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kip '89 and Mitzi '91 Gardiner have a deep commitment to education, rooted in humility, hard work, and hands-on learning. As longtime Clemson supporters and proud alumni, they recently donated $1 million to the Nieri Department of Construction and Real Estate Development (NCRED) at Clemson University. Their gift, known as the Francis and Mitzi Gardiner Fund for Construction and Real Estate Development, will enhance resources and educational experiences for future students.
Skip, a graduate of Clemson's Construction Science and Management program, is president of Patuxent Companies in Annapolis, Maryland. He grew up in Annapolis but chose to attend Clemson for its civil engineering program, eventually discovering his passion for hands-on construction work. After graduation, Skip launched a construction materials supply company, leveraging his education and experience.
Mitzi's connection to Clemson runs deep, dating back to childhood memories of attending football games with her father. She earned an accounting degree in 1991 and met Skip through mutual friends. Mitzi worked as a CPA before transitioning into tutoring math and accounting, a passion that has lasted over two decades. Their children, Sam and Sarah, have pursued successful careers, with Sam working alongside his father at Patuxent Companies and Sarah in public relations.
The Gardiners' bond with Clemson remains strong despite their distance from Annapolis. They regularly return for home games and admire campus development projects. Skip and Mitzi are dedicated members of the 1889 Vision Society, demonstrating loyalty through philanthropic contributions to the Clemson University Foundation and IPTAY.
Their gift will support the Nieri Department's mission and provide meaningful student opportunities. The department is housed within the College of Architecture, Art and Construction (CAAC) and offers a comprehensive educational experience with a 100% job placement rate for CSM graduates. Skip realized a need for a facility to work in during inclement weather, where students can still learn hands-on skills.
The Gardiners' donation will expand the XL Yard facilities, creating more experiential learning opportunities for students. By working on real projects in a controlled setting, students enhance their technical proficiency and develop teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership abilities. Nieri Department Chair N. Mike Jackson expressed gratitude for the gift, promising to be good stewards of these new resources.
The XL Yard is a 3-acre outdoor laboratory at the Clemson University Ravenel Research Center, enabling students to engage in hands-on construction projects. The department has added a Ph.D. program in CSM and the Master of Real Estate Development (MRED) program, providing advanced training in construction, finance, law, and hands-on learning.
Associate Nieri Department Chair Dhaval Gajjar thanked Skip and Mitzi for their generous support, stating that their gift will help fulfill the department's mission of producing leaders for the construction industry. The Gardiners' investment reinforces Clemson's reputation as a premier institution for construction education, inspiring others to support the University's mission.
