Note: The following appears in the Duke football gameday program.
The Bond Distinguished Athletes Award was created in 2013 by Margaret Segars Bond (’84) and her late husband, former Clemson golfer Steve Bond (’80). The couple’s goal was to leave a legacy that would honor student-athlete alumni and recognize them for their success measured outside of athletic competition. The Bonds aimed to give attention to those who have gone on to do great things in life after athletics.
Each year, the award is celebrated with a customized gold ring, an engraved plaque prominently displayed in the Nieri Family Student-Athlete Enrichment Center and gameday recognition in Memorial Stadium.
To qualify for the award, recipients must have lettered in a sport and be more than 10 years removed from graduation. The individuals selected have demonstrated exceptional character, strong citizenship and outstanding service, including support for their community, family and Clemson University.
“I’m so thankful for my late husband Steve’s innovative idea to create the Bond Distinguished Athletes Award,” said Margaret. “It was his way of giving back to Clemson. What an amazing journey this has been for me to carry on his legacy! It has not only added value to my life, but also to Clemson University and Clemson athletics.”
This year’s recipient, Manning N. “Nick” Lomax, has been a fixture in the Clemson community since he played left field for the Tiger baseball team from 1961-63. Lomax has made a continuing impact on Clemson in his various roles with the university, helping to shape Clemson into the institution it is known for today.
“Nick Lomax embodies the qualities that Steve and I set out to recognize and honor,” said Margaret. “Nick’s character, service and commitment to Clemson make him the perfect choice as the 2025 recipient. I am proud to continue Steve’s legacy with this prestigious award. Nick is a welcome addition to this outstanding group of individuals who have been chosen over the years.”
Lomax is a 1963 Clemson graduate and former letterman on the baseball team. The Abbeville, S.C. native started working for Clemson after graduation as a member of the grounds crew before serving in the Army for over two years.
During his active duty, he wrote to President Robert C. Edwards expressing interest in working at Clemson. This letter landed Lomax a job in the housing office. After a few years in this role, Edwards, along with many others, were impressed with Lomax’s dedication and service to Clemson, and he was promoted to vice president for student affairs.
The organizational chart of Clemson University looked much different during this period. Then, the director of athletics reported to the vice president of student affairs. Therefore, Lomax oversaw the athletic department during his tenure while also overseeing housing operations, disciplinary matters and serving as an advisor to many other administrators.
In the following years, he became vice president for administration and secretary of the Board of Trustees. His roles allowed him to have a direct impact on the school’s growth, including major facility projects. He became an important figure in advocating before state legislators on the importance of investing in these projects. He worked in Clemson administration for 31 years.
Lomax was first introduced to Clemson at age 10, when a family friend took him and his brother to a 1951 Tiger football game. He later came to Clemson on a baseball scholarship. Aside from his service in the Army, he has spent his entire adult life in Clemson.
Following retirement, he established a consulting practice specializing in campus facility development and joined Coleman Lew + Associates as a partner and director. He served 29 years in the Army Reserve and retired as a colonel.
In addition to his B.S. degree from Clemson, Lomax has received an honorary degree from Lander. He has been active in many professional civic organizations throughout the years, is a Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow and has served on many boards of different capacities.
Lomax and his wife, Sally, still reside in Clemson. They have two children and two grandchildren.
“Years have flown by since the inception of this special award,” added Margaret. “Nick Lomax truly represents everything this was set out to honor. Having the opportunity to meet and become friends with such extraordinary people has brought me much joy. I am blessed to add No. 13, Nick Lomax, and his wife, Sally, to this list of great people.”
