Jim ’60 and Carolyn Willis Creel ’61 make transformational gift to Clemson

Jim ’60 and Carolyn Willis Creel ’61 have made a lasting impact on Clemson University with a generous $2 million gift to name the Creel Family Auditorium in the newly opened Nieri Family Alumni and Visitors Center. The donation reflects their decades-long connection to Clemson, where they met, built a life together and have given back in extraordinary ways.

Throughout their lives, the Creels have been deeply involved at Clemson, serving on numerous boards, championing capital campaigns and investing in both academic and athletic programs. Their latest gift ensures that future generations of students, alumni and visitors will gather in a space that embodies the family’s vision and commitment to service.

The Creels’ lifelong dedication to Clemson has helped shape the University in profound ways, and naming the auditorium in their honor recognizes their leadership, generosity and enduring influence.

Jim earned his degree in industrial management and was active in Tiger Brotherhood, Student Government, Army ROTC and the TAPS yearbook staff. Carolyn earned her degree in education and served as Clemson’s featured twirler, gaining national recognition for her talent by performing at football games, in competitions across the country and on the Ed Sullivan Show.

Together, Jim and Carolyn founded The Creel Corporation and other businesses in the hospitality and advertising industries. Their philanthropic efforts have supported Clemson through the Creel Endowment, providing research funds for the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management, as well as the Creel Family Endowment and the Carolyn Willis Creel Endowed Grants-in-Aid for the Clemson University Marching Band Majorettes. Both are recipients of Clemson’s Distinguished Service Award, with Carolyn becoming the first female to receive the University’s highest honor.