Ott Family Continues Clemson University Connection
Cynthia Ott, a 1986 graduate, initially planned to attend the University of Georgia but was encouraged by her parents to try Clemson University for a semester. She pursued a major in English and a minor in accounting, where she met Michael Ott, an economics major. Following their graduations from Clemson, Cynthia earned a Master of Human Resources from the University of South Carolina, while Michael obtained his law degree from the same institution.
The couple had two children, Katie Ott Siler and Madison Ott, both of whom also attended Clemson University. Katie Ott Siler followed her mother’s academic path, majoring in English, and now serves as the head of reference services and a lecturer at Stanford Law School. Madison Ott, their son, majored in biochemistry at Clemson and later earned an M.D.
The Ott family has maintained their connection to the university, becoming hosts of the annual College of Arts and Humanities Alumni Tailgate in 2025. They intend to continue this tradition on October 24, 2026.