Give Day raises $1.4 million for Clemson scholarships, teaching and facilities

CLEMSON — The Clemson family came through again. A total of 3,551 donors made contributions totaling $1,440,498 during Clemson University’s third annual Give Day Wednesday.

Last year, 3,265 individuals gave $2,107,270; a dollar amount bolstered by several large gifts. The goal this year was to increase the number of donors, particularly those giving for the first time, with the hope they will become lifelong supporters of the university.

“Once again, the Clemson Family has overwhelmed us with their generosity and loyalty,” said Brian O’Rourke, vice president for Development and Alumni Relations.

“Our students, faculty and staff will benefit now and for years to come from the more than 3,500 individuals and corporations who united to move Clemson forward in a monumental way.”

The money raised on Give Day will go to support Clemson’s philanthropic priorities, including student scholarships, teaching and facilities.

Volunteers and staff collected contributions on campus, by telephone, mail and online. Forty-six percent of the donors made gifts online at http://www.clemson.edu/giveday/. The average online gift was $153. Many alumni and friends also participated by sharing on social media using #ClemsonGiveDay.

Several donors pledged challenge gifts that would be released when the number of donors reached certain levels:

• An anonymous donor representing the Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio Clemson clubs in Texas – known as Tigers in Texas – pledged $7,500 when the number of donors reached 500;
• Col. Blair Berkland, a member of the Clemson University Tiger Band Alumni group, made a gift of $10,000 to support scholarships for band members when donors reached 1,000;
• The Arrigo family from West Palm Beach, Florida, pledged $20,000 to the President’s Leadership Fund when donors reached 1,500; and
• The David Blair family from Potomac, Maryland, pledged $150,000 to support Clemson’s most pressing needs when the number of donors topped 2,000.

“We are forever grateful to everyone who demonstrated their passion for this university by participating in our third annual Give Day,” O’Rourke said. “All gifts, no matter the size, will leave a lasting legacy for future generations of Clemson students.”

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