Allen Martin
Allen Martin graduated from Clemson University with honors in 1969 with a Bachelor of Arts in History. He served as the Chief of Staff for U.S. Rep. Bob Livingston (R-LA) for 22 years, and in 1999 co-founded The Livingston Group, with the Congressman and other former Livingston staff members. He is the Managing Partner of The Livingston Group, which represents non-profit institutions, municipalities, international corporations, and foreign governments.
Mr. Martin’s devotion to alumni is very evident in his formal and informal role as the hub of the wheel for the DC Alumni Club. Simply put, he knows everyone and everyone knows him.
Mr. Martin’s love for and mentoring of Clemson students has been transformational. The obvious and powerful evidence for this is the fact that the 30- and 40-somethings he mentored decades ago are doing the same now to perpetuate his legacy.
We hope that Mr. Martin’s idea to create and execute a formal scholars program under the purview of the Launchpad will serve as another glowing jewel in the crown of a Clemson Gentleman who needs no introduction.
The Allen Martin Scholars Program
The Allen Martin Scholars Program in the Brook T. Smith Launchpad will offer highly qualified select students access to avariety of Launchpad programs and resources including:
- Scholarships – up to $2,000 per semester.
- Co-working space at the Brook T. Smith Launchpad.
- Mentorship and coaching: Martin Scholars will be able to access guidance and support from experienced business professionals to help refine their career direction, develop their business plan, craft startup strategies,and navigate legal & financial issues.
- Networking opportunities: Martin Scholars will have unique access to workshops, events, and networking opportunities.
- Experiential Learning Study Tours – Alabama, Charleston, Atlanta, Charlotte, Washington, DC: Martin Scholars that meet the required benchmarks will be eligible to take part in any Launchpad sponsored Study Tours to visit and network with successful Clemson alumni entrepreneurs.
Selection Process
Those interested in becoming Martin Scholars must be students with a GPA of 3.0 or above at Clemson University. The first step is to submit the Martin Scholars Application. A Launchpad review panel will evaluate the applications to identify students who show the aptitude for entrepreneurship and a drive to eventually create a successful new business venture.
Selected students must commit to make substantial progress toward their business, career, & life goals each semester, attend Launchpad events, attend Launchpad Student Advisory Board meetings, have regular check-ins, document & reflect upon their creative process, and make an on-campus presentation every May demonstrating what they accomplished and learned. Students will be reviewed at the end of each semester to ensure they are in good standing and making progress with their business idea. Annual selection deadlines will be February 1st (Freshman) and April 15th (returning Sophomores and Juniors).
Obligations
- Attend our Launchpad Student Advisory Board meetings (3x per semester) at the Launchpad.
- Meet (via Zoom or in person) with Mr. Martin, Launchpad Administrators, and/or Launchpad Staff (likely once per semester).
- Provide us with a headshot, brief bio, and the URL for your LinkedIn page.
- Craft a one-time letter of appreciation to Mr. Martin by September 15. We will assist you with this.
- Craft a 1-page Experiential Learning Impact Report at the end of each semester.
Program Size
Each year, 6 students (2 Sophomores, 2 Juniors, and 2 Seniors) will be selected to participate in the Martin Scholars Program. Successful candidates will be of a high intellectual caliber, high character, and passionate about their career & business ideas - and the programs offered through the Brook T. Smith Launchpad.
2025-2026 Allen Martin Scholars
Lucas Martin is a junior majoring in Management with an emphasis in Entrepreneurship. He is actively involved with the Launchpad as an Entrepreneur in Residence Intern, and won the Powers Pitch Competition with his Edtech Startup. He has high aspirations to become a founder, and gained valuable experience this past summer working in venture capital.
Adam Neil is a senior at Clemson University studying Marketing. He serves as President of Clemson Club Lacrosse and is the co-founder of Founder Therapy, a content studio that helps startup founders tell their stories through interviews and newsletters. He is also exploring healthcare innovation as the founder of HemoFlow, an AI-powered ultrasound project.
Brown Muindi is a sophomore studying Computer Science. Alongside his academics, Brown is passionate about entrepreneurship and connecting with others. This year he has begun work on his first business, “Up Down Up Down,” which helps to teach others about gaming. Brown also enjoys reading fiction and finance literature, rock climbing, and spending time with friends.
Molly Trainor is a sophomore studying Management at Clemson University. Originally from Raleigh, North Carolina, Molly has worked as an Operations Intern at the Brook T. Smith Launchpad, where she gained valuable experience supporting entrepreneurial pursuits in South Carolina. Looking ahead, Molly hopes to pursue a career in healthcare management, where she can combine her passion for leadership with making a meaningful impact in the field.
Set to graduate with a major in Marketing in 2028, Donald Bouharoun has been running his own business for five years, starting with just $500 and scaling up by selling high-demand products. He is focused on growing as an entrepreneur while preparing himself for his ventures following college.
Marianna Turturro is a sophomore studying Finance at Clemson University. She currently works with the Clemson University Police Department doing crime analysis, as well as running a small jewelry business. Marianna is passionate about combining creativity, problem-solving, and initiatives that make a meaningful impact.
