Meet Ryan Gillespie! Born and raised in Liberty, South Carolina, he’s Clemson’s Student Body Vice President and has been close to Clemson his entire life. Not only is he this week’s Campus Celebrity, he’s also one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet. Ryan’s one of Clemson’s finest leaders and is definitely one to look out for!
What made you decide to come to Clemson?
I’ve always been a Clemson fan, and have been coming to Clemson’s campus since I was a little kid. When it came time to decide on a college, Clemson was like my second home and I couldn’t have imagined being anywhere else. There’s something about the community and family here at Clemson that can’t be found anywhere else, and that is why I wanted to be a Clemson Tiger.
How did you become interested in Student Government?
When I first got involved in Student Government, I did so because I thought it would be a great way to get involved at Clemson, but I had no idea what exactly I was getting myself in to. Soon, I realized that Student Government really did have an effect on student life and that, with proper the leadership, it could do great things for the student body.
What positions have you held on Student Government?
I started out on Freshman Council, and was then appointed to Senate during the second semester of my freshman year. My sophomore year I served as the Campus Life Chairman of the Student Senate where I oversaw all housing and dining issues for students, and I am currently serving as the Student Body Vice President.
What is the most rewarding part of being Vice President of the Student Body?
Without a doubt, the most rewarding part of being Vice President has been talking to students and trying to make sure that their voices are heard. It’s a humbling experience when the administration asks you to speak for the student body on certain issues, and I do not take that responsibility lightly. I do my best to talk to students from all areas of campus so I can have a good idea of what students are feeling and properly represent them to the administration.
What projects have you been working on?
I have worked on several projects around campus over the past two years. Most notably, I worked to put in the new Subway in the Hendrix East Side Food Court, and also helped put the final touches on the new Wendy’s. At the beginning of the semester, I was in charge of the Student Body Tailgates that occurred before our home football games. Currently, I am working on redefining the role of Vice President and ensuring that there is a suitable Alcohol Amnesty Policy for organizations.
What else are you involved in on campus?
I am a member of the Tour Guide Association and also the Chair of South Carolina Student Legislature.
How have your accomplishments so far changed and shaped you as a person?
I would say that, as cliché as it may sound, I have been humbled by the things I have been able to accomplish while at Clemson. I’ve realized that no matter how great of an idea you may have, or how much you want to succeed in an office, you can’t do that on your own. I’ve been privileged to have made great friends who have been by my side every step of the way.
What’s the idea of your perfect date?
My perfect date would have to be with a great Clemson girl. I think that a simple date with a picnic in the Botanical Gardens and a walk on the dikes around sunset would be a great.
If you were stranded on a desert island, and you could only bring 3 things, what would you bring?
I would love to be stranded on an island for a while. All I would need is the pocket knife I always have with me, a hammock and a fishing pole.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In 10 years I’d like to be married and have started a family. I’ve always wanted to have a big family, so I’d probably like to have 2-3 kids by the time I’m 30. I’d like to have a lived in a small town in the mountains, but close to a larger city to so I could work at a political consulting firm. I have no real desire to be “rich” but I’d like to have a comfortable lifestyle for my family.
Quick answers:
Favorite city:Clemson obviously, but if I were to choose somewhere else, I’d say Washington D.C.
Favorite place to eat on campus:On campus, I am usually at Chilis Too every Monday night, and have Chik-Fil-A nearly every day for lunch, so I would definitely say those two are my favorites.
Twitter or Facebook:I have both, but I’m a fan of pictures so I’d say Facebook over Twitter.