Donors contribute $900,000 on Clemson Give Day

The Clemson Family showed its generosity Wednesday, donating more than $900,000 to support student, faculty and facility needs during the inaugural Give Day.

“We asked the Clemson Family and friends to help support the university on Give Day, and they did that and more,” said Brian O’Rourke, vice president for Development and Alumni Relations. “Their generosity exceeded our expectations. We thank them on behalf of our present and future students who are the ultimate beneficiaries of these gifts.”

The gifts from students, faculty, staff, alumni and supporters – totaling $903,883.76 – will help the university reach this year’s $105 million private fundraising goal in support of The Will to Lead capital campaign.

The campaign, which has a goal to raise $1 billion, began in 2006. Individuals and organizations have given generously since that time to create much-needed scholarships, fellowships and professorships and support facility renovation and construction projects.

More than 3,000 donors contributed on Give Day, more than half of them online. There were 1,608 posts on social media – mostly Twitter – about Give Day. More information about Give Day is online at http://www.clemson.edu/giveday/.Among the Give Day donors was a couple that pledged $100,000 and Hubbell Lighting Inc., a corporate leader with its $10,000 gift that will provide five $2,000 scholarships.

To the donors, O’Rourke said, “Thank you for helping us get one step closer to the end zone of our Will to Lead capital campaign. Your gifts will leave a lasting impact.”