Garrisons become first Cornerstone Partners for both athletics and academics at Clemson

CLEMSON — Dan (’72) and Nancy Garrison of Houston are making another generous commitment to Clemson University with a gift of $2.5 million, becoming the fourth Academic Cornerstone Partner. Their latest philanthropic gift will 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.

“Dan and Nancy Garrison are incredible leaders for Clemson and I cannot thank them enough for their generous support, which will make a difference for the students, faculty and staff in our College of Business,” said Clemson University President James P. Clements. “Through their support of both athletics and academics, they are leaving a legacy that will impact the entire university forever.”

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

The Garrisons’ gift of $2.5 million for Clemson University’s College of Business provides:

• $1 million dollars for the new College of Business building, including the J. Daniel and Nancy Garrison Sales Lab; and
• $1.5 million dollars to support and enhance the new Sales Innovation Program in the College of Business.

“We are privileged to have the opportunity to partner with the business school during this exciting time of expansion and growth for the school. The building will be state of the art, surpassed only by the opportunities available to the students and faculty, both current and generations to come, to learn, experience and innovate,” said Dan Garrison. “We are encouraged that the Sales Innovation Program is expanding to help more students and corporate partners. This allows us to pay it forward in a meaningful way.”

With a previous gift of $2.5 million, the Garrisons were among the first Athletic Cornerstone Partners. Their gift provided funding for student-athlete scholarships, facilities, the Tiger Leadership Academy and the newly named Garrison Learning Lab.

“Because of the vision and generosity of the Garrisons, we have been able to provide the finest facilities, the best programs and the best support to our student-athletes,” said Davis Babb, chief executive officer of IPTAY.

As a Cornerstone Partner for Academics, the Garrisons are extending their philanthropy into the classroom.

“Dan and Nancy Garrison have been an inspiration to others as Athletic Cornerstone Partners impacting the future for our student-athletes,” saidBrian O’Rourke, vice president of Development and Alumni Relations. “We are grateful that they are also extending their generosity to academics. They are making a lasting mark on our university with a powerful impact on all our students across the Clemson community.”

This transformational gift from the Garrisons will be instrumental in allowing Clemson to fulfill its vision for the new home for the College of Business: a think-tank environment that will bring students, faculty and industry together in a collaborative, inspiring space that is forward-thinking in its design and daily application. The new building will provide business students with an attractive environment that compels them to work, engage, study, ask hard questions, challenge themselves and work together.

The Garrisons’ support for the new Sales Innovation Program will include the J. Daniel and Nancy Garrison Sales Lab, a named professorship, scholarships and programmatic support, making an impact across the college for Clemson students and faculty.

“With their heartfelt gift, Dan and Nancy Garrison have raised the bar of business education at Clemson University for generations to come,” Wendy York, dean of College of Business, said. “Their generosity will make a difference far greater than they could have ever imagined for our students and faculty. That kind of commitment by a successful alum demonstrates their belief in the future of the College of Business and Clemson University.”

Dan Garrison is a member of the Clemson University Foundation board of directors. Garrison, who received a Bachelor of Science in business administration from Clemson in 1972, is retired senior vice president of sales for Service Corporation International (SCI). SCI is North America’s largest provider of funeral and cemetery services, with shares traded on the New York Stock Exchange.

Nancy Garrison is a native of Houston and has lived in Texas most of her life outside of the 15 years that she and Dan were in Georgia and Florida. Her occupation and most important role has been full-time mom – and now grandmother. She is an avid tennis player and traveler. Dan and Nancy Garrison have been married for more than 35 years and have three children, Brooke (Travis) Archenhold, Rachel Garrison and Colby (Michelle) Garrison; and three grandchildren, Aubrey (12), Eddie (9) and Walker (6).

The Garrisons are actively involved in the Houston Clemson Club and are generous supporters of the Tigers in Texas Scholarship Endowment.