Clemson To Raise $10 Million for Library and New Athletic Center

by Press Release - Fri Nov 10 11:59:43 GMT-04:00 2000

CLEMSON, SC -- Clemson University officials today (Nov. 10) unveiled a new private giving initiative that will benefit both the campus library and the establishment of a planned Athletic Heritage Center.

The new "One Clemson" commitment guarantees that two areas of the Clemson campus - the library and the Athletic Heritage Center - will always offer students, faculty, alumni and friends a view of the past and the promise of the future.

The goal of this unique partnership between two of Clemson's most visible institutions is to raise $10 million over the next five years. Senior members of Clemson's academic and athletic family - including President Jim Barker, Interim Provost Dori Helms, Athletic Director Bobby Robinson, head football coach Tommy Bowden and men's basketball head coach Larry Shyatt - have pledged leadership commitments totaling $100,000. An anonymous donor has given an additional $250,000. Other gifts already received or committed total another $250,000.

"One Clemson is tangible evidence that Clemson encourages excellence in mind, in body and by every standard by which great universities are judged," Barker said. "No university is stronger than Clemson when academics and athletics are together. A united Clemson is unstoppable."

Sixty percent of the money raised by the One Clemson commitment will go to the library for facility enhancements and ongoing operations. The other 40 percent will support construction and operation of the Athletic Heritage Center. Should a donor so desire, 50 percent of each gift will count toward the donor's IPTAY cumulative giving, and the tax deductible portion of the gift will be adjusted accordingly.

Although donors may choose to get IPTAY credit based on a 50-50 split, the actual gift distribution will be 60-40, with the library getting the larger share, said Athletic Director Bobby Robinson. "We embrace the partnership with the library, and we recognize all students, including student athletes, will benefit from a 60 percent share going to the library," Robinson said.

The One Clemson commitment is being introduced as Clemson enters the final six months of a larger, comprehensive, capital campaign called "The Clemson Commitment," which has a goal of raising $260 million by June 30, 2001.

Gifts made for One Clemson by June 30, 2001, will count as a part of "The Clemson Commitment" campaign.

If One Clemson has not reached $10 million by June 30, 2001, this particular fund-raising initiative will continue.

"The overall campaign includes goals for the Library and athletics," said Vice President for Advancement Neill Cameron. "One Clemson is a focused effort to reach those goals and then keep going."

Specifically, on a continuing basis One Clemson will help the Library by funding:

* significant and ongoing access to current books, periodicals and databases;

* state-of-the-art technology to enhance access to information;

* and additional resources for processing and protecting archival materials pertinent to Clemson University and its mission.

Over time, One Clemson will help the Athletic Heritage Center by funding:

* construction needs not met by other sources;

* exhibits that celebrate athletes in all sports throughout Clemson history;

* the latest interactive technology to bring the Clemson athletic experience and tradition alive for visitors to the center;

* and enhancement of state-of-the-art training, recruitment, office, media and public areas