Snow Family donates $25 million transformational gift to support the study of capitalism

With a transformational gift of $25 million to Clemson University, Dave and Lynette Snow have positioned the newly named Snow Institute for the Study of Capitalism to become the model program in America focused on the moral principles of capitalism. Their lead gift enables the Institute to chart a 10-year vision for expansion of current programming and the creation of new projects.

Since 2005, the Clemson Institute for the Study of Capitalism and its flagship Lyceum Scholars Program, established in 2014, have been working to explore the moral foundations of a free society and the vital role played by capitalism in advancing a free, just and virtuous society. Clemson is the only public university in the country that supports a program directly addressing and promoting the nation’s founding principles through both education and research.

“Through their transformational gift, Dave and Lynette Snow are continuing to fulfill the mission and vision of our founder, Thomas Green Clemson, who envisioned our University as a path to economic prosperity,” said President Jim Clements. “The Snow Institute for the Study of Capitalism is a commitment to our Tigers and will significantly impact lives across the state of South Carolina and the nation. We are a better University because of the dedication and support from the Snow family.”

The Snows’ support will allow the Institute, housed within the Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business, to double the Lyceum Scholars Program from 40 to 80 scholars. The Lyceum Program has become one of the most sought-after and competitive academic programs in the country. Their gift will also double the scholarship for current and future scholars, further providing the opportunity to recruit top students. The Snow family is the first and lead gift in an effort to raise $100 million toward the study of capitalism.

In addition to accelerating the impact of the Lyceum Scholars Program, the gift will support doubling the Lyceum Fellows program and launch two new critical programs:

• The American Founding Project — America’s first and only academic program dedicated to the understanding of the history, principles and institutions of the American founding.
• The Capitalism Unleashed Project — A program dedicated to the moral underpinnings of capitalism within the world.

“We believe in everything that the Institute stands for. Our country — and our world — needs the kind of critical thinking that the Institute offers its students now more than ever. Our goal with this gift is to elevate the Snow Institute for the Study of Capitalism so that more students can make an impact on our world,” Dave Snow.

About The Snows

Dave and Lynette Snow are former Clemson parents who were named honorary alumni in 2022. They first visited Clemson with their daughter Ashley ’15 as she toured the University. Since Ashley’s first day on campus, Dave and Lynette have been “All In” for Clemson. In 2014, Dave and Lynette gave a $2.4 million gift to support the Snow Family Outdoor Fitness and Wellness Complex. In 2016, the Snows began a challenge to match up to $1 million in funds raised to complete the complex. This match led to an additional $2 million in gifts.

“Dave and Lynette value family. They are proud of their own family, and we are proud to call them members of the Clemson Family. I am so grateful for their continued commitment to this great University. Through their time, talent and treasures, they continue to impact future generations of Tigers,” said Vice President of Advancement Brian O’Rourke.

Dave and Lynette have committed their time to Clemson over the years. The Snows chaired the Vice President of Student Affairs Executive Council, and they currently serve on the Committee on Philanthropy. Dave also serves on the Clemson Capitalism Institute Board and President Clements’ Advisory Board.

Dave and Lynette Snow reside in Darien, Connecticut. They have two daughters. Ashley Snow Dority ’15 graduated from Clemson with a degree in marketing and followed in her father’s footsteps to Duke University, earning a Master of Management Studies degree from the Fuqua School of Business. Ashley is married to Will Dority ’16, and they have one son, Graham. Lauren graduated from Elon University in 2015 and received her master’s degree in Nutrition Science and Food Policy from Tufts University’s Gerald J. and Dorothy R. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy. Lauren is engaged to Steve Roche.

About The Institute

The Snow Institute for the Study of Capitalism is dedicated to exploring the moral foundations of capitalism. In pursuit of this mission, the Institute collaborates with students, the academic community and the general public to raise awareness of capitalism’s core principles and institutions.

The Lyceum Program, founded in 2014, serves as the flagship initiative and remains the only University program focused on the study of liberty, capitalism, the American founding and moral character.

Exploring Capitalism, a project of the Institute, aims to help visitors delve into the moral, political and legal foundations of capitalism, with a particular emphasis on the socio-political foundations of a free society.