The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life announced today its 2025 Pillars of the Community. Pillar awards are presented to individuals who have made a substantial impact in the more than 50 years of national affiliation of fraternities and sororities at Clemson. This year’s class will be recognized during the annual Fraternity and Sorority Life Awards Banquet on Thursday, April 17 at the Clyde V. Madren Center.
Michael Brewington ‘81 serves as the advisor for the Kappa Lambda Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. He was a charter member of Clemson’s chapter in 1980 and went on to serve as regional vice president and president. As a student, he was attorney general for student government and a member of Blue Key Honor Society, Tiger Brotherhood and a University tour guide.
Rae Ann Feldner Gruver ’93 is an Alpha Delta Pi alumna and founder of the Max Gruver Foundation. She created the foundation in memory of her son’s tragic death from hazing at LSU in 2017. She serves as an advocate for prevention and awareness in hazing education in high schools and colleges. She helped push for the Stop Campus Hazing Act, federal legislation signed into law in December 2024.
John N. (Nicky) McCarter Jr. ’80 is a member of the Clemson University Board of Trustees and alum of Kappa Alpha Order (KA). He has served as a trustee since 2008 and currently holds the role of vice chair. In addition to his time in the fraternity, he was a member of the Tiger football team. He has received numerous honors from Clemson, including the Distinguished Service Award in 2019 and the Bond Distinguished Athletes Award in 2024. He received the Order of the Palmetto in 2023, South Carolina’s highest civilian honor. McCarter is also a member of the South Carolina KA Court of Honor, which recognizes alumni across the state for meritorious service to the fraternity and to their communities.
Xiomaira Mendez ’16 co-founded Clemson’s first Latin-based sorority, Hermandad de Sigma Iota Alpha, Inc. She served as its president and as the first president of the Multicultural Greek Council. She received the Greek New Member of the Year and Presidential Spirit awards during her time at Clemson. After graduating from Clemson, she co-founded and serves as secretary of the Hispanic and Latinx Alumni Council.
