Note: The following appears in the Syracuse football gameday program.
Nine years ago, Margaret Segars Bond (‘84) and her late husband, Steve Bond (‘80), established the Bond Distinguished Athletes Award. The award was established to honor former Clemson student-athletes who exemplify great character, citizenship and service in their life after college. It is symbolized by a customized gold ring.
To qualify, candidates must have lettered in a sport, have been graduated 10+ years and have given back by spreading their Tiger spirit to Clemson University and their community.
“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 through this award. It has not only added value to my life, but also to Clemson University and Clemson Athletics.”
Past winners include former Clemson University Presidents Phil Prince and Jim Barker, Ambassador David Wilkins, noted physicians Dr. Randy Smith and Dr. Jim Sutherland, the Honorable Judge Bobby Conrad, Lawyer Jimmy Addison and business leaders Tom Chapman and Carolyn Creel.
Cecil O. Huey Jr., the former NCAA Faculty Representative and Professor Emeritus of Mechanical Engineering, joins them on the list of noted recipients. He is being honored at the Syracuse game and will receive a custom-designed gold ring. His name will be inscribed on a glass plaque prominently displayed in the Nieri Family Student-Athlete Enrichment Center.
“Cecil Huey embodies the qualities Steve and I set out to recognize and honor,” added Margaret. “His exemplary character and love for Clemson University, family and community make him the perfect choice for this award. Steve would totally agree with my decision to name him the recipient of the 2022 award.”
Huey graduated in 1961 from Anderson Boys High School, where he excelled in track & field under Head Coach Howard Bagwell. Huey was voted team co-captain and set three state records in the 440-yard dash, medley relay anchor and mile relay anchor.
Huey entered Clemson in 1961 on a track & field scholarship, graduated in 1965 with a degree in mechanical engineering and earned his master’s degree in the same discipline in 1968. He later earned his Ph.D. in mechanical engineering in 1973.
He continued his success on the track by establishing school records in the 440-yard dash and mile relay. Huey was also involved in various student and university activities as vice president of his sophomore class and served on the High Court, a judicial branch of student government.
Huey was awarded the Kenelly-Voss Distinguished Emeritus Award, which recognizes emeritus faculty members who have made outstanding contributions to the Emeritus College, Clemson University, greater Clemson community and to society.
Huey continues his association with various professional organizations and served on the South Carolina State Board of Registration for Engineers & Surveyors. He continues to teach a variety of courses through the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.
His university awards include the Student Government Excellence in Teaching Award, the Eugene Bishop and the Murray Stokely Awards for excellence in teaching and the McQueen Quattlebaum Award for overall achievement.
“Huey is an effective teacher because he encourages students to ‘think outside the box’ and provides them with the skills they need to tackle real-world engineering problems,” said one student nominator.
In addition, Huey received the prestigious Class of ‘39 Award for Excellence and was named an I. Dwaine Eubanks Fellow of the Emeritus College.
Huey has made significant contributions to the university regarding his academic discipline. He also served an essential role as the NCAA Faculty Representative from 1993 to 2006 and chaired the university’s Athletic Council for two years. He was president of the ACC for two terms and served on a number of ACC and NCAA committees.
Most notably, Huey served on the NCAA Student-Athlete Reinstatement Committee, NCAA Academic Eligibility/Compliance Cabinet and NCAA Academic Consultants Committee.
His work with the athletic department and student-athletes resulted in an award being established in his honor. The Dr. Cecil O. Huey Jr. Award is given annually to a senior pursuing graduate studies who has excelled in athletics, academics and ethical conduct.
Huey also established an ad hoc committee of faculty members that provided guidelines regarding the student-athlete enrichment programs. Those guidelines remain in effect to this day.
He is married to his wife, the former Louise Bero, and has two children, Tripp and Ed, and two grandchildren. In his retirement years, he is a tinkerer with a basement full of toys. For his most recent project, he built a 20-foot steamboat from scratch, engine and all. It operates on Lake Hartwell and is named X11 Mile Maid.
