Clemson alumni Jody ’79 and Kathy ’80 Hunter are challenging the Clemson family to make donations to support hiring student assistants to work for the Libraries. The Hunters have pledged to give up to $50,000 to match donations to Clemson Libraries student assistants fund. This means that people giving to the fund can double their impact up to a possible $100,000.
Clemson Libraries employs more than 100 student workers each year, making it one of the largest student employers on campus. Student assistants help with everything from checking out items to shelving books to marketing to data analysis to research assistance. One full student assistantship can be supported for one semester for $6,500.
The Hunters are inspired to support the student assistants fund in part by their daughter, Hall (Hunter) Baldwin ’13, who worked in the Libraries during her time as a student at Clemson. As a student assistant, she gained invaluable knowledge and life lessons that helped shape her career path. Hall is now a regional branch manager for the Fairfax Country Public Library system in Virginia.
“From the time we were students, we have always been very dedicated and loyal to Clemson University because of the impact it had on our lives and the lives of our daughter,” said Jody. “We know the impact that the Libraries had not only on our family, but also on all students, faculty and staff. It’s a great resource for everyone, an entity that touches everyone, so we wanted to support that.”
“We hope that this challenge gift will help engage current students and young alumni — the next generation of donors,” said Kathy. “Every gift matters. And if a lot of people give even a small gift, it adds up to make a big difference.”
“We would not be able to do what we do without our student assistants,” said Chris Cox, dean of the Libraries. “We have some amazing students working in the Libraries, and they contribute so much to our mission of providing the best resources and services to our campus community. Working at the Libraries gives them invaluable hands-on experience in a variety of roles, which helps prepare them to successfully launch their careers after graduation. This generous gift will allow us to offer that opportunity to even more students. I am so grateful to the Hunters for their investment in the Libraries and our student assistants.”
The Hunters met as students at Clemson. Jody graduated with a degree in administrative management in 1979, and Kathy earned an English degree in 1980 and a computer science degree in 1983. Jody spent his career with Michelin Tire Corporation, and Kathy worked for 10 years at Clemson in the Department of Computing and Information Technology. She later taught computing classes and then became a certified personal trainer, fitness instructor and yoga instructor.
The Hunters have been active supporters of Clemson ever since their student days. Kathy has been a long-standing member of the Friends of the Libraries Board of Directors and is past chair of the board. She has also served as chair of the Women’s Alumni Council, president of the Clemson Alumni Association and member of the IPTAY Board of Directors. She currently serves on the Board of Visitors.
The Hunters’ gift is part of the Fiercely Forward capital campaign. To make a donation to be matched as a part of this challenge, click here and select “Class of 1961 Library Heritage Student Worker Fund” from the “designation” drop down menu.
About Fiercely Forward Capital Campaign
Clemson University is embarking on its most ambitious campaign to date, Fiercely Forward. It’s a call to action. A spark to ignite the potential within each of us. A testament to a legacy that began in 1889 and has led to Clemson becoming one of the most innovative research institutions in the nation. Fiercely Forwardwill create a future where brilliant minds launch into lives of purpose and significance, where cutting-edge research unlocks the mysteries of human potential, and where ingenuity and innovation forge a better tomorrow for all. With a dedication to academic excellence, state-of-the-art facilities, and an unmatched student experience, we charge Fiercely Forward toward tomorrow’s breakthroughs.
For more information, visit FiercelyForward.clemson.edu.