Clemson University honored its newest members of the Fort Hill Legacy Society during a bronze leaf dedication ceremony on November 7, 2025. Each honoree was recognized for their exceptional generosity and lifelong commitment to Clemson with a bronze leaf placed beneath the Second Century Oak, a symbol of enduring legacy and loyalty rooted in the historic site of Clemson’s first Board of Trustees meeting at Fort Hill.
This year’s inductees are David E. Smith, Arthur M. “Art” Spiro ’45 and Joan G. Spiro, and William “Bill” Sturgis ’57 and Martha Beth Sturgis. The Fort Hill Legacy Society honors individuals and families who have given $1 million or more to Clemson University, ensuring their dedication continues to shape the Clemson Family for generations to come.
David E. Smith
David E. Smith, a native of Chesterfield, South Carolina, lived a life defined by service, faith and generosity. A proud Clemson alumnus, Smith built a remarkable career in maritime operations and real estate while remaining dedicated to helping others achieve their educational goals.
A 1954 graduate of Chesterfield High School, Smith served as a chief officer in the Merchant Marines during World War II, completing 64 ocean voyages over 13 years. He later worked for the Sunny Point Army Base as marine superintendent for 11 years and as deputy commander of the Charleston Army Base for 14 years, overseeing military cargo operations across South Carolina, Georgia and Florida.
After retiring in 1989, Smith launched a successful rental property business in both North and South Carolina. He remained deeply involved in his community and at Friendship United Methodist Church, and was a devoted husband to Esther Rae Gaddy Smith.
To ensure others could access the same opportunities he valued, Smith established the David E. Smith Sr. Scholarship Fund, which supports students from Chesterfield pursuing higher education. Through this scholarship, his legacy of generosity and leadership continues to empower future generations.
Arthur M. “Art” Spiro ’45 and Joan G. Spiro
For nearly six decades, Art and Joan Spiro shared a life of creativity, entrepreneurship and service that left an indelible mark on Clemson University and beyond. Married for 59 years, they were partners in both life and vision — committed to education, innovation and community.
Art Spiro ’45 earned his bachelor’s degree in chemical and textile engineering while serving as a U.S. Navy officer in the Pacific theater during World War II. He later earned a master’s degree in textile technology from MIT, received an honorary doctorate from Clemson in 2000 and was awarded the Alumni Distinguished Service Award in 2002.
During his 50-year career in the textile industry, Art served in multiple leadership roles, including as president of the American Association for Textile Technology and the Textile Distributors Association. He founded AMSTEX Enterprises Inc. and owned Carleton Woolen Mills, then the nation’s second-largest producer of woolen fabrics.
Joan Spiro was an acclaimed interior designer whose work was published numerous times, reflecting her creativity and professional excellence.
Together, the Spiros made a transformative $1.5 million gift to establish the Arthur M. Spiro Institute for Entrepreneurial Leadership at Clemson, which provides education and research opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs. Art also served as a professor in the Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business, as well as on the President’s Advisory Council and the Clemson University Foundation Board of Directors.
Their enduring generosity continues to empower students to think boldly, act creatively and lead with purpose. The Spiros’ legacy will continue to inspire the Clemson community for years to come.
William “Bill” Sturgis ’57 and Martha Beth Sturgis
William “Bill” Sturgis ’57 and his wife, Martha Beth, exemplified leadership, generosity and a lifelong devotion to Clemson University. In 2018, they made the largest gift ever given to the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, marking a milestone in Clemson’s history of philanthropy.
Originally from Rock Hill, South Carolina, Bill and Martha Beth met in first grade at Central Elementary School. Their friendship grew into a 62-year marriage grounded in faith, family and a shared love for Clemson. They raised four sons and were blessed with seven grandchildren — several of whom are Clemson alumni — continuing the family’s deep orange legacy.
A proud member of the Class of 1957, Bill built a successful career with W.R. Grace and Co., but his loyalty to Clemson never wavered. He served as chair of the President’s Advisory Council, the College of Engineering and Science Advisory Board, and the Clemson University Foundation Board of Directors, contributing to the planning of the Clyde V. Madren Center and the John E. Walker Sr. Golf Course.
Bill also proposed the creation of Clemson’s packaging science degree program, which launched in 1988 and has since become one of the nation’s leading programs.
His service and generosity earned him the Distinguished Alumni Service Award and recognition as Volunteer of the Year. The Sturgises’ impact continues to inspire the Clemson Family and future generations of Tigers.
A Legacy That Lives On
The Smith, Spiro and Sturgis families embody the Clemson ideals of generosity, leadership and dedication. Their bronze leaves beneath the Second Century Oak serve as lasting reminders of their devotion to the University and its mission.
Through their philanthropy, service and example, they have strengthened the Clemson Family — ensuring that future generations will continue to learn, lead and make a difference.
Grayson Simmons, a junior computer science major and Air Force ROTC cadet.
