A legacy of learning: Two decades of growth in the Studio

The Pearce Center for Professional Communication represents something different for everyone who steps into the space. For some, it is a spot to let their creativity shine through designing visuals in Adobe software programs in the Visual Information Design program. For Pearce Interns, they are expanding their skill set and are given the chance to deliver their work and talent to community and campus-based clients. Or graduate students who get to hone their skills as teaching assistants and guide undergraduate students through their college experience in the Graduate WAC Fellows program. As the Pearce Center approaches the 20th Anniversary of the Studio, let’s head back to the start and dive into the history of this space as it has developed and evolved throughout the years. 

The Pearce Center’s mission has always been to support and foster the communicative arts, and the Studio gives students the chance to do so. Originally founded in 1989, Roy and Marnie Pearce wished for all students across all departments to strengthen their professional communication skills. They provided programs to help students become better communicators through generous donations. 

In 2004, the new Studio gave students and faculty access to new opportunities. These opportunities would not have been possible without the generous support of the Clemson graduates of 1941 and their contributions to the Studio’s expansion and construction. Their support, along with the Pearce family, laid the foundation for enhancing the Studio to ensure everyone has the tools they need to succeed. 

The Class of 1941 made great efforts to improve and help their alma mater succeed and thrive. This class of Clemson University graduates faced greater challenges than most college students have gone through in their four years. Most of the 276 graduates immediately entered active duty into World War II post graduation. 57 of these graduates would sacrifice their lives in battle during war, and this formed a tight bond between this class that would last forever. Their love and pride for their country and Clemson drove them in their mission to give back. Sixty years after their time concluded at Clemson, the goal of this group of alumni was to make a greater Clemson through their philanthropic efforts and generous donations to academic programs and facilities, one of these being the Class of 1941 Studio for Student Communication. 

Roy Pearce, standing center, with fellow graduates of the Class of 1941 

In 2001, when it was announced that the Studio would be created, there was always a vision in mind. The need for a dedicated Studio stemmed from the goal to have a collaborative space for all disciples of communication, whether it be writing, speech or research .  In the original space and concept proposal for the Pearce Center expansion, director Kathleen Blake Yancy made it clear what their objectives were. At the time, there was “no single place on campus — no department, no college, no center — where students focus on all the communicative arts as communicative arts.”  And the Pearce Center wanted to be the first.  They wanted to “extend the Pearce Center’s vision by developing the Pearce Center for Communicative Arts, a first-in-the-nation kind of center for the teaching and learning of all the communicative arts.” 

In a memoir dedicated to the graduates, Class of 1941: Legacy for the Ages, the Studio with all of its advancements, still wanted to honor those who made it possible. 

“The studio will feature through its hall tributes to the accomplishments of the Class of 1941 members. Their legacy will be depicted in portraits, photographs, mementos and testaments to properly recognize this class and to inspire the students of the 21st century to preserve and realize their own dreams and potential.”  

When the new Studio opened in 2004, the technological forethought of the space made it impactful for future students to feel like they were equipped with the necessary resources and softwares to succeed. This Studio was designed as a multimedia learning center for both students and faculty to foster collaboration and skills in communication through collaborative spaces, advanced tools, and software. 

Celebrating 20 years of the studio that encourages innovation and success, it’s important to look back to those who made it possible for students in the communication field to thrive and learn from mentors and peers. The Pearce Center for Professional Communication means something different for everyone who steps inside, but its dedication to supporting the communicative arts has led to great accomplishments and lasting impacts at Clemson. 

By: Maille Llach