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Fast Facts with Avery Conrad '20
Avery Conrad ’20 liked the idea of going to PC like his parents Laura ’93 and Chuck ’93 did. But he was concerned about it too. “I was worried about just following in their footsteps if I went to PC,” Avery remembers thinking. “So being the son of alumni really gave PC a disadvantage in my college search.”
Avery grew up in Clemson but didn’t want to go to Clemson University like most of his friends did. He did consider other colleges before deciding to go to PC. “I realized I can have my own experience here,” Avery said. “And I definitely have had a different experience than my parents had.”
3rd-Generation
Blue Hose Avery’s parents, Laura and Chuck, were both heavily involved at PC. Laura majored in Christian education and psychology and earned the Outstanding Senior award. Chuck majored in business administration. They both went on to earn graduate degrees. One of Avery’s grandfathers also attended PC before graduating from Clemson.
Getting Involved
Before college, Avery was a member of the Beta Club and Interact Club, an Eagle Scout, and an elder at his church. At PC, he’s taken advantage of service and professional development opportunities. He’s a part of Greek life, Celtic Cross, Blue Fish, Model UN and Stirlings, the student ambassador group on campus.
Pursuit of Service
Avery wanted to major in biology when he came to PC. He decided on political science during his sophomore year. While in an English class, his favorite professor, Dr. Dean Thompson, helped him hone in on where he felt his skills could be used in his pursuit of service. Avery was the secretary of the student body for student government at the time and was seeing how the organization was positively affecting members of campus.
- Avery Conrad ’20
Global Citizen
Avery studied at the Otto Friedrich University of Bamberg in Germany during his junior year. He enjoyed sitting side by side with other students whose perspectives were a world away from his own. “That’s really what creates the idea of a global citizen,” he said. “ You stop thinking of yourself in terms of being a South Carolinian or American, but more as a global citizen.”
Washington Semester
Avery spent the past semester in Washington, DC, interning with U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn and taking courses through American University. When he wasn’t in class, he volunteered extra time at his internship because he found the work to be a “huge passion of mine.” Washington Semester
“It was an awesome experience,” he said. “I see everything: People working super hard for South Carolinians on behalf of the 6th District. Every day we’re talking about the problems South Carolina faces, which is a breath of fresh air. It’s a great program and has really helped to decide where I want to go professionally.”
