Clemson University has raised $1.297 billion so far for its new Fiercely Forward campaign, deemed its “most ambitious capital campaign to date,” by a press release.
Fiercely Forward is the campaign that Clemson has implemented to achieve Clemson Elevate, a 12-year plan with three main goals: delivering the No. 1 student experience, doubling research by 2035 and transforming lives in and out of the state, according to the Clemson Elevate website.
The Fiercely Forward program’s three main pillars are “student success, innovation and academic excellence,” according to a news release. The plan aims to help the University by acquiring new professors at the top of their respective fields, improving the student experience, helping students get scholarships and improving campus facilities.
“Fiercely Forward is more than a campaign for Clemson — it is a bold commitment for our future. It is a promise to honor our heritage, celebrate our values and elevate our mission of education, research and service,” Clemson University President Jim Clements told Clemson News.
The University’s current total of $1.297 billion is 68.6% of the way to its end goal of $1.889 billion. During the leadership phase, 102,661 donors gave 571,098 donations. A portion of this sum dates back to October 2020, when Wilbur O. and Ann Powers donated $60 million to Clemson — the largest gift in the history of the University.
A list of additional families have been recognized as providing outstanding financial support for the Fiercely Forward and Clemson Elevate plans: Dan and Nancy Garrison, Michael and Robyn Nieri, Micky and Amy Scott, Brook and Pam Smith, Mark and Kathryn Richardson, Mark and Janet Mitchell and David and Lynette Snow.
“Today, we embark on the next chapter for our University — one with elevated goals and a vision for unprecedented growth. We are calling on the Clemson Family to rise to the challenge and lead the way as we move Clemson Fiercely Forward,” Brian O’Rourke, Clemson’s vice president of advancement, said in a press release.
For more information, students, alumni and donors can visit Fiercely Forward’s website at https://fiercelyforward.clemson.edu/.
