Greetings Tigers! I would like to reiterate – again – how grateful we are to Dan and Nancy Garrison for their incredible $2.5 million Academic Cornerstone gift supporting the new College of Business building and the Sales Innovation Program. As longtime friends and supporters of Clemson, Dan and Nancy have regularly demonstrated their commitment to Clemson. Their latest gift is truly remarkable, and with it, they become the FIRST donors to be Cornerstone Partners for both academics and athletics. Please watch this special video honoring the Garrisons – our fourth Academic Cornerstone Partners – and view photos from the gift announcement. You can also read more about Dan and Nancy and their continued support of Clemson here.
The Tigers painted the South Carolina State House – and Columbia – orange this week as the General Assembly recognized Clemson Day and celebrated the Tigers’ 2018 National Championship. Tuesday’s event gave alumni and students the opportunity to learn more about the General Assembly and their work on behalf of Clemson. It also provided our University with the platform to educate members of the General Assembly on the impact Clemson has on our state. You can view photos from Clemson Day at the State House here.
Your philanthropic support is imperative for Clemson University’s faculty, staff and students to move forward as innovators, researchers and champions. We are fortunate to have the opportunities to celebrate our University and our donors. On Saturday, I had the pleasure of attending a brunch where we celebrated Leadership Circle donors and heard first-hand the impact that these gifts are having on our students. The Leadership Circle was created to highlight the importance of unrestricted funds. This exclusive gift club was created to recognize those individuals who have built a tradition of giving $10,000 or more per year for unrestricted gifts. These gifts are vital to the success of Clemson because they can be directed to the most critical, promising and appropriate purposes in support of the University. These funds give Clemson’s leaders the flexibility to direct funds to needs and opportunities as they arise, helping us support students and become a better University. You can view photos from the event here.
The Division of Student Affairs recently held its annual Gala, bringing together leaders from the University and members of the community to celebrate donors whose contributions to Student Affairs — and its vast array of programs, services and facilities — aid in the enhancement of the Clemson experience. More than $100,000 was raised in support of Clemson students through services provided by Student Affairs. President Clements and Vice President Almeda Jacks recognized a record number of families who contributed at least $25,000 over the past fiscal year toward Student Affairs. You can see the list of donors and read more about the gala here.
B- Powerful!
We have had the pleasure of celebrating many of our University’s supporters recently. And most importantly, we’ve had the chance to hear from students and faculty who are directly impacted by these generous gifts. There are endless rewards to giving, but among the most meaningful is seeing first-hand the great influence of your generosity.
Dan and Nancy are a wonderful example of the power of philanthropy. They are leaving a legacy at Clemson that will impact students for generations to come. They are an inspiration to all of us as we consider how we can leave our mark at Clemson University.
During Clemson Day at the Statehouse, Coach Dabo Swinney said, “Yes, football unifies, and yes, football is a game. But it is one that provides us a road map of the things that we can all accomplish when we believe, when we love and when we sacrifice in the pursuit of common goals.” These powerful words speak to the culture of Clemson University. We are committed to strengthening our University and improving the lives of our students in our state – and beyond. And it is because of the sacrifices and support of our Clemson family – especially members like Dan and Nancy – that our University will continue to climb to the greatest heights of academic and athletic excellence. Thank you for everything you do for Clemson!
Go Tigers!
Brian O’Rourke
