Members

The Class of '39 is unique in that the original members created a program of honorary memberships which has served to honor and perpetuate the activities of the original class. Through the years the class has maintained a high profile through its reunions and its extended activities on behalf of the University. Honorary members are added each year to recognize their special contributions to the University, to express appreciation for special contributions to the class or to class projects, and to maintain contact with families of departed classmates. The program has been in effect since 1966 when Pappy Hayden became the first honorary member, and it continues to be one of the class's cherished class activities.

There are three ways of becoming an Honorary Member of the Class of '39: First, be chosen as the Faculty Award for Excellence winner. Each year the faculty selects from within its own ranks that faculty member whose extracurricular activities over the past five years exemplify an ideal of service to the University and the outside community that is unsurpassed among faculty members. That person receives the faculty's highest honor - and in addition, is entitled to honorary membership in the Great class of '39. Second, when a classmate passes away, his widow automatically becomes entitled to Honorary Membership. Third, be recognized as a special friend who provides exceptional help to the degree that the class has extended to those persons its own highest honor - that of honorary membership.

When we extend Honorary Membership to someone, they are encouraged to participate fully in all class activities and to share the ideals of excellence for Clemson University.