One of Clemson University’s most philanthropic spring traditions will return this year with The Pursuit on April 1-2. The event, which includes a trivia night and an on-campus scavenger hunt race, was founded in 2012 by Kathleen McKissick and has occurred almost every year since.

McKissick didn’t just want to create a new tradition, though — she wanted to benefit a good cause. Initially, the money raised by The Pursuit went to Clemson University Student Emergency Fund. Since 2024, however, it has instead gone to the Students Helping Students Fund, which provides meal plans to Clemson students in need.

“It’s a great way to support our friends who might not be as fortunate,” Pursuit assistant director Dan D’Alleva, who’s a junior sports communication and marketing major at Clemson, told The Tiger in an interview.

While this year’s Pursuit may seem intense, it’s nothing compared to years past.

“They did all sorts of crazy things,” Pursuit director Anna Holstein told The Tiger. She said that one year, students even kayaked across the Reflection Pond in front of Cooper Library.

The Pursuit in its current form isn’t quite as daunting, but it’s still a challenge for both participants and organizers.

“I actually started working last year,” Holstein said. “I think The Pursuit was on March 7, and I probably started working on Pursuit 2026 on March 8.”

The planning is intense, but Holstein and D’Alleva treat it as a collaborative process. “It’s a kind of partnership,” Holstein continued.

Holstein and D’Alleva hope that both sponsor donations and funds collected from this year’s Pursuit registration fee — $30 per team of two participants — will raise $75,000 for the Students Helping Students Fund. Nonparticipants can donate directly to the fund on The Pursuit’s website.

“The amount of money that we raise is 100% a result of the Clemson community,” Holstein said, emphasizing the importance of community support. D’Alleva added that the trivia night opening The Pursuit this year is open to alumni and the general Clemson community.

Last year’s Pursuit raised over $68,000. This year, the event’s organizers are hoping to raise $75,000 with 300 participating teams.

Interested parties can follow The Pursuit on Instagram @clemsonpursuit for more information, and register for the race or donate to the Students Helping Students Fund at clemsonpursuit.com.