Clemson University gets $5.6mn for research in material science
12 Nov '05
4 min read
The J.E. Sirrine Textile Foundation, giants of the South Carolina textile industry for more than 60 years, stepped forward today and passed its legacy on to Clemson University in the form of a $5.6 million gift. It is the largest gift the university has ever received from a foundation.
The announcement was made today (Nov. 10) at a luncheon at the Madren Center on campus honoring the foundation and its long, rich history with Clemson.
In accepting the gift, President James Barker said, “This is an historic day in the life of Clemson University, a turning point in the textile industry in South Carolina and a milestone for the economic future of the state in the knowledge-based field of advanced materials. With this gift, the Sirrine Foundation continues to positively impact the educational endeavors of Clemson students and quality of life for South Carolinians.”
The money will help fund two endowed chairs in the areas of glass optical fibers and advanced materials fibers, both in the School of Materials Science and Engineering. When matched with resources from the South Carolina Education Lottery and Clemson University, the amount will double in value to $11.2 million.
J.E. Sirrine Textile Foundation Board President Mark Kent said the gift is in keeping with the vision of engineer J.E. Sirrine when he called upon South Carolina textile companies in 1944 to advocate for future generations.
“Since our inception, the J.E. Sirrine Textile Foundation has viewed education as its primary focus. The belief and wishes of Mr. Sirrine were that education was the key to success, as was investment in research and development. This is what he believed would help South Carolina and create jobs,” said Kent.
marketing@alchempro.com
