Undergraduate Scholarships

Each year the Emeritus College awards a deserving undergraduate student a scholarship. Each recipient is named an Emeritus Scholar and introduced at our annual Emeritus Day event. The scholarship is awarded to the student with the highest GPA without other scholarships.

2024-2025 Recipients

Benjamin Poutree

Benjamin Poutree is a junior at Clemson University, majoring in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Engineering Leadership. Inspired by stories of his father’s work as a Civil Engineer, Benjamin discovered early on that his passions were closely aligned with engineering. In high school, Benjamin demonstrated his leadership abilities by leading several teams, including his high school’s track and field team and the staff at his local pizza restaurant. These experiences taught him the qualities required to be an effective leader. During his sophomore year at Clemson, he was introduced to opportunities for leadership within the engineering field. Building on his leadership background, Benjamin's passion for engineering evolved into a desire to lead teams of engineers. Looking ahead, he aspires to lead a company that upholds strong sustainability values. In his free time, Benjamin enjoys playing intramural soccer, working out, and spending time with friends.

Benjamin Banister (not pictured)

2023-2024 Recipient

Jonathan Black 

Jonathan D. Black, a senior psychology major from Charleston, South Carolina was honored as the 2023—2024 scholarship recipient. During his time at Clemson, he has been a member of the Clemson University Symphony Orchestra and has participated in Dr. Kaileigh Byrne's Creative Inquiry Lab, where the research focused on online privacy decision making. After graduating in May, Jonathan will begin preparations to apply to graduate school, with the hopes of eventually obtaining a doctorate and pursuing psychology research.   The Emeritus College faculty contribute annually to fund undergraduate students. 

2022-2023 Recipient

Savatore Costanzo is an Architecture major and civil engineering minor, and a member of Clemson’s Honor’s College. A member of the Class of 2023, when highlighting his accomplishments, Salvatore wrote on his Linked in page: “Through art and mathematics in high school, I have learned that I am a creative and analytical individual. I have also realized my love for architecture and am currently pursuing a degree in architecture. Through tutoring in high school and in Clemson University, I have learned that I love helping others. Collaboration and teamwork is important to me, and something I am excited to improve upon in undergrad and in the professional world.” Salvatore has worked as a graphic design intern on campus, and in this role, he consults with Clemson students and faculty on their design projects and presentations. He also designs advertisements and brand content for Visual Information Design and completing projects, such as design work for the Cultivate San Antonio magazine. His painting, “Through Glass” was published in the book, “Celebrating Art” sponsored by Blick Art.

Earlier Emeritus Scholars