College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences receives first Cornerstone Gift

Clemson, SC – Mitch and Carla Norville support one Clemson. Since the 1980s, they have given back to the University to strengthen programs and initiatives in both academics and athletics, helping build Clemson and allowing students to thrive. Now, the Norvilles are showing their support again with a transformational $2.5 million gift to the College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences (CECAS). It is the first Academic Cornerstone gift for the college and the eighth for the University.

“Mitch and Carla have served Clemson in many ways through the years. Their leadership and generous gifts have already made a difference in both academics and athletics,” said Clemson University President Jim Clements. “I am grateful for their incredible commitment to supporting students, faculty and staff in the College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences with this Cornerstone gift.”

The Norvilles’ most recent gift will further strengthen CECAS, South Carolina’s leader in educating engineers. Addressing all of the college’s top priorities as outlined by its dean, Dr. Anand Gramopadhye, funds will support student scholarships, endowed professorships and facilities in the college. This gift provides flexibility and adaptability as the priorities evolve and change over the years, ensuring CECAS will continue preparing students to be intellectual leaders who can tackle tomorrow’s challenges.

“Great talent, exceptional facilities and cutting-edge programming leading to impactful experiences are the three ingredients for success in academia,” Gramopadhye said. “The Norvilles’ gift brings together all three. I thank Mitch and Carla for their forward-thinking generosity. As our first Academic Cornerstone partners, they are paving the way for others.”

Past contributions from the Norvilles include a gift to the Ernest R. Norville Endowed Chair in Biomedical Engineering and significant contributions to IPTAY, including the Norville Family Gate at the West End Zone of Memorial Stadium and the basketball program.

“Carla and I are excited to be the first CECAS Cornerstone gift and to contribute to the current growth of CECAS,” said Mitch Norville.  “We wanted to make a gift that would provide meaningful impact to all the current CECAS priorities for students, faculty and facilities.  In addition, we are hopeful that our gift will inspire others to join us in supporting CECAS and Clemson University at this level.”

E. Mitchell “Mitch” Norville graduated from Clemson in 1980 with a degree in mechanical engineering. He served as the executive vice president and chief operating officer for Boston Properties Inc., one of the nation’s largest owners, managers and developers of Class-A office properties until 2012. In 2015, he started Atlantic South Development Inc. He is the immediate past chair of the Clemson University Foundation and currently serves on the Foundation Board.

The Norvilles grew up together in Charleston. A former College of Charleston student, Carla is very supportive of the arts both at Clemson and in Greenville, South Carolina. She currently serves on the board of Artisphere—Greenville’s nationally-recognized arts, music and culture festival. When the couple lived in Boston, she was very active with a local organization that worked with disadvantaged youth.

Mitch and Carla currently reside in Greenville, SC and have three sons: Griffith, Hunter and Taylor. Taylor graduated from Clemson in 2010 with a civil engineering degree. The Norvilles enjoy traveling to visit their sons, daughter-in-laws and grandchildren, along with spending time with their Clemson family.

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