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 Cal
Football Watching Parties vs Cal
September 25
@
10:30 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.
CU@Home - Clemson Mascots
CU@Home - Clemson Mascots
September 30
@
12:00 pm
–
1:00 pm
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to wear the Tiger suit and represent Clemson University in front of thousands of fans? Join us for a special CU@Home virtual program on Wednesday, September 30, from 12:00–1:00 p.m., featuring former Clemson Tiger mascots Cory Luckett ‘08, Dan Licata ’09 and Martin Jernigan ’09 (who was also the Miami Dolphins mascot).
Cory, Dan and Martin will take us behind the scenes to share what it was really like to serve as one of Clemson’s most recognizable ambassadors. From game day traditions and unforgettable moments in Death Valley to the preparation, discipline, and pride that come with wearing the Tiger suit, they will offer a unique perspective on one of Clemson’s most iconic roles.
Whether you’ve cheered alongside the Tiger for decades or simply want to hear stories that few people ever get to experience, this promises to be a fun and engaging hour filled with Clemson spirit, memorable anecdotes, and an inside look at the traditions that make Clemson so special.
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear firsthand what it means to embody the spirit of the Clemson Tiger. Mark your calendar for Wednesday, September 30, from 12:00–1:00 p.m., and join your fellow Clemson alumni and friends for another outstanding CU@Home program.
Zoom link will be sent two days prior to the event.
Football Thursday Lunch - October
Football Thursday Lunch - October
October 1
@
12:00 pm
–
1:00 pm
Join us for a special lunchtime discussion all about Clemson Football with guest speaker Grayson Mann ’24. Grayson is a staff writer for TigerNet and co-host of the Orange Crush Podcast with David Hood..
If you join us in person, lunch will be provided. Club members may register themselves at the member price plus one guest at the member price. $10 for Club members, $25 for non-members.
Not a Club member? Join today!
Football Watching Parties vs Miami
Football Watching Parties vs Miami
October 3
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.
Football Watching Parties vs Charleston Southern
Football Watching Parties vs Charleston Southern
October 17
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.
