professors and community members.

Close-up of ornate vintage book spines with the "Lyceum Program at Clemson University" logo and text overlaid.

Aug. 27, 2024
Lyceum Scholars Program welcomes new class for 2024/25 academic year
Ten incoming Clemson students have become the next class to join the Lyceum Scholars Program.

Banner with portraits of three men and the text “Clemson Institute for the Study of Capitalism,” plus a “Libertas” logo at left.

Aug. 8, 2024
Clemson Institute for the Study of Capitalism welcomes three new faculty members
This summer, the Clemson Institute for the Study of Capitalism (CISC) welcomed three new faculty members to teach in the CISC's nationally recognized flagship Lyceum Program.

Landscape painting of ancient Greek ruins, with the Acropolis on a hill in the background and tall temple columns in the foreground under a cloudy sky.

June 11, 2024
Lyceum students engage with ancient Greek philosophy at American College of Greece
In May, twelve Lyceum Scholars traveled to Athens, Greece, along with three Lyceum faculty to study ancient political philosophy and culture in the birthplace of democracy at The American College of Greece as part of the Lyceum Abroad Program.

Close-up of ornate leather-bound books with overlaid text reading “Lyceum Program at Clemson University.”

May 22, 2024
Lyceum Program hosts recognition ceremonies to honor graduating class
On April 8 and 9, 2024, the Clemson Institute for the Study of Capitalism hosted recognition ceremonies to honor its graduating Lyceum Scholars and Fellows.

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Feb. 15, 2024
Clemson Great Books program looks to expand as it reaches ten years
The Lyceum Program, which "studies liberty, capitalism, the American founding, and moral character," is reaching its 10th anniversary after starting in 2014.

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Feb. 13, 2024
Clemson then-President and First Lady surprised with endowments that honor remarkable decade of success with the University
The Clements Family Endowment for ClemsonLIFE and the Clements Family Lyceum Scholars Endowment will benefit two programs near and dear to the Clements' hearts.

Man in a suit speaking at a podium in front of a brick wall and a large sign reading "Clemson Institute" and "The Study of Capitalism.".

Jan. 10, 2024
Lyceum Program to expand in near future
Clemson's Lyceum Program will look to double its Scholar capacity as the interest in and success of the program continues to grow.

Banner for the Clemson Institute for the Study of Capitalism, featuring the institute logo, name, and photos of speakers at a lecture and a seated discussion.

Oct. 23, 2023
Clemson Institute for the Study of Capitalism hosts three successful Fall lectures
This fall, the Clemson Institute for the Study of Capitalism (CISC) hosted three lectures on Clemson's campus, which were attended by over 300 students, professors and community members.

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Aug. 29, 2023
Lyceum Program welcomes new class of scholars for 2023/24 academic year
Ten incoming first-year students have become the ninth class to join the Lyceum Scholars Program and to choose an educational path that studies the moral, political and economic foundations of a free society.

Close-up of antique leather-bound books with gold detailing, overlaid with the text “Lyceum Program at Clemson University” and a Libertas emblem.

Aug. 28, 2023
Clemson Institute for the Study of Capitalism welcomes three new faculty members
This summer, the Clemson Institute for the Study of Capitalism (CISC) hired three new faculty members to teach in the CISC's Lyceum Program.

Classical painting of an elderly bearded man in warm light, writing with a quill while reading from a manuscript.

Aug. 2, 2023
Retiring Professor Offers ‘cure for the diseases which ail the modern university'
Great Books scholar Colin Pearce, who has spent the last several decades of his life in front of a classroom, said he's leaving academia with a sense of trepidation, as the classical liberal education enjoyed by students of the past is no longer what today's young scholars experience.

Watercolor painting of the Acropolis in Athens, with the Parthenon atop a rocky hill under a bright blue sky.

June 27, 2023
Lyceum Scholars study ancient Greek philosophy at The American College of Greece
In May 2023, twelve Lyceum Scholars and two Lyceum faculty traveled to Athens, Greece, to study ancient political philosophy and culture in the birthplace of democracy at The American College of Greece (ACG).

Renaissance fresco showing a large group of philosophers and students gathered in a grand vaulted hall with classical arches and statues.

June 20, 2023
Colin Pearce, Ph.D., Lyceum Professor, retires after twelve years at Clemson University
Colin Pearce, Ph.D., one of the longest-serving faculty members at the Clemson Institute for the Study of Capitalism, retired at the end of the Spring semester.

Close-up of vintage leather-bound books with the overlaid text “Lyceum Program at Clemson University.”

May 30, 2023
Lyceum program hosts recognition ceremony to honor graduating students
On April 28, 2023, the Clemson Institute for the Study of Capitalism hosted a Recognition Ceremony to honor its graduating Lyceum Scholars and Fellows.

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Nov. 22, 2022
South Carolina students travel to Oxford for a unique study abroad experience
Clemson University Honors College students Sergio Gonzalez Varela and Gavin Hunt are two of four participants who shared a unique summer experience while being able to study on Oxford University's campus.

