Baseball Recognizes Order Of The Palmetto Recipients

April 8, 2004

The Clemson baseball team’s nine-game winning streak has coincided with the honoring of two South Carolinians for their public service. Mary Frances Hanson was honored by Rep. Bill Sandifer before the Wake Forest game on March 28 and Clemson University President James F. Barker was recognized before the South Carolina game on April 7. Each received the Order of the Palmetto, which is the state’s highest civilian honor and is bestowed by the Governor for a lifetime of exceptional dedicated service to South Carolina.

During pre-game festivities before the South Carolina game on Wednesday, President Barker also received a check for $50,000 from Athletic Director Dr. Terry Don Phillips for the One Clemson…Solid Orange Academic Fund. The gift came as the result of proceeds from the designated One Clemson…Solid Orange events throughout the school year. President Barker then threw out the first pitch preceding the Tigers’ 9-4 victory over the rival Gamecocks.

In a letter presented with the Order of the Palmetto, Gov. Mark Sanford said, “You have been an outstanding public servant in your role as President of Clemson University,” and also noted his previous years of service to Clemson as a college dean and professor and his contributions to the field of architecture.

“During your time as president, Clemson has enjoyed national recognition,” including recognition in 2001 as TIME Magazine’s Public College of the Year, Sanford wrote.

Hanson threw out the first pitch as Clemson went on to a 6-5 win over the Demon Deacons. In a letter presented to Hanson before the game along with her award, Gov. Sanford said, “The South Carolina State Museum and the South Carolina Association of Hospital Auxiliaries have benefited from your wisdom and service. The Fran Hanson Discovery Center at the South Carolina Botanical Gardens was named in your honor because of your tireless volunteer work as a docent, greenhouse assistant and your willingness to help with whatever task that needed to be done, no matter how great or how small. South Carolina is blessed to benefit from your tremendous work and public service.”