Clemson annual fundraising nets $89.1 million

Published: August 18, 2011

CLEMSON — Gifts to Clemson University during the 2010-11 fiscal year totaled $89.1 million. Of that, $54.6 million was from private gifts and pledges of cash, gifts-in-kind or real estate; $16 million from planned gifts; and $18.5 million in pledges and donations to the IPTAY annual fund.

Private gifts of cash, gifts-in-kind and real estate increased to $45.2 million from $33.2 million the previous year. Pledge commitments totaled $9.4 million, an increase of $900,000 from last year. Cash from alumni, former students and current students totaled $8.7 million, an 8.31 percent increase over the previous year.

Clemson President James F. Barker said university support remains strong during uncertain economic times. “There is unwavering support for Clemson students, faculty and programs. Donors understand the value of a Clemson education,” he said. 

“We are thankful for the continued support of our alumni, parents, friends and corporations. Without their support we wouldn’t be able to give our students the resources they need to be successful,” said Brian O’Rourke, director of development and alumni affairs. “Clemson continues to be blessed with hundreds of volunteers who work to help the university raise these funds through our Will to Lead campaign.”

A year ago in August, Clemson launched the public phase of The Will to Lead: A Campaign for Clemson with a goal to reach $600 million by June 30, 2012. To date, $528 million has been raised to benefit students and faculty.

Highlights of the year’s fundraising include $2 million from Tom and Becky Hash to create the Thomas F. Hash ’69 Endowed Chair in Sustainable Development. It is the first such position in Clemson's Center of Economic Excellence in Sustainable Development.

Clemson alumnus Doug Smith and his wife, Lynn Westmoreland Smith, gave the university $500,000 to endow a scholarship and to provide academic support in other areas.

Also last year, a $100,000 gift from Bob Hambright, his wife, Susan, and his former employer, Balfour Beatty Construction LLC, jump-started the Bob and Susan Hambright Leadership Program in Engineering to support selected junior and senior engineering students in industry-led leadership training programs. In the future it also may help fund on-campus symposia and conferences open to all Clemson engineering students.

The student phonathon, which calls alumni, parents and friends, raised $1.45 million, a 19 percent increase over the previous year. Clemson’s alumni participation rate remains high at 26.2 percent, more than double the national average. Last year 22,768 alumni made donations to Clemson.

In January, athletics announced a vision to secure $50 million over the next five years for athletic capital projects. The master plan includes enhancements to facilities for football, baseball, basketball, soccer, tennis and golf. Private support is essential for this effort.

“The continued support for athletics is a testament to the loyalty and passion of our Clemson donors,” said Bill D’Andrea, senior associate athletic director for external affairs.

The Leadership Circle, established in 2009 with unrestricted gifts for use by the president, deans or other administrators, surpassed $1.5 million this year. Money given for this initiative funds student need-based scholarships and jobs and endowed-faculty position enhancement. Unrestricted gifts of all sizes, not just at the Leadership Circle level, totaled $3.75 million, up 35.11 percent over the previous year.

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