Support from trailblazers Bob and Kaye Stanzione elevates Clemson

Clemson University announced that Bob and Kaye Stanzione have been named Academic Cornerstone Trailblazers. Through their most recent gift, the Stanziones expanded their support of the ClemsonLIFE™ program, helped the University achieve prestigious All-Steinway status, supported women’s basketball and veterinary medicine scholarships, and honored three Clemson friends by contributing to their named endowments.

Their philanthropy reflects several deeply meaningful aspects of the Stanziones’ personal story. A significant focus of their giving is support for ClemsonLIFE through the Robert and Kaye Stanzione Family ClemsonLIFE Endowment, which provides critical operational funding for the program. Their commitment to ClemsonLIFE honors Bob’s younger brother, Jim, who had an intellectual disability, as well as Bob’s mother, Sue Stanzione, who devoted herself to her children. Bob and Kaye have often reflected on the impact a program like ClemsonLIFE could have had on their family, believing that access to such opportunities would have been life-changing.

Another important connection guiding their support of Clemson is a shared love of music, particularly the piano, rooted in Kaye’s lifelong passion and talent. She began taking piano lessons in third grade, later earned a degree in piano performance and pursued a career as a music educator. Their support helped Clemson achieve All-Steinway status, a distinction that enhances both the University’s music program and its reputation as a comprehensive institution. The designation provides students across all majors with access to world-class Steinway instruments, including those equipped with Spirio technology, enriching the student experience and benefiting performers and audiences alike.

The Stanziones have also maintained a longstanding commitment to Clemson’s engineering and computing programs. In 2020, they became Cornerstone Partners through a gift to the College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences. Their investment supports engineering student scholarships, advances faculty excellence within the School of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering and strengthens the Dean’s Excellence Fund.

The Trailblazer designation reflects a decade of philanthropy that has helped shape programs and opportunities across the University. Their early support played a key role in ClemsonLIFE’s growth into the thriving program it is today, while their most recent gifts extend across five colleges and athletics. The Stanziones have consistently directed their giving toward areas that align with their interests and values, creating a broad and lasting impact on the Clemson community.

Their philanthropic approach centers on helping students achieve their highest potential, whether through performing arts, ClemsonLIFE, engineering, veterinary medicine, athletics or other academic pathways. Supporting students and faculty in meaningful and timely ways remains the driving force behind the Stanziones’ generosity.