"...There is something in these hills that brings together and binds together and holds together men and women of all persuasions and cultural backgrounds, something that cuts across every difference, spans every gap, penetrates every wall, something that makes a man or a woman stand taller, feel better and say with a high pride to all within earshot, "I went to Clemson." There is something in these hills that you and I can't define and others can't understand. A wave of warmth always surges through me when "outsiders" say, "I don't know what it is about you Clemson people, but your undying love for Clemson is admired by everyone I know. There's something in these hills and I suspect that's what it is - the ability of an institution through the unending dedication and greatness of its people - its administration, its faculty, its staff, its students and alumni - to impart to all it touches a respect, an admiration, an affection that stands firm in disquieting times when things around it give impressions of coming unglued.​Yes, there's something in these hills where the Blue Ridge yawns its greatness.​​"​