The unique Steinway & Sons piano that has come to symbolize Clemson University’s commitment to excellence in performing arts now has a permanent home on campus.
The piano is now on display in the new Nieri Family Alumni and Visitors Center, thanks to the combined generosity of Kaye and Bob Stanzione ’69 as well as Mark and Katherine Love of Steinway Carolinas.
“Steinway has long been recognized as the hallmark of excellence,” Mark Love said. “Katherine and I thought that providing this one-of-a-kind Steinway Spirio would be a wonderful way to recognize the excellence that imbues and permeates Clemson.”
Kaye Stanzione added, “Having this uniquely designed Steinway piano on campus is another jewel in Clemson’s crown.”
In April 2023, a gift from the Stanziones set Clemson’s Department of Performing Arts on the “Pathway to Steinway,” allowing the program to achieve the coveted All-Steinway School designation the following Fall.
“Two things motivated us: our love for Clemson and Kaye’s love for music,” Bob Stanzione noted at the time.
About Clemson’s Pathway to Steinway
Along the University’s journey to becoming an All-Steinway School, the iconic orange-and-purple Spirio high-resolution player piano has gone on eye-and-ear-catching display at the Brooks Center for the Performing Arts and Experience Clemson in downtown Greenville. Since the instrument’s first appearance at Clemson in 2021, applications to the music concentration of the Performing Arts major have increased approximately 67%.
The ability to welcome people to campus with the unique musical sounds of Clemson brings the experience of the Nieri Family Alumni and Visitors Center to another level.
Brian O’Rourke, Vice President for Advancement
The piano’s Spirio technology allows it to reproduce musical performances with artistic precision. The most-played song in the piano’s library is the Tiger Rag, which it will continue to perform at the Nieri Family Alumni and Visitors Center on special occasions.
About the Nieri Family Alumni and Visitors Center
The Nieri Family Alumni and Visitors Center opened its doors on April 25, 2025, and it will serve as the front door to the University for thousands of prospective students, visitors and returning alumni each year. The 98,000-square-foot facility was made possible through several generous gifts, including a $12.5 million lead gift from Michael ’86 and Robyn Nieri HA’20 and their family, announced in 2024.
In addition to the Nieri family’s generosity, the project was supported by a wide range of Clemson donors who shared in the vision of creating a dynamic space for connection and celebration.
“The ability to welcome people to campus with the unique musical sounds of Clemson brings the experience of the Nieri Family Alumni and Visitors Center to another level,” said Brian O’Rourke, Vice President for Advancement at Clemson University. “We are forever grateful for the generosity of Bob and Kaye Stanzione and Mark and Katherine Love.”
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