A gift from roofing industry leader Dennis Conway will strengthen student learning and create new opportunities for experiential education at Clemson University’s Center for Roofing Innovation and Leadership, powered by the Roofing Alliance.
Conway, principal and vice president of Commercial Roofers Inc., has established the first private endowment dedicated to the Center, housed in Clemson’s Nieri Department of Construction and Real Estate Development. His gift also includes annual funding, allowing the Center to begin using the funds immediately while the endowment continues to grow.
Conway said establishing the Dennis Conway Endowment for the Center for Roofing Innovation and Leadership is a natural extension of that commitment.
“Over the past decade, the Roofing Alliance for Progress, in partnership with Clemson University’s Nieri Department of Construction and Real Estate Development, has made remarkable progress in advancing roofing education and raising awareness of the vital role the roofing industry plays within the built environment.
I am proud of what has been accomplished through the Center, but my commitment does not end there. I want to continue to contribute to this important work—not only as part of its history, but as an active participant in shaping its future.”
The endowment provides programmatic support that advances the goal of Clemson Elevates number one student experience pillar with opportunities that prepares students for their careers through student aid, industry site visits and hands-on learning opportunities that prepare students for careers in the roofing profession.
As the roofing industry continues to evolve, employers are seeking leaders who understand advanced building systems, emerging technologies and the complexities of managing construction projects. Conway’s gift will expand opportunities for Clemson students to gain hands-on experiences that complement their classroom education and prepare them to lead the industry.
Powered by the Roofing Alliance, Clemson’s Center for Roofing Innovation and Leadership serves as a national hub for workforce development, leadership education and applied research that advances the roofing industry. Through collaboration with industry partners, the Center equips students with the technical knowledge, leadership skills and real-world experiences needed to meet the industry’s evolving workforce needs.
Conway has dedicated his career to advancing the roofing profession while investing in the next generation of industry leaders. As a longtime member of the Roofing Alliance and a champion of roofing education, he has played an instrumental role in strengthening workforce development efforts through construction management programs and partnerships between higher education and industry.
Dhaval Gajjar, Ph.D., Wilbur O. “Billy” and Ann Powers distinguished associate professor and director of the Center for Roofing Innovation and Leadership, said Conway’s investment represents an important milestone in the Center’s continued growth.
“Dennis Conway’s generosity represents much more than financial support. It is a vote of confidence in our vision for the Center for Roofing Innovation and Leadership, powered by the Roofing Alliance, and the students we serve”, said Gajjar. “As our first endowed gift, it creates momentum that will help us expand student aid and experiential learning while building lasting partnerships within the roofing profession.”
The gift reflects a shared commitment between Clemson and industry leaders to prepare the next generation of roofing professionals through innovation, collaboration and hands-on education. Students supported through the endowment will have expanded opportunities to visit active job sites, engage directly with industry leaders and participate in experiential learning that bridges classroom instruction with professional practice.
As the Center continues to grow, gifts like Conway’s will help strengthen its mission of advancing education, research and workforce development while preparing graduates to lead one of the nation’s essential industries.
