Clemson Alumnus Makes $5 Million Donation to Civil Engineering Program

Clemson University said a $5 million gift from a civil engineering alumnus and his wife will help the university address the rebuilding of America's infrastructure.

"Whatever the future may hold, it is certain the coming decades will require unparalleled talent and expertise in engineering and construction across the spectrum — from energy and transportation to housing and manufacturing," said Gerald M. Glenn, a 1964 Clemson alumnus and former executive of international engineering firms, said in a release from the university. "We are honored to be able to participate in this way in the development of the next generation of engineers."

The gift from Gerald and Candice W. Glenn is the largest gift from an alumnus in Clemson's The Will to Lead capital campaign. The campaign is expected to raise $600 million to support students and faculty with scholarships, professorships, facilities, technology and enhanced opportunities for learning and research. The gift also provides for the first named department in the campaign. The department from which Glenn graduated will bear his name.

"We are proud to have the Glenn name associated with Clemson," said President James F. Barker. "Not only professionally, but also personally, Gerald and Candi are exceptional role models for the students in the Glenn Department of Civil Engineering."

Gerald served as chairman, president and CEO of the Chicago Bridge & Iron Company B.V., a multinational engineering, procurement and construction company. He previously was a director of Fluor Corp. and a group president of its primary subsidiary, Fluor Daniel Inc.

An attorney, Candice is a graduate of the University of California-Irvine and Southwestern Law School.
    
The Glenns have been active contributors to the College of Engineering and Science Leadership Circle and other projects, including the Fluor Daniel Engineering Innovation Center. Their $5 million gift will create scholarships and fellowships, support collaborative learning workspace and seminars, attract and retain top faculty and develop a program that will help engineering students gain a global perspective.

In the coming year, Gerald will serve on the President’s Advisory Board at Clemson.

The couple lives in The Woodlands. They have two sons. Mike is a freshman engineering major at Clemson; Charlie is a sophomore at The John Cooper School. Gerald’s daughter, Gina, is director of operations for Homes & Land magazine.