Thomas Green Clemson's will is a testament to the power of planned giving. The 19th century document was written with extraordinary forethought. It was structured to leave room for growth, development and improvement, perhaps the greatest value of any legacy. In the years since Mr. Clemson penned his will, many benefactors have extended his legacy through charitable bequests. Two societies recognize donors who emulate his example in their own wills, trusts, life insurance policies and other estate plans.
CLEMSON LEGACY
Membership in the Clemson Legacy is accorded to donors who document that they have remembered Clemson in their wills or through other forms of estate planning. It was through his will that Mr. Clemson created what we know and love today as Clemson University. From the inception of the idea for Clemson, deferred gifts have been critical to its success. Members of the Clemson Legacy receive a personalized, matted and framed calligraphy print of excerpts from the Clemson will, embellished with a wax seal embossed with Mr. Clemson's own signet ring.
FORT HILL LEGACY
The Fort Hill Legacy honors bequests or testamentary trusts of $1 million or more when the University receives them. Fort Hill, the beloved home of John C. Calhoun, became a visionary gift from Thomas Green Clemson to the people of South Carolina. Today, Fort Hill is the heart of Clemson University. The names of new Fort Hill Legacy members will be displayed on a plaque affixed to a monument on the grounds of the estate as a permanent reminder of the generous and thoughtful philanthropy of those donors.