Clemson University TigerPrints Clemson Commencement Programs Academic Affairs 5-1-1998 Clemson Commencement Program, May 1998 Clemson University Follow this and additional works at: https://tigerprints.clemson.edu/comm_programs Materials in this collection may be protected by copyright law (Title 17, U.S. code). Use of these materials beyond the exceptions provided for in the Fair Use and Educational Use clauses of the U.S. Copyright Law may violate federal law. For additional rights information, please contact Kirstin O'Keefe (kokeefe [at] clemson [dot] edu) For additional information about the collections, please contact the Special Collections and Archives by phone at 864.656.3031 or via email at cuscl [at] clemson [dot] edu Recommended Citation University, Clemson, "Clemson Commencement Program, May 1998" (1998). Clemson Commencement Programs. 215. https://tigerprints.clemson.edu/comm_programs/215 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Academic Affairs at TigerPrints. It has been accepted for inclusion in Clemson Commencement Programs by an authorized administrator of TigerPrints. For more information, please contact [email protected]. One Hundred Second Commencement May 6, 1998 Clemson, South Carolina Congratulatory Applause You are requested to refrain from loud expressions of pleasure for individual graduates. Such expressions frequently detract from the recognition due the next graduate in line. Your cooperation is respectfully requested. Graduation Wednesday, May 6, 1998 9:30 a.m. Littlejohn Coliseum 2:30 p.m. ORDER OF CEREMONIES (Audience will please stand as faculty and candidates march in and remain standing for the invocation.) Invocation Demeterius Smith, Student Representative Jason Scott Rogers, Student Representative Introduction of Trustees President Constantine W. Curris Conferring of Honorary Degrees President Constantine W. Curris Address to Graduating Class Emily Ann Jones, Student Representative David Boland Wham, Student Representative Recognition of the Deans of the Colleges Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Steffen H. Rogers Conferring of Degrees and Delivery of Diplomas President Constantine W. Curris Recognition and Presentation of Awards Norris Medal Faculty Scholarship Award Alumni Master Teacher Award Aurora Brass Quintet Frank W. Breazeale, Organist Kevin Davidson, Soloist Dr. Thomas Ernest Wooten, University Marshal HONORARY DEGREE MILTON WINFORD HOLCOMBE DOCTOR OF LAWS Milton Winford Holcombe is a man known for his stellar contributions to the field of engineering. Described by many as perceptive, personable and of the highest moral fiber, he is also a faithful alumnus of Clemson University. A native of Central, Mr. Holcombe graduated from Clemson in 1953 with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering. For the first few years after graduation, he worked for the Tennessee Valley Authority and served with the U.S. Army Signal Corps. From 1956 ro 1970, he held electrical engineering positions with Lockheed Aircraft Corporation, Electronic Communications, Inc., and Collins Radio Company. In these positions, he contributed to the design of antenna systems, and he was responsible for electronic systems design, integration and installation for airborne platforms and ground stations. In 1970 Mr. Holcombe was one of four founders of Electrospace Systems, Inc., which quickly grew from a start-up to a major corporation with annual sales approaching $200 million. Among his many contributions as vice president, Mr. Holcombe was responsible for the creation of the U.S. Airborne Command Post, the aircraft built for the use of the President of the United States and Joint Chiefs of Staff during an international crisis. In 1987 Electrospace Systems was bought by Chrysler Corporation, and Mr. Holcombe remained for three years as president of Chrysler Technologies Airborne Systems. During his career, he has earned a number of honors including selection for Who's Who in Texas, Who's Who in Technology Today and Who's Who in Aerospace and Aviation. Mr. Holcombe was named Engineer of the Year in 1982 by the Texas Society of Professional Engineers. His alma mater honored him with the Distinguished Service Award in 1988 and in 1990, with the Clemson Medallion. Mr. Holcombe has been involved in a number of professional and civic organizations including the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), American Electronics Association, and American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. He has served on the board of the Northern Trust Bank of Dallas, the board for Stanford Telecommunications and is active at the Richardson Heights Baptist Church. In addition, Mr. Holcombe is a private pilot and a member of the International Commanche Association. Mr. Holcombe