Clemson University is pleased to announce that Bob and Kaye Stanzione have become Academic Cornerstone Trailblazers. With their most recent gift, the Stanziones increased their critical support of the ClemsonLIFE™ program, helped our University reach the prestigious All-Steinway status, supported women’s basketball and veterinary medicine scholarships, and honored three Clemson friends by contributing to their named endowments.
This generosity is a tapestry that ties together some of the most meaningful threads woven into the Stanziones’ own story. The first thread, the heartstring, is their support of ClemsonLIFE through the Robert and Kaye Stanzione Family ClemsonLIFE Endowment,which provides key operational funds. Their giving to ClemsonLIFE honors Bob’s younger brother, Jim, who had an intellectual disability, and Bob’s mother, Sue Stanzione, who poured so much into all her children. Bob and Kaye often reflect on what it would have meant for Sue and Jim if they had been able to access a program like ClemsonLIFE. In a word, it would have been life-changing.
“The investment from the Stanziones has allowed us to more than double the number of students we are able to serve,” stated Joe Ryan, the Sue Stanzione Distinguished Professor for ClemsonLIFE. “They have made a life-changing impact on so many Clemson Families who wouldn’t have otherwise had an option like ClemsonLIFE.”
Another key thread woven into their support of Clemson is their love of music, especially the piano, which stems from Kaye’s musical talents and passion. Kaye’s parents signed her up for piano lessons in third grade, and she went on to earn a degree in piano performance and work as a music educator after graduation. The All-Steinway designation is truly a game changer for the music program and for Clemson’s reputation as a comprehensive University. Performers and audience members alike benefit from the unparalleled excellence of Steinway craftsmanship and Spirio technology. Students of any major can have access to practice on these iconic instruments, which greatly enriches their Clemson Experience.
Christian Walker ’26, piano performing arts major, explains, “The Stanziones support in helping us become an all Steinway school means so much to me. These instruments have really improved my touch, they have really improved my technique and they really have improved my musicianship. I am grateful for the Stanziones’ impact on not just the Clemson Performing Arts Department, but on all of Clemson University.”
Additionally, their current gift weaves together funds for gifts in the names of others who have inspired them — such as the Grace Clements ’25 and Joe Pazdan Jr. ’82. It also includes critical scholarship funds for the Harvey S. Peeler Jr. College of Veterinary Medicine’s inaugural class and key support for Coach Shawn Poppie and the women’s basketball program.
“We are beyond grateful for Bob and Kaye’s support. This generous gift will directly impact our Women’s basketball program in so many ways,” said Shawn Poppie, Clemson Women’s Basketball coach. “The Stanziones are committed to helping create opportunities for our student-athletes that will leave lasting impressions on their Clemson experience. They are the true definition of what we call Clemson Tigers.”
In 2020, the Stanziones became Cornerstone Partners with a gift to the College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences. This investment supports engineering student scholarships, advances faculty excellence through the School of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering and strengthens the Dean’s Excellence Fund — reinforcing their longstanding commitment to Clemson’s engineering and computing community.
Trailblazer is a fitting nomen for a couple whose generosity a decade ago enabled ClemsonLIFE to evolve into the thriving program we see on campus today. Their most recent gifts blaze trails across five colleges and athletics. With great intention and vision, the Stanziones strive to let their passions direct their connections back to Clemson and their diverse commitments across the Clemson Journey speak to the breadth and the depth of their contributions.
The Stanziones target each of their gifts toward aiding students in reaching their highest level of success — be it through performing arts, ClemsonLIFE, engineering, veterinary medicine, basketball or any other pathway. Timely, meaningful support that aids students and faculty in achieving their goals is the driving force behind the Stanziones’ generosity.
Bob knows firsthand how pivotal that type of funding can be, as during the second semester of his freshman year, his father passed away unexpectedly, creating significant emotional and financial challenges for the family. Unsure whether he could continue his education, a family friend, Joe Pazdan Sr., encouraged Bob to return and finish the semester. When they spoke again months later, Joe offered to cover a large portion of Bob’s college expenses. Bob has never forgotten that act of generosity and has repaid it tenfold through his service and support at Clemson.
