Page 43 - Clemson Area Chamber Community Guide

Town & Gown Learn more at itga.org

Tip Your Hat to a Great Partnership By: Glenn Carson
lemson is not only a lovely town, but also home to a major
C university. While college towns have the benefit of educated

young students, they face uncommon challenges that cities
without a large student population would not understand.

Clemson city and academic leaders in recent years, which in part can be
created the International Town and traced to the activities of ITGA.
Gown Association (ITGA) in 2008. This Kryssa Cooper, Assistant Vice
nonprofit is geared toward a cooperative President for Student Affairs at the
effort that means open communication university, serves as the Town and Gown
and collaboration between the City of liaison to the City of Clemson. “I foresee
Clemson and Clemson University. The a bright future ahead,” she said. “We have
the right people in place for a robust
idea was a hit, and soon college towns
program.” Cooper added that a joint
around the globe adopted the program.
police and fire training center, and an
ITGA has regular gatherings and shares
upgrade to the Green Crescent Trail, are
its research with chapters at colleges
priorities for the near future.
and universities. Among the topics that
It is ITGA’s goal to address these
interest the association are economic
issues and anything else that may
development, student housing, civic
augment communities and how they
engagement, and quality of life. An
work together to tackle questions.
annual conference and networking help
ITGA has three committees designed
members to learn what new projects
to align engagement efforts with
local associations are planning.
the current and emerging needs of
Clemson Mayor Robert Halfacre said
its members. The Communications
the 2023-24 academic year is the “year
Committee, Racial Justice and
of action.” He said the partnership will
Equity Committee, and Professional
lead to greater economic impact, cultural
Development Committee each targets
enrichment, and knowledge exchange.
issues specific to their areas of focus.
“Collaboration between the university A program started in Clemson 15
and the community fosters innovation, years ago not only has strengthened
research partnerships, and technology the relationship between the two South
enhancements,” said Halfacre. Carolina entities, but has done so for
Like many other areas, Clemson has hundreds of cities and universities
experienced unprecedented growth around the world.
Town & Gown 39