Board Member Spotlight
Clete Boykin ’79*
Celeste “Clete” Boykin, a Manning native, grew up in Lancaster and graduated summa cum laude from Lancaster High School. Once at Clemson, she was one of the first African Americans to be a member of Tiger Band.
In 1979, she graduated with honors and received a Bachelor of Science degree in plant sciences. She joined E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company as the first African American woman to work as a sales and marketing representative in the company’s Agricultural Chemicals business.
Among Clete’s many volunteer leadership roles for Clemson, she is a former member of both the University’s Board of Visitors and the Clemson University Foundation Board of Directors. Currently, she chairs the Clemson Institute for Parks Board of Advisors. She is a member of the Clemson University Tiger Band Association and a longtime board member of the Baltimore/Washington, DC Clemson Club.
She has helped to organize various Clemson events in the Washington area, including 2017’s Clemson Day at the White House honoring the University’s national championship football team. She also helps students of color in the D.C. area who are interested in attending Clemson with advice about the correct points of contact on campus and taking campus tours.
Clete is a member of the Clemson Legacy Society, which honors donors who have included Clemson in their estate plans, and she supports Clemson athletics as a member of IPTAY.
Clete is an extremely proud member of the “Benet Babes,” a group of Clemson alumnae who lived on the fourth floor of Benet Hall and who won the 1978 Women’s Intramural Flag Football Championship. In 2015, the group established a scholarship fund to give future students the opportunity to make their own lifelong friends and memories while getting a high quality Clemson education.
* This information was taken from the Clemson Alumni Association Distinguished Service Award website.
Upcoming Events
See AllCapitol Tour with Sheri Biggs
Capitol Tour with Sheri Biggs
April 16
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6:00 pm
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8:00 pm
Exclusive Capitol Experience with Congresswoman Sheri Biggs
The Clemson Club invites our valued Corporate Partners and Roaring Tigers*** to a special, behind-the-scenes evening at the U.S. Capitol.
Join us on Thursday, April 16 at 6:00 PM for a private tour led by Sheri Biggs, who represents South Carolina’s 3rd Congressional District—home to Clemson and the surrounding Upstate communities.
This exclusive experience offers rare access inside one of the nation’s most historic landmarks. Guests will explore iconic spaces including the Old House Chamber, the Rotunda, and the Crypt beneath the Capitol, as well as portions of the modern, working building where history continues to unfold each day.
Throughout the evening, Congresswoman Biggs will share insights into her work on Capitol Hill and her efforts advocating for South Carolina families and the Clemson community.
This is a unique opportunity to connect, learn, and experience the Capitol in a way few visitors do.
Attendance is limited and reserved exclusively for Corporate Partners and Roaring Tigers.
***Interested in this event but not a Corporate Partner or Roaring Tiger? Become one today! Please see our website or email info@ClemsonClub.org.
Young Alumni at DC Defenders
Young Alumni at DC Defenders
May 9
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1:30 pm
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3:30 pm
Join the Clemson Young Alumni Club for an afternoon of football and fellowship as we cheer on the DC Defenders at an exciting home game!
📅 Saturday, May 9
⏰ Kickoff: 1:30 PM
📍 Game Location: Audi Field
Before the game, meet up with fellow Tigers for a pre-game gathering at 12:00PM at:
Solace Outpost in Navy Yard
71 Potomac Ave. SE
Washington, DC 20003
Come early to grab a drink, meet other Clemson young alumni, and get ready to head over to the stadium together to watch the Defenders bring the energy. Whether you’re a football fan or just looking for a fun way to connect with fellow Clemson grads around DC, this is a great chance to show your Tiger pride and enjoy a great afternoon in the city!
Wear your Clemson gear and bring your Tiger spirit!
24th Annual Crab Feast
24th Annual Crab Feast
August 1
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2:00 pm
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6:00 pm
Don’t miss one of our favorite summer events – back for its 24th year!
Held on the banks of the beautiful West River in Shady Side, MD, the menu for this all-you-can-eat Crab Feast also includes low country boil, hush puppies, hot dogs, beer and soda. Don’t be shy if you’ve never had crabs before – we’ll teach you to pick like a pro.
And there is more to do than just eat! Go for a swim in the pool, try to catch a few crabs yourself, take out a kayak or canoe or join a guided boat tour of the river. A huge thank you to Mark ‘91 and Cindy ‘90 Derrick P’25, P’29 for hosting.
Early Bird pricing is available until May 31st. Early Bird Member adult tickets are $44. Early Bird Member child tickets are $19. Members may purchase up to 4 tickets at the Member price, even if guests are not Club members.
After May 31st, member adult tickets are $54. Member children tickets are $25. Clemson Club Members may register for up to 4 member tickets even if the guests are not Clemson alumni or Club Members. Non-member adult tickets are $85. Non-member children are $39. Children under 3 are free.
