Clemson Honors Student Ambassadors
Looking for a Student Perspective on Clemson Honors?
Clemson Honors Student Ambassadors are Honors student volunteers who are official ambassadors for the Honors College and who are passionate about Honors at Clemson University.
Ambassadors meet with prospective students and their families to provide a student perspective on their various Honors experiences.
They are a diverse group of students, representing each of Clemson's academic colleges listed below, and they are involved in all aspects of campus life. They are developing communication, teamwork, and leadership skills as they interact with prospective students and their families.
You can read more about each ambassador within their major's college.
Name: Addie Vondersaar
Hometown: Dallas
Major: Biochemistry
Class: May 2028
Email: vonders@clemson.edu
Introduction: Hello everyone! My name is Addie Vondersaar, and I am a first-year Biochemistry major from Dallas, Texas. After graduation, I hope to attend graduate school and pursue a career in medical research. In my free time, I love reading, dancing, baking, and anything art-related. I look forward to meeting you and assisting you on your Clemson journey! Go Tigers!
Ask me about...: Please feel free to ask me about my favorite study spots on campus, where to find the best coffee, my favorite classes, or my research experience. I would be happy to answer any Clemson or Honors College questions!
My advice for prospective students: Don't be afraid to pursue a path simply because it is uncommon; explore all options presented to you, even those initially unconventional. Though your future may seem uncertain and mysterious at the moment, everything has a way of working out. Be open to an abundance of opportunities, but know that you have truly found your place when your heart feels at home.
My advice for current students: It is never too late to make a change or get more involved. Clemson offers a wealth of possibilities and experiences. The power to change your life, shape your undergraduate education, and impact the world is all around you. All you have to do is reach out and grab it. Take advantage of the multitude of opportunities right at your fingertips.
Why I chose Clemson and the Honors College: I decided to attend Clemson University because it felt like home. Unlike any other university I applied to or toured, I immediately felt comfortable and content at Clemson, and I undoubtedly saw my life and story unfolding here. Additionally, I chose the Clemson Honors College since it offered involvement in a tight-knit community within the broader Clemson community, research exposure, and crucial opportunities to jump-start my career and future, unlike any other honors program.
My favorite thing about the Honors College: My favorite thing about the Honors College is the culture and the people that comprise it. The Honors College community is collaborative, supportive, and enthusiastically driven toward a common goal of higher learning. With this culture comes deep connections and steadfast relationships between peers and faculty alike. No matter the event or circumstance, the Honors College is continually striving to establish and further connections and community, which I have found extremely impactful, especially as an out-of-state student.
My involvement in the Honors College: During the summer of 2024, I served as a participant in the EUREKA! experiential research program, where I gained crucial research experience and made life-long connections along the way. Additionally, I am currently a member of the Honors Student Advisory Board (HSAB). In HSAB, I collaborate with a board of fellow Honors College students to improve the Honors College experience by planning events and implementing student feedback. I am also a current member of the Honors College Student Ambassador Program, acting as a liaison to prospective students and sharing information about the Honors College.
My involvement in Clemson University: Outside of the Honors College, I am involved in Clemson's Creative Inquiry and Undergraduate Research Program, where I research the biochemical implications of breast cancer metastasis with the Melvin Research Group. Additionally, I am a recent member of clubs such as Clemson ASL, Clemson Crochets, and Clemson Biochemistry and Genetics Club.