“The Stanziones believe passionately in helping others reach their full potential. They have continuously invested in Clemson for over a decade — making a critical difference for faculty, programs and individual students that will echo for generations to come,” said Brian O’Rourke ’83, M ’85, Senior Vice President for Advancement. “The Clemson Family is deeply grateful for all they have done and continue to do to elevate Clemson and keep our University moving Fiercely Forward.”
About Bob and Kaye Stanzione:
While a senior at Clemson, Bob married his wife, Kaye, a Columbia College alumna. The couple lived in married student housing on campus while she taught in Westminster and he finished his degree, earning a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Clemson in 1969. After graduating from Clemson, Bob built a distinguished career in engineering, telecommunications and executive leadership.
Stanzione’s career began with AT&T, where he held a variety of engineering and management roles before joining ARRIS in 1995. What followed was a remarkable 26-year career with the company. As president and CEO of ARRIS International, a joint venture between Nortel Networks and ANTEC, Bob helped grow the startup venture into a global leader in cable networking technology, guiding the company through decades of growth and innovation. His contributions to the telecommunications industry earned numerous honors, including induction into the Cable TV Pioneers and the Cable Hall of Fame.
Throughout his career, Bob remained committed to leadership, service and mentorship, qualities that would later shape his continued involvement with Clemson University. In recognition of his impact as both an industry leader and dedicated Clemson supporter, he was inducted into the Thomas Green Clemson Academy of Engineers and Scientists in 2015 and in 2023 he received the University’s Distinguished Service Award. Together, Bob and Kaye, an honorary alumna of Clemson, have remained deeply engaged in advancing the University’s mission.
Bob and Kaye are dedicated supporters of Clemson University, particularly ClemsonLIFE. Kaye serves on the ClemsonLIFE Advisory Board, and together they have helped advance opportunities for Clemson students and families. Bob has also served Clemson through leadership and volunteer roles, including as a director of the Clemson University Foundation Board and as an ambassador for the Order of the Oak. The Stanzione’s humble generosity has also inspired other donors, multiplying their impact. Recently an anonymous donor established the Kaye M. Stanzione Scholarship for Performing Arts Endowment in honor of Kaye’s devotion to Clemson, and particularly the piano program.
“We don’t really think of it as philanthropy. To us, it’s gratitude. It’s why we love seeing what’s happening at the new veterinary school, cheering on women’s basketball, and helping open doors for ClemsonLIFE students. We believe excellence and inclusion aren’t competing values — they’re strongest when they work together.” – Bob and Kaye Stanzione
Bob and Kaye have three married children who all attended Clemson: Marie, Jennifer and Bobby. Marie and Jennifer are Clemson graduates, and Bobby earned his degree from USC Beaufort. The Stanziones enjoy spending time with their children and 12 grandchildren, especially around events that bring them to Tigertown. Granddaughter Emma Anderson graduated in 2023, the same year her grandmother Kaye Stanzione was named an honorary alumna — the two very much enjoy being “classmates.” This next year grandsons Owen Anderson and Alex Mauk will earn their Clemson degrees while grandsons Dante Stanzione and Tyler Mauk will begin their Clemson Journeys as freshmen.
About the Cornerstone Program:
Cornerstone donors are a remarkable community of visionaries whose generosity helps shape Clemson University’s future. Their gifts strengthen the University today while creating opportunities for generations to come. These investments expand access to learning, attract and retain exceptional faculty, and fuel groundbreaking research and bold ideas.
More than support, Cornerstone gifts inspire action. They empower students, faculty and researchers to pursue ambitious goals, solve complex challenges and create meaningful impact. Through discovery, innovation and service, Cornerstone donors are helping Clemson transform lives and move Fiercely Forward.