Close-up of vintage leather-bound books with the Lyceum Program at Clemson University logo overlaid.

Sept. 6, 2022
Lyceum program welcomes incoming class of 19 scholars to Clemson University
Nineteen incoming first-year students have become the eighth class to join the Lyceum Scholars Program and choose an educational path that examines the history of liberty, capitalism, free societies and the principles of moral character.

Watercolor painting of an ancient Greek temple with sunlit columns atop a rocky terrace under a pale blue sky.

July 20, 2022
Lyceum Scholars study classical Greek literature at The American College of Greece
In May, 10 Lyceum Scholars traveled to Athens, Greece, along with two Lyceum faculty to study the literature and culture of the birthplace of democracy at The American College of Greece (ACG).

Close-up of antique leather-bound books with ornate gold detailing, overlaid with the text “Libertas • Lyceum Program at Clemson University.”.

June 2, 2022
Lyceum Program hosts Graduation Ceremony to honor academic accomplishments
On May 12, 2022, the Clemson Institute for the Study of Capitalism hosted a Graduation Ceremony in Phyfer Auditorium to honor its graduating Lyceum Scholars.

Close-up of antique leather-bound books with gold detailing, overlaid with the text “Libertas Lyceum Program at Clemson University.”

June 1, 2022
Two esteemed alumni to receive Clemson's highest honor
The Clemson University Board of Trustees will award its highest honor, the Clemson Medallion, to two distinguished alumni — Robert E. (Bobby) McCormick ’72, professor emeritus and former dean of the College of Business (2014-2018), and Charles K. Watt ’59, founding director of the Watt Family Innovation Center and former dean of the College of Business and Behavioral Science (2012-2014).

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May 9, 2022
Camden student earns Fulbright scholarship in Slovak Republic
Clemson University senior Meredith Johnson is traveling to Slovakia this fall as a recipient of the Slovak Fulbright Commission's English Teaching Assistant award.

Book cover for “The Aurantiaco” featuring an illustrated potted orange tree resting on a stack of books.

April 25, 2022
Clemson welcomes humanities and social sciences publication to campus
A group of Lyceum Scholars and Fellows founded, edited, and published a new humanities journal, The Aurantiaco. The articles, written by undergraduates, cover a wide range of disciplines, from history to political theory to art.

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Nov. 21, 2021
Upstate biochemistry senior named Clemson's first Rhodes Scholar
Louise Franke, a Clemson senior from Spartanburg, S.C., made University history today when she became the first Clemson student named a Rhodes Scholar.

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Nov. 15, 2021
Two Upstate Honors College students named Rhodes Scholar finalists
Louise Franke, biochemistry major and Lyceum Scholar, is one of two Clemson finalists for the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship.

Medieval-style illustration of women in ornate gowns and tall headdresses, some holding books or musical instruments, walking in a procession near a column and stone wall.

June 8, 2021
Campus Reformers: Clemson University's Institute for the Study of Capitalism blazes a trail in higher ed
The Clemson Institute for the Study of Capitalism approaches capitalism as a moral philosophy and takes students through a "Great Books" curriculum.

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June 3, 2021
Fulbright Scholar Evan Patrohay to research climate change in Norway
Evan Patrohay, a biosystems engineering and Lyceum Scholar graduate, is heading north to study at the University of Tromsø in Norway as part of his Fulbright scholarship.

19th-century illustration of a telegraph office, with a man transcribing a long strip of ticker tape at a desk while a steam engine and factory machinery operate in the background.

Jan. 29, 2021
Teaching the Moral Foundations of Capitalism, one student at a time
Author Mike Sabo explains the mission of the CISC as an antidote to Marxist teachings.

Close-up of antique leather-bound books with gold detailing, overlaid with the text “Lyceum Program at Clemson University.”

Oct. 21, 2020
Lyceum Scholars Program welcomes its sixth class of students
Ten Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business freshmen have become the sixth class to join the Lyceum Scholars Program and choose an educational path that probes the history of liberty, capitalism and the principles of moral character.

Modern multi-story campus building with glass and red-brown exterior, illuminated at dusk, seen across a street intersection.

Oct. 16, 2020
$60 million transformational gift elevates business at Clemson
The CISC moves to its new offices in the Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business building.

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Winter 2019
Wisdom first, job skills second
Author Mark Bauerlein describes the value of a humanities education as given by the Lyceum Scholars Program.

Close-up of ornate leather-bound books with the text “Lyceum Program at Clemson University” overlaid.

Sept. 30, 2019
Nine freshmen join the college's Lyceum Scholars Program family
Nine freshmen have been welcomed into the fifth class of the Lyceum Scholars Program by the Clemson Institute for the Study of Capitalism.

Painting of George Washington standing in a crowded boat crossing an icy river, with soldiers rowing and holding a large American flag.

