Clemson raises $78.7 million in private gifts, pledges

CLEMSON – Private gifts to Clemson University totaled $78.7 million for the 2008-2009 fiscal year that ended June 30.

The total includes $43.1 million given by donors to the Clemson University Foundation to support academics and athletic capital projects, $16 million added to the inventory of planned gifts and $19.6 million to IPTAY, which supports athletic scholarships.

The foundation received $23.3 million in cash, $11.4 million in pledges, $3.8 million in real estate gifts and $4.6 million in gifts-in-kind.

“The members of the Clemson family are facing new challenges in this recession, but they are still supporting the university,” said President James F. Barker. “I thank them for their loyal commitment to the university, its mission and its people. The fact that we can still report this level of support makes it clear that Clemson ranks among their top philanthropic priorities.”

Major gift highlights for the year include $2 million from Clemson alumnus Tom Chapman of Atlanta, half to establish a leadership program in the College of Business and Behavioral Science, and the balance used to expand and enhance Doug Kingsmore Stadium; $2.5 million from Metromont to name and support the Richard H. Pennell Center for Real Estate Development; a $1 million bequest from Laurens attorney Albert McAlister to endow a scholarship fund in memory of his late father, Paul W. McAlister, a life trustee of Clemson; and $3.5 million from BB&T to expand the Clemson Institute for the Study of Capitalism.

Support from Clemson alumni remains strong, with 28.3 percent giving back to the university this year.

“I salute our alumni for giving back to Clemson to make this university a better place for future generations of students,” said Brian O’Rourke, director of development and alumni affairs. “Clemson has some of the best and most loyal alumni in the nation, as the university consistently ranks in the top five public universities in terms of the percentage of alumni who make donations.”

IPTAY raised $19.6 million and has 14,253 members.

“When times get tough, people have to start cutting down on extra expenses, and for many people that means things like football tickets,” said Bill D’Andrea, senior associate athletic director for external affairs. “We are so thankful for Clemson’s strong and loyal fan base that has continued to support student-athletes through scholarships and improved facilities.”

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