Board Member Spotlight
Dean Norton ’77
Clemson ’77 degree in Plant Science. Clemson was my wife’s first choice, but decided it was to far from home and went to VA Tech and also majored in horticulture.
So many memories, the campus, mountains, waterfalls, the lake, school spirit, game day in Tiger Band, but probably the most vivid memory was my first free fall parachuting from the Clemson Airport as the sun was setting. I can honestly say that from 3,200 feet there is indeed something special in those hills.
I am honored to be on the Universities Historic Properties Committee, I love having Clemson alumni at Mount Vernon during forest cleanup days and it has been a real pleasure and great fun to host several committees and groups associated with the University for evening tours of the estate.
Work keeps me busy. Fifty-four years at Mount Vernon and my wife will not let me retire. That’s okay really for I love my job! There is always work around the house and something relating to our four daughters. I do so love going out in my boat and fishing.
I did serve as PTA president for 12 years, four years at each level, elementary, middle and high School. Have received awards for conservation and preservation from the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Garden Club of America and most recently was appointed to serve on the preservation Committee for the White House.
I am so proud of my Clemson education and experience that as a board member I want that love, spirit and awe for Clemson to shine through all that I do. I want to make the club and the university proud.
Treat everyone as an equal and with great respect. Don’t create road blocks. Be supportive and a team player. Look for the joy in all that you do.
Half of my wardrobe attire is orange or has a Tiger Paw on it.
Upcoming Events
See AllFootball Watching Party vs South Carolina
Football Watching Party vs South Carolina
November 29
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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 watching the games all season long at the locations listed below while enjoying food and drink specials exclusively for our group as we celebrate those Tiger touchdowns.
Kickoff is at noon.
2025 Game Watch Locations
- Arlington, VA – Astro Beer Hall, 4001 Campbell Avenue
- Baltimore, MD – Little Havana, 1325 Key Highway
- DC – Mission Navy Yard, 1221 Van Street SE
- Bethesda, MD – BT’s** (pilot location), 4866 Cordell Avenue
**While Tiger fans are most welcome to watch games at BT’s each week, the Club will only be officially hosting a few games there this season. Stay tuned for which games!
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 watch parties. Want to volunteer for a game or two? Contact beth@clemsonclub.org.
Wreaths Out
Wreaths Out
January 10, 2026
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8:00 am
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10:00 am
By January, the holiday spirit has lessened and the weather is colder. The 250,000+ holiday wreaths that were placed at Arlington National Cemetery in December are ready to be removed. Coordinated by Wreaths Across America, this is an often overlooked volunteer opportunity. Join the Clemson Club to help retrieve/remove wreaths as we honor veterans, their service and their final resting place.
This volunteer opportunity is open to everyone and many hands are needed to help!
Please note that attendees over 18 years old may be required to show a valid Real ID.
Mom's Care Package Party - VA
Mom's Care Package Party - VA
January 22, 2026
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6:30 pm
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8:30 pm
We would love to have you join us in Ashburn, VA for a very casual evening of Clemson camaraderie! We’ll enjoy hors d’oeuvres and beverages, meet some great local Clemson moms, and assemble care packages for our Clemson students in time for a Valentine’s Day surprise.
Here’s how it works: Once we have a confirmed guest count, each person is asked to bring one item to contribute to the care packages. For example, if we have 15 people joining, then you would bring 15 of one item (Rice Krispies treats, lip balm, ramen noodles, fuzzy socks … you get the idea!) and at the end of the night, you’ll walk away with a box full of goodies that you can mail to your Clemson student(s).
Sounds like fun, right?!
Event details and the final count for the number of items to bring will be emailed two days prior to the event.
CU@Home - CU-ICAR
CU@Home - CU-ICAR
January 28, 2026
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12:00 pm
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1:00 pm
Join us for this special lunch time event featuring David Clayton, the Executive Director of the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR).
David will give us a behind the scenes glimpse into how Clemson and CU-ICAR are fundamentally redefining the automotive industry through strategic partnerships and cutting-edge research. We’ll hear about CU-ICAR’s work with autonomous vehicles including a look at Deep Orange, the flagship graduate student program that challenges students to design, engineer, and prototype a completely new concept vehicle in two years, pushing the boundaries of conventional design.
