2026 J.T. Barton, Jr. Memorial Ethics Award Recipients

Winner: August Larson, Beta Upsilon Chi

As a member of Beta Upsilon Chi (BYX), Clemson’s social Christian fraternity, August Larson was selected as the recipient of this year’s J.T. Barton Ethics Award. August’s vision is to help Clemson students think more intentionally about the ethical dimensions of the decisions they make as they transition from college into the workforce. To support this goal, the award will help bring students together for Dr. Neil Burton’s 2026 TIDE Conference session, “Interviewing Do’s and Don’ts: Looking for Employment Through an Ethical Lens.”

This program will invite students to consider how ethical decision-making plays a role not only in major life choices, but also in everyday professional moments—such as how we present ourselves, communicate honestly, and navigate difficult situations in the job search process. By engaging with practical examples and real-world scenarios, students will be encouraged to reflect on how their instincts, values, and integrity shape the decisions they make.

Through this program, August hopes to create space for meaningful conversation about ethics and professional development, equipping Clemson students with tools to approach interviews and early career decisions with clarity, character, and confidence.