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!
Tokenization has surged from crypto niche to global financial disruptor as institutions like Robinhood, BlackRock, and Coinbase race to digitize real-world assets. With pro‑crypto political momentum, shifting regulations, and private companies resisting newfound transparency, this emerging wave is transforming how investments are bought, sold, and accessed. For professionals in real estate, finance, lending, and insurance, this shift signals massive opportunity—and equally massive responsibility—as the next era of asset ownership takes shape.
Florida homeowners are finally getting relief as Citizens Property Insurance announces an average 8.7% statewide rate reduction for 2026, with South Florida seeing cuts as high as 14%. Driven by recent tort reforms and a stabilizing market, these decreases signal a major turnaround for an industry once on the brink of collapse — and a potential boost for real estate activity across the state.
After years of roller‑coaster chaos, the 2026 U.S. housing market is easing into something professionals haven’t seen in a long time: balance. Inventory growth has slowed to just 10% year over year—down sharply from 2025’s surge—signaling the end of the pandemic‑era scarcity and the rise of a market driven by real‑time demand and interest rates. With seasonal patterns returning, negotiations replacing bidding wars and rates drifting toward 6%, agents, lenders and investors are finally navigating conditions that look… normal.
More than half of Gen Z investors say they entered the stock market because of social media—not textbooks, not advisors. Viral creators, AI tools, and crypto trends are reshaping how young adults learn about money, invest early, and chase financial freedom. This Fortune‑featured shift highlights a generation determined to build wealth fast, trust digital voices over traditional institutions, and redefine financial education for the future.
After years of extremes, the U.S. housing market is shifting into a more balanced, predictable phase. Inventory growth has cooled from last year’s surge, seasonality is returning, and pricing is becoming increasingly rate‑sensitive. With mortgage rates hovering near 6% and policy changes reshaping investor participation, 2026 is emerging as a negotiation‑driven market where skilled agents, lenders, builders, and investors have a renewed advantage. This new landscape rewards strategy, education, and real‑time demand awareness—making it an ideal moment for professionals to refine their approach and capitalize on the market’s normalization.
A sudden policy shift at the start of 2026 is already pushing mortgage rates lower, dipping them under 6% for the first time in months. New projections suggest the government-sponsored enterprises’ $200 billion in mortgage‑backed securities purchases could accelerate rate declines throughout the year, boosting affordability, home sales, and overall market activity for buyers, sellers, and real estate professionals alike.
