Career Educator, Legislator Named USC Aiken's Distinguished Citizen

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AIKEN, SC (12/11/2018) The University of South Carolina Aiken awarded its highest honor to an Aiken native who spent much of his career in education and serving his community, even in the statehouse in Columbia.

Rep. Bill Clyburn earned the university's Distinguished Citizen of the Year Award for 2017-2018.

"He has made significant advances at the university, in the Aiken community and beyond," said Mary Driscoll, vice chancellor for advancement and academic affairs.

As the chair of the House Ways and Means committee, Clyburn is a "staunch advocate" for USC Aiken.

"One of the biggest accomplishments that Bill and his colleagues pushed through was the $3.5 million upgrade for our aging HVAC system," Driscoll said.

"We are particularly grateful for his commitment to ensuring this important need was met."

Replacing the original, inefficient HVAC system installed in the Penland Administration Building more than 40 years ago has been a priority for the university for several years. The building houses major university services, such as human resources, admissions, the Veterans and Military Student Support Center, records, and financial aid. It also houses classrooms and laboratories, faculty offices, computer systems and the Aiken Economic Development Partnership.

In addition to fiscal support and advocacy in Columbia, Clyburn personally mentors numerous students.

He is also active in the local school district. At one time, he was the principal at Aiken Elementary School and served as principal of Aiken High School for many years. Always advocating for students, he chaired the Aiken 20-20 Education Committee.

In the community, Clyburn is a member of the Greater Aiken Chamber of Commerce. He has served as an Aiken city councilman and county councilman and has been elected to the House of Representatives since 1995.

In addition to education, he is committed to public health. In 2014, the local community health facility was named William Clyburn Rural Health Services after him.

"This is just a snapshot of what Representative Clyburn has accomplished, and the university is very proud to present the 2017-2018 Distinguished Citizen Award to Representative Clyburn," Driscoll said.