Clemson University was presented with a certificate of gold grade from the South Carolina Department of Veterans’ Affairs (SCDVA) on Wednesday, October 14, 2026 for its military academic program. The award, the highest available from SCDVA, was Clemson’s second straight gold certificate, which is awarded for high support of service members, veterans, military spouses and their families in the pursuit of academic and professional goals.

Col. David Rozelle (retired) made the announcement Wednesday morning in Carillon Garden during the school’s annual Military Appreciation Brunch, hosted by Staff Senate.

“Clemson is truly the gold standard in the state of South Carolina for what it means to fully support its military and student veteran community,” said Rozelle, whose son Forrest graduated from Clemson in May and commissioned as a second lieutenant into the United States Army.

Wednesday’s brunch included remarks from President Ben Ayers, Executive Director of Military Affairs Jimmy Mullinax, and Staff Senate President Victoria Perry. The event concluded with a keynote address from Rear Adm. George Bresnihan (retired), a 1992 Clemson graduate and 32-year veteran of the United States Navy. He achieved numerous commendations throughout his decorated military career, which took him on multiple deployments to both Iraq and Afghanistan.

Bresnihan shared his Clemson and military journey with attendees, including faculty, staff, and student veterans, as well as ROTC cadets.

“For the veterans in this space,” he said, “Guys like me have stood on the shoulders of veterans who paved the way and served our nation. I thank Clemson for its tremendous support of the veteran community. I could not be more proud to be a Clemson graduate.”