Graduation 11:00 a.m. - Registrar - Clemson University

Ho n o r a r y De g r e eJoseph Fletcher Anderson, Jr.Doctorate of LawsFor several decades, Judge Joseph Fletcher Anderson, Jr. has been committed toa life of public service, traveling a path from small-town lawyer to U.S. federaljudge.His prestigious journey began at Clemson. During his time as a student, he wasawarded the Norris Medal for best all-around student and the Algernon SydneySullivan Award for service to the University. He was also named the top secondlieutenant in the U.S. Army commissioned through the ROTC program.After graduating from Clemson in 1972, Anderson entered the University of South Carolina Schoolof Law. He then returned to his home of Edgefield to join his father’s law firm. His 1980 electionto the S.C. General Assembly representing Edgefield and Aiken Counties displays his remarkableloyalty to his hometown and home state.But his most distinguished roles still lay ahead of him. In 1986, President Ronald Reagan appointedJudge Anderson to the federal bench. At 36 years old, Anderson was the youngest federal judge inSouth Carolina history. He still holds the position to this day.He completed a term as chief judge for the District of South Carolina, serving from 2000 to 2008.During this time, he drafted South Carolina’s first-in-the-nation rule regarding court-ordered secrecyagreements on matters affecting public safety. His proposal drew national attention, and he wasfeatured on the CBS News magazine “60 Minutes,” where anchor Dan Rather referred to him as “oneof the country’s most influential and respected judges.”Judge Anderson has authored two books of national acclaim and was recently included in thepublication “The Leading Judges in America.” He is a frequent speaker on judicial panels and otherlegal events.But even with this remarkable career, Judge Anderson has not lost touch with his small-town roots.He remains active in his Columbia community, devoting his spare time to various worthwhile causesincluding the Rotary Club, Boy Scouts and Habitat for Humanity.Judge Anderson’s family is what you would call a “Clemson Family.” His father and three brothersare all Clemson alumni. Two of his three children graduated from Clemson, and his son Fletcherserved as undergraduate student body president. The Anderson family has also made significantcontributions to the University, most notably the Joseph Anderson Moot Court Trial Room namedin honor of Judge Anderson’s father.Judge Joseph Anderson is indeed one of Clemson University’s most distinguished alumni. Inrecognition of his eminent achievements and meritorious service to the people of South Carolinaand to his alma mater, it is with great honor that we present the honorary degree, Doctorate of Laws,to the Honorable Joseph Fletcher Anderson, Jr.