Clemson University sets record with more than $176 million in giving

University’s eighth consecutive year over $100M in total philanthropy creates 67 endowments, 105 scholarships and fellowships

CLEMSON — Clemson University had another record-breaking year in fundraising with more than $176 million received from private gifts and IPTAY support during the fiscal year that began July 1, 2018, and ended June 30, 2019.

The total includes more than $106 million in gifts, pledges and gifts-in-kind; $28 million in planned gifts, such as bequests; and $42.3 million from IPTAY annual support. In all, 35,254 members of the Clemson Family showed their support with 52,758 total gifts, which will go to support a number of initiatives, including 105 scholarships and fellowships and the creation of 67 endowments.

“I am so grateful to every single donor who gave to Clemson this year,” said Clemson University President James P. Clements. “Private gifts are critical to allowing us to offer our students the best education and experience possible, as well as supporting the outstanding work of our faculty and staff. I cannot thank our donors enough for their investment in our university.”

The university celebrated two Academic Cornerstone gifts this year:

• Dan (’72) and Nancy Garrison of Houston donated $2.5 million to support the College of Business, including the new building and its new Sales Innovation Program. The Garrisons are Clemson University’s first donors to be Cornerstone Partners for both academics and athletics.
• Business leaders Ben and Cheri (’93, ’99) Phyfer gave a $2.5 million gift to support the College of Business and student scholarships, becoming the youngest Cornerstone Partner for Academics.

The Cornerstone program is made up of visionaries who make a gift of $2.5 million or more to athletics or academics to help set the course for Clemson’s future success as one of the nation’s top-ranked public universities.

“We are overwhelmed with gratitude by the support of the Clemson family this year. We had another record year in fundraising, which is a true testament to our loyal and dedicated alumni, leaders, volunteers, parents, faculty, staff, corporate partners and friends. The power of philanthropy will continue to create life-changing experiences for our students, faculty and staff as we move Clemson forward,” said Brian O’Rourke, vice president for development and alumni relations.

Twenty-five gifts and pledges in the last year totaled more than $1 million, providing student and faculty support, academic resources and facilities to strengthen Clemson academically and athletically.

During Clemson University’s fourth annual 24-hour Give Day, 4,125 donors raised $2,087,947 to create life-altering experiences for students, faculty and staff. This year’s goal was to increase the number of donors to 3,600, specifically those giving for the first time to bolster lifelong support.

Clemson alumni continue to provide strong support to the university. With an increased number of donors, more than 22 percent of alumni made annual gifts this year.

Davis Babb, chief executive officer of IPTAY, added, “We are very appreciative of our 28,000 IPTAY donors who have given more than $63.7 million over the past year to support athletic scholarships, academic support services and facility initiatives. This total is a combination of gifts to our annual fund, major gifts and planned giving efforts that enable us to provide crucial support to our student athletes.”

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