July 23, 2019
Summer scholars shine in learning leadership through the ages
Expecting high school students to adopt a "Great Books" approach to learning about leadership and political greatness may be asking a lot.

Historical painting of a group of 19th-century men in formal attire gathered around a table, appearing to discuss plans and documents in a grand room.

Dec. 13, 2018
BUS-1010 exposes new students to various business perspectives
New this year is an overview of a center and two institutes within the business school that present fresh perspectives on business, entrepreneurship and capitalism.

Close-up of antique leather-bound books with the overlaid text “Libertas Lyceum Program at Clemson University.”

Sept. 17, 2018
Ten young minds added to the Lyceum Scholars Program family
Ten exceptional students have been welcomed into the Clemson Institute for the Study of Capitalism's (CISC) fourth class of the Lyceum Scholars Program.

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Nov. 16, 2017
The Lyceum Scholars Program is changing higher education at Clemson
The CISC Executive Director, C. Bradley Thompson, explains the inspiration for the Lyceum Scholars Program at Clemson University.

Close-up of ornate, leather-bound books on a shelf with the “Libertas” emblem and the text “Lyceum Program at Clemson University” overlaid.

Sept. 12, 2017
Clemson Institute for the Study of Capitalism welcomes new class of Lyceum Scholars
The Clemson Institute for the Study of Capitalism (CISC) has welcomed its third full class of Lyceum Scholars, exceptional students wanting to study the moral foundations of capitalism in a traditional liberal arts university setting.

Close-up of antique, leather-bound books with ornate gold detailing, overlaid with the text “Lyceum Program at Clemson University” and a small “Libertas” emblem.

July 5, 2017
First graduates of Lyceum Scholars Program set a high standard
The pilot class of the Lyceum Scholars Program came to Clemson University in 2013 with high expectations, and it's safe to say they met those expectations and then some.

Allegorical illustration of Liberty seated in flowing robes, holding a staff and wearing a wreath, with “LIBERTY” written beside her.

March 13, 2017
Lyceum Scholar firm and well-spoken on free speech
It's no surprise that Jesse Dennis has a penchant for politics. The freshman economics and political science major grew up in the backyard of the nation's hotbed of politics and has two politically active parents and a grandfather who served in Congress.

Close-up of vintage leather-bound books with gold detailing, overlaid with the text “Libertas Lyceum Program at Clemson University.”

Aug. 9, 2016
Clemson Institute for the Study of Capitalism introduces 2016 Lyceum Scholars
Ten students have been selected from nearly 400 who applied for entry into Clemson University's Lyceum Scholars program for the 2016-17 school year.

Close-up of ornate leather-bound books with the text “Libertas Lyceum Program at Clemson University” overlaid.

Aug. 6, 2015
Clemson Lyceum Scholars building students' intellectual capital
A select group of students, all with high academic qualifications, is the first full class of Lyceum Scholars to enter a unique intellectual community offered by the Clemson Institute for the Study of Capitalism.

Medieval illuminated manuscript illustration of an indoor court scene with a crowned woman seated on a throne, attendants in colorful robes, and decorative scrollwork and floral borders.

July 7, 2015
At Clemson, a new plan for higher education
CISC Executive Director C. Bradley Thompson lays out his vision for the Lyceum Scholars Program at Clemson University.

Classical painting of a seated woman reading from a large open book while a nude toddler stands beside her in a pastoral landscape.

June 4, 2015
FEE and the Clemson Institute for the Study of Capitalism kick-off seminar season
The CISC and FEE hosted college students from around the world for "Communicating Capitalism," a weekend seminar discussing classical liberalism and learning how to defend capitalism on moral grounds.

Illustration of a nude figure standing on a cliff with large dark wings, reaching toward a small biplane flying overhead against a pale sky.

January 2015
Renewal in the University: How academic centers restore the spirit of inquiry
Author Jay Schalin lists the Clemson Institute for the Study of Capitalism as one of several academic centers that preserve and promote the knowledge and perspectives that are disappearing from the academy.

Renaissance painting of a crowded classical hall where robed philosophers gather and converse around a central pair of figures beneath a large arch.

Sept. 25, 2014
Clemson Institute for the Study of Capitalism announces Lyceum Scholars Program
The Clemson Institute for the Study of Capitalism has announced the Lyceum Scholars Program, through which accepted first-year students will receive an annual scholarship of $2,500 toward tuition, renewable for up to four years for a total of $10,000.

Neoclassical painting of a nude man draped in a flowing red-orange cloak, raising a torch while standing beside a seated dark figure against a cloudy sky.

Sept. 25, 2006
Clemson University Establishes a Think Tank Devoted to Studying the Moral Basis of Capitalism
Clemson University's Board of Trustees approves the establishment of the Clemson Institute for the Study of Capitalism.

Snow Institute for the Study of Capitalism

Snow Institute for the Study of Capitalism | 285 Chandler L. Burns Hall, Clemson, SC 29634