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!
Nevada has enacted a first‑in‑the‑nation law permitting insurers to sell homeowners policies that exclude wildfire coverage, a move supporters say could help stabilize premiums but critics warn may leave homeowners financially devastated. The policy shift positions Nevada as a testing ground for potential nationwide changes, raising major implications for real estate, mortgage, and insurance professionals as lenders, high‑risk communities, and regulators navigate the evolving landscape.
Tampa Bay’s office sector just delivered its most powerful year in nearly a decade, according to JLL’s Q4 2025 report. With more than 600,000 square feet of positive net absorption, falling vacancies, shrinking inventory, and major tenants like Fisher Investments and GEICO locking in massive leases, the region is emerging as one of the nation’s strongest post‑recovery office markets. The surge in demand for high‑quality space is driving rents up, tightening supply, and setting the stage for continued momentum into 2026.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has proposed new updates to the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System and Registry, expanding data collection, tightening verification standards, and refreshing record‑retention rules. These changes aim to strengthen background checks, enhance regulatory oversight, and align the system with federal requirements—impacting both current and aspiring mortgage loan originators nationwide.
Nevada has become the first state to let insurers sell homeowners policies that exclude wildfire coverage — a dramatic shift that could reshape insurance pricing across the West. Supporters say the move may lower premiums and spark innovation, while critics warn it could leave homeowners exposed to devastating losses. As regulators and insurers nationwide watch closely, the experiment could have major implications for real estate, mortgages, and insurance markets.
After years of soaring premiums and insurer failures, Florida lawmakers are rolling out a new slate of reforms aimed at finally delivering relief to homeowners. From cracking down on profit‑sharing affiliates to unveiling hidden rate factors and rewarding claim‑free residents, these proposals could reshape the state’s insurance landscape — and bring real savings to property owners and real estate professionals alike.
With traditional CRE lending slowing nationwide, C‑PACE financing is surging to all‑time highs — including a record‑setting $465 million loan for a major D.C. redevelopment. Backed by long repayment terms, fixed rates, and tax‑assessment security, C‑PACE is rapidly becoming a preferred tool for funding energy efficiency, resiliency upgrades, and even large‑scale project recapitalizations. Major players like Nuveen Green Capital and Peachtree Group are driving billions in new volume as 40 states adopt the program, signaling a major shift in how commercial real estate projects are financed.
