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ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN AND GOWN: CONNECTING WITH
THE GREATER CLEMSON COMMUNITY
CREATING CONNECTION
President Jim Clements and Mayor Robert Halfacre
teamed up in February to deliver annual highlights
at the 2023 State of Clemson luncheon. Both leaders
spoke at length about noteworthy collaborations
between the University and City, including the
following areas.
COVID community testing
In operation for about 2 ½ years, the drive-through
COVID testing site at Nettles Park provided nearly
125,000 tests free of charge to members of the local
community. Results were processed in Clemson
University’s state-of-the-art lab, proving to be
impactful in combatting the spread of COVID.
Joint sustainability efforts
Following the suspension of City of Clemson curbside
recycling in August 2022, the University stepped up and
offered the Kite Hill Recycling Center on main campus
as a viable alternative to members of the community.
Perimeter Road expansion
When completed, this new project will help ease a traffic
bottleneck by extending to four lanes and will include a
10-foot multiuse path for pedestrians and bicycles and
a connection to the community’s Green Crescent Trail.
Joint City University Advisory Board
First created in 1985, this group works to improve
quality of life for the broader Clemson community.
Its seven workgroups consist of University and City
representatives and meet regularly to strengthen
the town and gown relationship.
The City of Clemson hosted its second annual “On the Ave” entertainment series downtown, attracting students, faculty, staff and
community members.