Clements promises Clemson won’t forget agriculture

The Virginia native who became Clemson University’s 15th president keynoted a luncheon for the 54th South Carolina Apple Festival in Westminster.  James Clements says although Clemson is ranked as a top 25 university nationwide, Clemson won’t abandon its agriculture roots and teachings.  Clements stressed the importance of agriculture, including the apples that are grown in parts of the Westminster vicinity.  Other highlights of the Rotary Club’s Apple Festival luncheon:  the selection of Daragh Geist as Rotary Citizen of the Year for her efforts to raise money to open Oconee’s only shelter for the abused, a festival welcome given by Mayor Rick McCormick, and a rousing rendition of the song “God Bless America” as led by 92-year old Cecil Sandifer, the former mayor credited with starting the festival held each September to celebrate the apple crop.

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