Two Bridge to Clemson students share common background

leanna-lennon-dsc_7690LeAnna Lennon (right) of Greenville and her soon-to-be freshman roommate Alex Bumgardner of Raleigh, North Carolina met over the summer in 2012 before Bridge to Clemson classes started and continued their conversations by phone, texts and e-mails.  They became fast friends and learned a lot about each other but one piece of information didn’t reveal itself until move-in day when their mothers met.  They discovered both of their grandparents were former Clemson University presidents.  LeAnna’s grandfather is Max Lennon, who served as president from 1986-1994, and Alex’s grandfather was Robert Franklin Poole, who served from 1940-1958 and was the first Clemson president with a degree from the school.  LeAnna’s goal was to go to Clemson after graduating from high school, but knowing Clemson’s stringent admission requirements, she says she anticipated a 50/50 chance she would be accepted.  When she received a letter inviting her to the Bridge to Clemson program, she gave it a shot. The program offers select Tri-County students a university experience and transition to Clemson for the sophomore year.  While enrolled at Tri-County, Bridge students can access all student life programs and services at Clemson, such as Fike Recreation Center membership, Cooper library, Redfern Health Center, Michelin Career Center, Student Union activities, selected athletic activities and dining services.