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.