In a remarkable display of generosity and dedication to education, Skip ’89 and Mitzi ’91 Gardiner have pledged a $1 million unrestricted gift to Clemson University’s Nieri Department of Construction and Real Estate Development (NCRED). This significant contribution, aptly named the Francis and Mitzi Gardiner Fund for Construction and Real Estate Development, is set to enhance the educational resources and experiences available to future students.
As proud alumni and longstanding supporters of Clemson, the Gardiners are committed to fostering a hands-on learning environment that bridges the gap between theory and practice. Their gift aims to expand the XL Yard facilities, providing students with invaluable experiential learning opportunities that will hone their technical skills and teamwork abilities.
Skip Gardiner, a graduate of Clemson’s Construction Science and Management (CSM) program and president of Patuxent Companies, has always valued the practical application of education. His career achievements underscore the importance of real-world practice, a philosophy shared by his wife, Mitzi, who has a deep-rooted connection to Clemson through her childhood memories of attending football games.
The Gardiners’ involvement with the university reflects their enduring loyalty and dedication to future generations of construction professionals. They are active members of the 1889 Vision Society, demonstrating their commitment through philanthropic contributions to both the Clemson University Foundation and IPTAY.
Their recent gift follows a period of growth for the NCRED, which has added a Ph.D. program in CSM and a Master of Real Estate Development (MRED) program. These advancements, along with events like the Annual Construction Symposium, position Clemson as a leader in construction education.
For more details, you can read the original article on Clemson News.
“`
More Articles
Getting licensed or staying ahead in your career can be a journey—but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Grab your favorite coffee or tea, take a moment to relax, and browse through our articles. Whether you’re just starting out or renewing your expertise, we’ve got tips, insights, and advice to keep you moving forward. Here’s to your success—one sip and one step at a time!
Tampa Bay’s real estate market is entering a rare sweet spot in 2026—balancing rising inventory, steady demand, and booming commercial development. With housing supply up to 4.3 months and prices stabilizing, the region is shifting from frenzy to sustainable growth. Population migration, modernized commercial spaces, and lifestyle-focused districts like Water Street and Midtown continue to fuel Tampa’s evolution. But even amid luxury expansion, affordability remains the top challenge shaping the next phase of opportunity for real estate professionals.
Each year, AZ Big Media spotlights the visionaries shaping Arizona’s fast‑growing commercial real estate landscape. The 2026 AZ Big 100 list highlights 50 influential builders, developers, architects, and innovators who are driving sustainable growth, expanding infrastructure, and redefining community-focused design. For professionals in real estate, construction, finance, and related fields, this roundup offers a powerful look at the leadership and trends guiding Arizona’s next era of development.
After years of relentless premium increases, State Farm has filed for a 10% homeowners insurance rate reduction in Florida, signaling that recent legislative reforms may finally be stabilizing the state’s turbulent insurance market. This move could pressure other insurers to follow and marks one of the first meaningful signs of relief for Florida homeowners and real estate professionals.
Illinois has updated its insurance supplier diversity reporting requirements, impacting insurers, HMOs, dental plan corporations, and accredited reinsurers with at least $50 million in admitted assets. Beginning April 1, 2026, companies must use the state’s new PDF template and file through SERFF, following strict formatting rules for procurement, certification types, and diversity goals. The update signals a stronger statewide push for transparency and equitable contracting, making accurate compliance essential for insurance and finance professionals.
YouTube superstar MrBeast has officially moved into the world of finance with his acquisition of Step, a fast‑growing youth money management app backed by Stripe and major venture investors. Now operating under Beast Industries, Step is poised to bring modern financial tools—like credit building, investing, and budgeting—to millions of teens and young adults. With MrBeast’s massive reach and Step’s existing user base of over 7 million, this move could reshape how the next generation learns essential financial skills, giving future professionals a stronger foundation whether they pursue real estate, mortgage, insurance, finance, or any career where smart money decisions matter.
Long Island’s commercial market just hit an all‑time high, closing $4.1 billion in commercial real estate sales across Nassau and Suffolk counties in 2025—a 71 percent jump from the prior year. Specialty-use properties like assisted living and self‑storage led the surge, fueled by lower interest rates and renewed investor confidence.
