Nick Lomax Named 2025 Bond Distinguished Athletes Award Winner

2025 Bond Distinguished Athletes Award Recipient: Manning N. “Nick” Lomax

Former Tiger Baseball student-athlete receives the award presented by Margaret Bond.

The Bond Distinguished Athletes Award was created in 2013 by Margaret Segars Bond (’84) and her late husband, former Clemson golfer Steve Bond (’80). The couple’s goal was to leave a legacy that would honor student-athlete alumni and recognize them for their success measured outside of athletic competition. The Bonds aimed to give attention to those who have gone on to do great things in life after athletics.

Each year, the award is celebrated with a customized gold ring, an engraved plaque prominently displayed in the Nieri Family Student-Athlete Enrichment Center, and gameday recognition in Memorial Stadium. To qualify for the award, recipients must have lettered in a sport and be more than ten years removed from graduation. The individuals selected have demonstrated exceptional character, strong citizenship, and outstanding service, including support for their community, family, and Clemson University.

“I’m so thankful for my late husband Steve’s innovative idea to create the Bond Distinguished Athletes Award,” said Margaret. “It was his way of giving back to Clemson. What an amazing journey this has been for me to carry on his legacy! It has not only added value to my life, but also to Clemson University and Clemson Athletics.”

This year’s recipient, Manning N. “Nick” Lomax, has been a fixture in the Clemson community since he played left field for Clemson Baseball from 1961-63. Lomax has made a continuing impact on Clemson in his various roles with the University, helping to shape Clemson University into the institution it is known for today.

“Nick Lomax embodies the qualities that Steve and I set out to recognize and honor,” said Margaret. “Nick’s character, service, and commitment to Clemson make him the perfect choice as the 2025 recipient. I am proud to continue Steve’s legacy with this prestigious award. Nick is a welcomed addition to this outstanding group of individuals who have been chosen over the years.”

Lomax is a 1963 graduate of Clemson and a letterman on the baseball team.  The Abbeville, S.C. native started working for Clemson after graduation as a member of the grounds crew before serving in the Army for over two years. During his active duty, he wrote to President Robert C. Edwards expressing interest in working at Clemson. This letter landed Lomax a job in the housing office. After a few years in this role, President Edwards, along with many others, were impressed with Lomax’s dedication and service to Clemson, and he was promoted to Vice President for Student Affairs.

The organizational chart of Clemson University looked much different during this period. Then, the director of athletics reported to the vice president of student affairs. Therefore, Lomax oversaw the athletic department during his tenure while also overseeing housing operations, disciplinary matters, and serving as an advisor to many other administrators.

In the following years, Lomax became Vice President for Administration and Secretary to the Board of Trustees. His roles allowed him to have a direct impact on the school’s growth, including major facilities projects. He became an important figure in advocating before South Carolina legislators on the importance of investing in these projects. He worked in Clemson administration for 31 years.

Nick was first introduced to Clemson at the age of ten when a family friend took him and his brother to a 1951 Clemson Football game. He later came to Clemson on a baseball scholarship. Aside from his service in the Army, Nick has spent his entire adult life in Clemson.

Following retirement, he established a consulting practice specializing in campus facility development and joined Coleman Lew + Associates as a partner and director. He served 29 years in the Army Reserve and retired as a colonel.

In addition to his B.S. from Clemson, Lomax has received an honorary degree from Lander. He has been active in many professional civic organizations throughout the years, is a Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow, and has served on many boards of different capacities.

Nick and his wife, Sally, still reside in Clemson. They have two children and two grandchildren.

“Years have flown by since the inception of this special award,” said Margaret Bond. “Nick Lomax truly represents everything this was set out to honor. Having the opportunity to meet and become friends with such extraordinary people has brought me much joy. I am blessed to add number 13, Nick Lomax, and his wife Sally, to this list of great people.”