C
lemson University's Nieri Department of Construction and Real Estate Development is poised for a significant leap forward thanks to a generous challenge gift from Michael and Robyn Nieri and their family. The Nieri Family Challenge invites the Clemson community to join in shaping the future of one of the nation's top construction and real estate development programs, with the Nieri family matching 50 cents for every dollar raised up to $6.39 million.
Michael Nieri expressed his excitement about being part of the program's great future, citing Clemson's pivotal role in his own success. The department has gained national recognition, securing first place at the 2024 Associated Builders and Contractors Construction Management Competition and boasting a 100% job placement rate for undergraduates majoring in construction science and management over the past decade.
The Nieri Family Challenge will help build a new facility with state-of-the-art learning spaces, expand scholarships to make Clemson more accessible to future industry leaders, establish endowed faculty positions, and increase student enrollment. The challenge is an invitation for alumni, industry partners, and supporters to invest in the next generation of leaders in construction and real estate development.
"This latest challenge gift builds upon our family's longstanding commitment to Clemson University," said Michael Nieri. "We're proud to be part of the Clemson spirit – dedication, generosity, and a commitment to shaping the future." The Nieris' lifetime giving total exceeds $26 million, with previous gifts including a $2.5 million Athletic Cornerstone Gift in 2015, a $5 million academic Cornerstone gift in 2019, and a transformative $12.5 million gift in 2024.
The Nieri Family Challenge represents the best of the Clemson spirit, and we're grateful for their leadership and vision. We look forward to seeing the lasting impact on Clemson, the next generation of construction and real estate development professionals, and the industry as a whole."
