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Nieri family donates $5M to Clemson’s construction science program

Staff Report //September 23, 2019//

Nieri family donates $5M to Clemson’s construction science program

Staff Report //September 23, 2019//

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Michael and Robyn Nieri are giving Clemson University $5 million for the construction science and management department in the College of Architecture, Arts and Humanities.

The Nieri gift makes the couple an Academic Cornerstone Partner, according to a university news release.

“As an Academic Cornerstone Partner, Michael and Robyn Nieri are laying the cornerstones upon which the future of academic excellence will be built at Clemson,” university President James P. Clements said in the news release. “Their generosity will take our construction science and management program to the next level and will help us better prepare students to be leaders in the field.”

With their donation, the department will become the College of Architecture, Arts and Humanities’ first named department. The Nieri Family Department of Construction Science and Management also will receive funding for experiential learning projects at the CSM Construction Yard at Ravenel with a focus on residential construction; a new faculty position; and the Nieri Family Endowment, which will provide perpetual funding for the initiatives, according to the news release.

The Nieris also have supported student athletes. Through the Nieri Family Student-Athlete Academic Enrichment Center, students are given tools to help them remain competitive in the classroom.

“The Nieri family has a philanthropic spirit that represents the history of our university. Because of their gift to athletics, our student-athletes are succeeding on the field, in the classroom and in life,” Brian O’Rourke, vice president of development and alumni relations, said in the release. “Their latest gift to become an Academic Cornerstone Partner demonstrates their commitment to Clemson and future generations of students. They are strengthening the Nieri Family Department of Construction Science and Management and benefitting our students forever.”

Michael Nieri, who graduated from Clemson with a bachelor of science in construction science and management, is president and founder of Great Southern Homes in Columbia.

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