A limited number of prints have been commissioned to help raise funds for a cause dear to Beth’s heart: the university’s ClemsonLIFE program, which stands for “learning is for everyone.” The program provides a collegiate-type experience for young adults with intellectual disabilities, with on-campus living, courses, and job skills development. As the mother of a child with special needs, Beth understands those kinds of opportunities can be transformative. A cabinet near the foyer houses Beth’s collection of Steuben glass, cherished reminders of her late grandfather, Art Wexell, who worked as a glassblower for Corning Glass Works for many years, creating the handmade products that are now considered works of art. “I don’t know if he contributed to any of these but he might have, and he made others like them,” she says. “He was an incredible person with a great sense of humor. We always used to say he could make taking out the garbage fun.” Beth’s commitment to family, inclusiveness, and university causes are some of the reasons the home is being rebranded as the President and First Lady’s Home, with a new logo and visual identity just completed by the university’s Creative Services team. The new brand clearly recognizes the First Lady’s important role as university ambassador, hostess and role model. She’s also the chief celebrator of all Clemson achievements, which is one reason Beth decided that an outdoor light system that projects an orange tiger paw on the home—she calls it the “bat signal”— should shine every night, not just for major events or big sports wins. “Every day is special to someone on campus,” she says. “There are always sports teams playing. Whether it’s a birthday, or acing a test, there’s something to celebrate every day at Clemson.” (Opposite, clockwise from top left) Signed Orange Bowl memorabilia; a small sitting area in a downstairs bedroom overlooks the courtyard; subway tile and a farm sink are easy cleanup when entertaining guests and dignitaries; a hunting motif is a nod to the University’s agricultural roots on an armless accent chair. (This page) Orange and purple Fiestaware is ideal for casual entertaining; pierced brick and iron gates with Clemson accents that were forged in-house at the University denote a courtyard entrance.
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