Board Member Spotlight
Allen Martin ’69*
Respected professional. Caring friend and mentor. Definition of “a Clemson gentleman.”
Allen Martin, an Anderson native, graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in History from Clemson in 1969, following in the footsteps of his father, James R. Martin Jr. ’39, and brother, James R. Martin III ’65.
In 1977, Allen began 22 years of service as chief of staff for U.S. Rep. Bob Livingston (R-LA). In 1999, he co-founded The Livingston Group with the retired congressman and other former Livingston staff members. The firm represents non-profit institutions, municipalities, international corporations and foreign governments.
Allen is lead partner for matters related to healthcare, pharmaceuticals, science, technology and telecommunications. He specializes in international affairs and has represented Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Azerbaijan, Ecuador, Curacao, Cayman Islands, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Turkey and currently represents Iraq.
He has strong working relationships with a wide variety of national and international leaders and officials and is well respected for his in-depth knowledge of governmental decision-making processes. He has been involved in successful political activities and elections throughout the United States.
Among his many volunteer roles for Clemson, Allen is a longtime leader of the Baltimore/Washington, DC Clemson Club, which also serves northern Virginia. He is a former board member for both the Clemson Alumni Association and the Clemson University Foundation. He is a current member of the Clemson University Foundation’s Order of the Oak, a select group of supporters and ambassadors who provide guidance and engage in philanthropic efforts to further Clemson’s long-term goals.
Allen has hosted numerous Clemson events in the Washington area and regularly makes his office available for meetings, lunches and other gatherings. He employs at least one Clemson student intern at The Livingston Group each year and mentors Clemson alumni interested in working in government, public policy or politics.
He is a member of the Clemson Legacy Society, which honors donors who have included Clemson in their estate plans, and he supports Clemson athletics as a member of IPTAY. He has made annual gifts for academics since he graduated and has been recognized as a member of the President’s Leadership Circle.
Allen’s community service activities include running marathons for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. He is a member and former deacon of the McLean (Va.) Baptist Church. In his home state, he has received the Order of the Palmetto for his service to South Carolina.
He and his wife, Suzanne (Suzie), have fully funded a needs-based scholarship in memory of Suzie’s mother and endowed a professorship in Recreation, Parks and Tourism Management at Penn State, Suzie’s alma mater. Their sons are John Allen Martin Jr. and Adam Strickler, and their daughters are Jennifer Louise Martin Roberts, a 1998 Clemson graduate, and Allison Hendricks.
* This information was taken from the Clemson Alumni Association Distinguished Service Award website.
Upcoming Events
See AllFootball Watching Parties vs Charleston Southern
Football Watching Parties vs Charleston Southern
October 17
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12:00 pm
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3:00 pm
Come out to cheer on our Tigers with fellow local alumni, parents, and fans. Everyone is welcome – whether you’re a die-hard fan or just want to be part of the Clemson spirit. We’ll be getting together all season long at the locations listed below to watch the games, celebrate the touchdowns, and enjoy food and drink specials exclusively for our group. It’s the perfect way to connect with fellow Tigers and bring a little orange and purple Death Valley spirit to game day!
2026 Game Watch Locations
- Arlington, VA – Astro Beer Hall (Shirlington Village)
- Bethesda, MD – BT’s
- DC – Problem Child (Navy Yard)
Don’t forget to check in when you arrive each week at the parties, and we’ll make an Annual Fund donation in your name from the Club. We’re always looking for more Tigers to help host these great events. Want to volunteer for a game or two? Contact beth@clemsonclub.org.
Clemson Fall Fest at Brookeville Beer Farm
Clemson Fall Fest at Brookeville Beer Farm
October 18
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2:00 pm
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4:00 pm
Join the Baltimore/DC Clemson Club for an afternoon of Clemson camaraderie, craft beer, and all things fall at Brookeville Beer Farm. The afternoon includes:
- Flight tasting with the brewmaster – sip, sample, and learn what makes Brookeville’s brews so special (a $16 value, so you ticket more than pays for itself!)
- Cornhole tournament – bring your A-game and compete for prizes
- Handmade brick oven pizza, beer, pumpkins, apples & jams – all your delicious fall favorites will be available for purchase (with a special 10% discount for our group!)
The Beer Farm is dog friendly, so bring your four-legged friends, too.
Tickets are just $9 for Club Members (max of 4) and $24 for Non-Members. Children 12 & under are free. Plus members can bring a friend for free (use the BOGO option)!
Whether you’re a Clemson alum, friend, family or just looking for a fun fall afternoon, come out and enjoy some orange-and-purple spirit.
Not yet a Club member? Join here and then register at the member rate. Questions? Contact rachael@clemsonclub.org.
Football Watching Parties vs Virginia Tech
Football Watching Parties vs Virginia Tech
October 24
All day
Come out to cheer on our Tigers with fellow local alumni, parents, and fans. Everyone is welcome – whether you’re a die-hard fan or just want to be part of the Clemson spirit. We’ll be getting together all season long at the locations listed below to watch the games, celebrate the touchdowns, and enjoy food and drink specials exclusively for our group. It’s the perfect way to connect with fellow Tigers and bring a little orange and purple Death Valley spirit to game day!
2026 Game Watch Locations
- Arlington, VA – Astro Beer Hall (Shirlington Village)
- Bethesda, MD – BT’s
- DC – Problem Child (Navy Yard)
Don’t forget to check in when you arrive each week at the parties, and we’ll make an Annual Fund donation in your name from the Club. We’re always looking for more Tigers to help host these great events. Want to volunteer for a game or two? Contact beth@clemsonclub.org.
CU@Home - Clemson LIFE
CU@Home - Clemson LIFE
October 28
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12:00 pm
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1:00 pm
Join us for a special CU@Home on Wednesday, October 28, from 12:00–1:00 p.m. as we take an inside look at one of Clemson’s most inspiring programs — Clemson LIFE (Learning is for Everyone).
Clemson LIFE gives young adults with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to experience college life as part of the Clemson Family while building skills for independent living, employment and a fulfilling future. Executive Director Joe Ryan will introduce us to the program and share how Clemson LIFE is making a difference both on campus and beyond. We’ll also hear directly from a current Clemson LIFE student and an instructor, who will share their experiences and offer a personal look at the friendships, growth and sense of belonging that make the program so special.
Football Watching Parties vs Florida State
Football Watching Parties vs Florida State
October 31
All day
Come out to cheer on our Tigers with fellow local alumni, parents, and fans. Everyone is welcome – whether you’re a die-hard fan or just want to be part of the Clemson spirit. We’ll be getting together all season long at the locations listed below to watch the games, celebrate the touchdowns, and enjoy food and drink specials exclusively for our group. It’s the perfect way to connect with fellow Tigers and bring a little orange and purple Death Valley spirit to game day!
2026 Game Watch Locations
- Arlington, VA – Astro Beer Hall (Shirlington Village)
- Bethesda, MD – BT’s
- DC – Problem Child (Navy Yard)
Don’t forget to check in when you arrive each week at the parties, and we’ll make an Annual Fund donation in your name from the Club. We’re always looking for more Tigers to help host these great events. Want to volunteer for a game or two? Contact beth@clemsonclub.org.
