Ben Lippen School seniors Joe Kull and John Mark Putnam have been selected as Lyceum Scholars at Clemson University, an honor awarded to outstanding incoming students who demonstrate intellectual curiosity, strong character, and a commitment to thoughtful leadership.

The highly selective Lyceum Scholars Program awards recipients a $60,000 scholarship distributed over four years at Clemson University. Open to students of any major, the program centers on the study of the moral, political, and economic foundations of a free society.

As Lyceum Scholars, Joe and John Mark will complete eight specialized courses in a cohort while also earning a minor in Political Science. The program emphasizes deep discussion, critical thinking, and the exploration of foundational ideas that shape society and leadership.

The application process for the Lyceum Scholars Program is rigorous and is designed to evaluate a student’s ability to think deeply and engage meaningfully with complex ideas and principles. Scholars are selected not only for academic excellence, but also for their potential to become thoughtful leaders in their communities and professions.

The Lyceum Scholars Program serves as the flagship initiative of the Snow Institute for the Study of Capitalism (SISC). Founded in 2014, the program is uniquely focused on the study of liberty, capitalism, the American founding, and moral character. Beyond academics, students receive mentorship through Socratic tutor sessions, professional development opportunities, and the completion of a Lyceum thesis.

This scholarship reflects both Joe and John Mark’s academic achievement and their dedication to intellectual growth and leadership. Ben Lippen School congratulates them on this remarkable accomplishment. We look forward to seeing the impact they will make at Clemson University and beyond!