Student Affairs

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ORIENTATION
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the football team was known as the Tigers and often used “Eat ‘Em Up, Tigers” as a slogan, it wasn’t
until 1954 that a Clemson student donned the mascot suit. In 1993, the Tiger was joined by the
Tiger Cub.
Clemson Ring
The first Clemson class rings were issued in 1896. The “C” surrounding a palmetto tree on a black
background is one of the most recognizable of all college rings today. Copyrighted so that only
Clemson alumni and students with more than 90 hours may have the honor of wearing it, the ring
contains art elements representing the university’s land-grant and military heritages as well as the
motto, “Who shall separate us now?” Seniors may receive their rings from the University President
at a ring ceremony sponsored by the Clemson Alumni Association and the Student Alumni
Association.
Clemson Ice Cream
In the 1920s, Clemson’s then-departments of dairy science and animal husbandry began making
the famously delicious Clemson ice cream. Today, the student-run '55 Exchange store on campus
features this world-renowned, student-made ice cream.
Clemson Blue Cheese
Clemson Blue Cheese was first cured in the Stumphouse Tunnel outside Walhalla in 1941 by a
Clemson dairy professor who recognized the tunnel’s perfect conditions for curing. In 1958, the
curing process was moved to the Agricultural Center in Newman Hall. Today you can buy the blue
cheese at the '55 Exchange store on campus or online at
Homecoming and Tigerama
The excitement, spirit and enthusiasm of homecoming celebrations have been a Clemson tradition
since 1914. During the week preceding the game, student organizations build homecoming displays
on Bowman Field. Beginning in 1957, Tigerama — one of the nation’s largest student-run pep rallies
— incorporated skits by student groups, fireworks and the crowning of the homecoming queen on
the Friday night of homecoming.
Founder’s Day
The anniversary of Clemson University Founder Thomas Green Clemson’s death on April 6, 1888,
is commemorated each year with a Founder’s Day ceremony. The ceremony includes a prayer service
at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in nearby Pendleton where he is buried.
New Student Convocation Pin
Clemson students have officially begun their Clemson career upon receiving their new student
convocation pin. This symbolic transition to Clemson is founded upon Clemson’s Core Values
and marks the official start of a lifetime of pride and honor.
PARENT TESTIMONIAL
“The Ring Ceremony is a very
special and unique event and
getting your Clemson Ring is
a big deal for students and
their families. As part of the
tradition, cadets from the
ROTC honor guard, Pershing
Rifles, guard the rings at the
Scroll of Honor for 24 hours
preceding the ceremony.
Shortly before the ceremony,
the cadets march the rings to
Littlejohn Coliseum. During
the ceremony, each student
is called on stage to receive
their ring with friends and
family there to watch. The
Ring Ceremony celebrates
what the Clemson Family is all
about and marks an important
milestone in the life of a
Clemson student!”
Rhonda and Glenn Barinowski
North Augusta, S.C.