is a for~er member of the Clemson University Foundation Board, Clemson's Electrical and Computer Engineering Industrial Advisory Board, and the College of Engineering and Science Industrial Advisory Board. His generous gift to Clemson in 1987 created the Milton W. and Betty M. Holcombe Endowed Chair of Electrical and Computer Engineering. He and his wife, Betty, have been married for almost 42 years and are parents of twin daughters, Karen H. Leftwich and Kathryn H. Wheeler. The Holcombes have a ranch south of Waco, Texas, where purebred Simmental cattle are raised. We hold Milton Winford Holcombe and his achievements in the highest esteem. In recognition of his significant contributions to electrical engineering, our country and Clemson University, it is a distinct privilege to honor him with the presentation of the honorary degree, Doctor of Laws. HONORARY DEGREE WALTER GAMEWELL WATSON DOCTOR OF HUMANITIES A true figure of kindness and a loyal friend of Clemson, Walter Gamewell Watson is a man whose exceptional contributions to the practice of medicine and the lives of those in his care have earned notable recognition. A native of Trenton, South Carolina, Dr. Watson graduated from The Citadel in 1931 with a B.S. in Chemistry. A football fan from the start, he coached high school football in Edgefield, South Carolina, and Bainbridge, Georgia, while saving money for medical school. In 1943, he graduated from the Medical College of Georgia. After medical school, Dr. Watson served in Korea in the U.S. Army 6th Infantry Division as Captain from 1945 to 1947. When he returned in 1947, Dr. Watson began his career in the obstetrics and gynecology program at the University Hospital in Augusta, Georgia, and served as chair of the department for most of his outstanding 50-year career. During his service at University Hospital, Dr. Watson delivered more than 15,000 babies and taught countless medical students. In honor of his dedication to medicine and the many he has touched, the new University Hospital Women's Center was named for Dr. Watson in November 1997. Dr. Watson has been recognized with many honors during his long career. In 1988 he received the S.C. American Legion Award. In 1990, the U.S. House of Representatives recognized him for meritorious service to mankind. The same year, he was awarded the Congressional Record recognition of service. Dr. Watson was honored still further in 1998 when he received the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina's highest praise. An example of humanitarian service, Dr. Watson devoted 50 years of care to the North Augusta High School athletic program, providing physicals for athletes and tending the injured. He has also been active in Grace Methodist Church in a number of leadership capacities. Dr. Watson and his wife, Audrey, live in North Augusta, South Carolina. They have raised five children, Donah, Ben, Kathy, Betsy and Mary, all of whom live nearby in South Carolina and Georgia. Though he no longer practices obstetrics, Dr. Watson remains chairman of the Ob-Gyn Department at University Hospital, and his gynecological practice continues. Although he is not an alumnus, his connection to Clemson has remained strong during his life. His father attended Clemson, as did two of Dr. Watson's children, Ben and Mary. Three of his grandchildren, Patrick, Jamie and Matthew Watson, are current students. We are all extremely proud of the significant contributions this great man and humanitarian has made to medicine, this nation and the people in his care. In recognition of his devotion to mankind and his life of service, it is a distinct privilege to honor Walter Gamewell Watson with the presentation of the honorary degree, Doctor of Humanities. Emily Ann Jones Emily Ann Jones is a graduating senior majoring in Speech and Communication Studies from Columbia, South Carolina. Emily is a sister of the Zeta Tau Alpha Fraternity. Her leadership resulted in her induction into the Order of Omega. Emily was second runner-up in the competition for the 96'h Trustees' Medal for Oratorical Excellence. David Boland Wham David Boland Wham is a junior majoring in Health Science from Clinton, South Carolina. David is interested in geriatrics. He serves as a tour guide at Fort Hill House, the last home of John C. Calhoun, Anna Calhoun Clemson, and Thomas Green Clemson, the University's Founder. David was awarded first place in the competition for the Trustees' Medal for Oratorical Excellence. BOARD OF TRUSTEES Lawrence M. Gressette, Jr., Chairman _________ Columbia Joseph D. Swann, Vice Chairman Greenville Bill L. Amick Batesburg Louis P. Batson, Jr. Greenville J. J. Britton Sumter Leon J. Hendrix, Jr. New York, NY Harold D. Kingsmore Aiken Louis B. Lynn Columbia Patricia H. McAbee McCormick Leslie G. McCraw