Clemson students in architecture and design will soon experience transformative opportunities thanks to Brad and Lyle Smith, whose latest investment in the University helps elevate student learning, faculty excellence, and alumni engagement for years to come.
Their gift empowers the College of Architecture, Art and Construction to expand signature initiatives that provide students with immersive global experiences and connection-building programs, helping shape leaders ready to improve communities through design.
“Brad and Lyle are champions of Clemson’s future,” said Brian O’Rourke, vice president for Advancement. “Their generosity not only elevates our programs but also inspires others to give boldly in support of the Clemson Experience.”
A centerpiece of their commitment is the Brad and Lyle Smith Family Travel Grant-in-aid that supports architecture students studying through Clemson’s Fluid Campus model, which includes centers in Charleston, Barcelona and Genoa. These immersive experiences help students gain global perspectives and practical insight into how design can impact the built environment and human health.
“Clemson provided me the foundation to turn my profession into a way to improve lives,” said Brad Smith. “Through this gift, Lyle and I hope to help students experience the world, expand their thinking, receive the best education from impactful teachers, and become the type of alumni and leaders who will positively impact their communities and give back to the University.”
“Brad and Lyle’s extraordinary generosity reflects a shared commitment to our college’s future, with support that will touch many areas of our mission. Brad, who earned three degrees from our College, exemplifies the integration of architecture and construction in both education and practice, and his journey continues to inspire the kind of cross-disciplinary thinking we hope to see in all our students and future alumni.”
-Ece Erdogmus, Founding Dean of the
College of Architecture, Art and Construction (CAAC)
The Smiths’ gift also helps to establish an Architecture and Health Alumni Endowed Professorship that strengthens Clemson’s ability to attract and retain top-tier faculty in architecture, specifically those whose research lies at the intersection of design and health. This emphasis reflects Brad’s long-standing belief in the power of design to improve lives.
By investing in faculty, the Smiths are creating a ripple effect that extends to every student touched by their teaching, research and mentorship.
Building connections is another passion the Smiths support. Their contribution to the Clemson Alumni Association’s Executive Director Excellence Fund will fuel leadership development opportunities and alumni programming, equipping Tigers to remain engaged and impactful long after graduation.
“Brad and Lyle understand the lasting influence of staying connected,” said Wil Brasington, CEO of the Alumni Association. “This gift reflects their commitment to community, mentorship and the continuous Clemson journey.”
Brad Smith, a three-time Clemson graduate (bachelor’s degrees in design ‘82, building science and management ‘83 and a bachelor’s degree in architecture ‘85) and Founding Principal at McMillan Pazdan Smith, has long intertwined his professional expertise with service to his alma mater. From designing key campus facilities to mentoring students and leading the Clemson Architectural Foundation, his contributions continue to leave a visible and lasting impact.
The Smiths’ latest gift is deeply personal, a tribute to how Clemson shaped their family, and a commitment to creating access for the next generation. Their son, Brad Jr., is also a Clemson graduate, now working on the construction of the Harvey S. Peeler, Jr. College of Veterinary Medicine, and their daughter, Caroline, is a lifelong Clemson supporter and a 2017 graduate of New York University.
