B-Note February 27, 2020
February 27, 2020
Greetings fellow Tigers!
As I mentioned in the video above, it is with great pride and sincere appreciation that I announce our newest Academic Cornerstone Partners, Mitch and Carla Norville. Mitch and Carla support one Clemson, giving back year after year to Clemson, stengthening our programs and initiatives in both academics and athletics to help build Clemson and allow students to thrive. Again, Mitch and Carla are showing their support with a transformational $2.5 million gift to the College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences (CECAS). It is the first Academic Cornerstone gift for the college and the eighth for the University.
Mitch and Carla’s most recent gift will further strengthen CECAS, South Carolina’s leader in educating engineers. Their gift will address the college’s top priorities, supporting student scholarships, endowed professorships and facilities within the college. This gift provides flexibility and adaptability as the priorities evolve and change over the years, ensuring CECAS will continue preparing students to be intellectual leaders who can tackle tomorrow’s challenges. Mitch and Carla’s previous gifts include the Ernest R. Norville Endowed Chair in Biomedical Engineering and significant contributions to IPTAY, including the football and basketball programs.
Mitch graduated from Clemson in 1980 with a degree in mechanical engineering. He served as the executive vice president and chief operating officer for Boston Properties Inc., one of the nation’s largest owners, managers and developers of Class-A office properties until 2012. In 2015, he started Atlantic South Development Inc. He is the immediate past chair of the Clemson University Foundation and currently serves on the Foundation Board. The Norvilles grew up together in Charleston. A former College of Charleston student, Carla is very supportive of the arts both at Clemson and in Greenville. She currently serves on the board of Artisphere — Greenville’s nationally-recognized arts, music and culture festival. Mitch and Carla currently reside in Greenville and have three sons: Griffith, Hunter and Taylor `10.
Mitch and Carla are following in the footsteps of other leaders within the college, including Gerald and Candi Glenn who named the Glenn Civil Engineering Department, and Milton and Betty Holcombe who named the Holcombe Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
Mitch and Carla are a wonderful example of the true meaning of philanthropy, and now they are inspiring future generations to give back to Clemson in meaningful ways. You can read more about Mitch and Carla and their academic cornerstone gift here. You can also view photos from the special event and watch a video recapping the event.
Several teams across our campus have been working diligently and cohesively to create and implement a new constituent relationship management (CRM) fundraising solution. Our new database, CADENCE, was no small feat, but the alignment of these groups and the dedicated individuals working within them has made a huge impact on the future of our University and how we will serve the Clemson family. Last week, we officially launched CADENCE, and on Tuesday, Development and Alumni Relations, Clemson University Foundation and IPTAY gathered to celebrate the hard work and perseverance that went into this conversion project. We couldn’t have done this without the support of Blackbaud, and with more than 30 alumni working in their Charleston-based office, they also took the opportunity to celebrate Clemson’s launch of CADENCE.
B – forever celebrating!
Whether it’s our discoveries in the classroom, research in the lab, victories on the field or transformational gifts from our donors, we forever have reasons to celebrate at Clemson. Because of your generosity, commitment and love for Clemson, our University is stronger than ever. And with your continued support, we will build an even better future for generations to come. Thank you for everything you do for Clemson!
Go Tigers!
Brian O’Rourke