Clemson University Dedicates Nieri Family Alumni and Visitors Center
Clemson University officially opened the doors to its newest and most dynamic campus facility, the Nieri Family Alumni and Visitors Center, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, April 25. The celebration honored the transformational philanthropy of the Nieri family and marked a significant milestone in the University’s history, reflecting Clemson’s vision for a vibrant, welcoming future.
The Nieri Family Alumni and Visitors Center will serve as the front door to the University for thousands of prospective students, visitors and returning alumni each year. The state-of-the-art facility was made possible through several generous gifts, including a $12.5 million lead gift from Michael ’86 and Robyn Nieri HA ’20 and their family, announced in 2024.
In addition to the Nieri family’s generosity, the project was supported by a wide range of Clemson donors who shared in the vision of creating a dynamic space for connection and celebration. Thanks to the incredible support of the Clemson Family, approximately $30 million was raised, each gift a meaningful investment in Clemson’s future. This collective effort not only made the construction of the center possible but also stands as a powerful testament to the pride, passion and unity that define Clemson.
“The Nieri Family Alumni and Visitors Center is a testament to the generosity, commitment, and dedication of so many of our Clemson Family,” said President Jim Clements. “I want to thank all of our amazing donors who have collectively given more than $30 million to create this state-of-the-art facility for our Tigers to engage with and enjoy across their entire Clemson Experience. I also want to thank the Nieri Family for providing the lead gift for this Center and for their commitment to moving Clemson Fiercely Forward.”
Built to foster community and celebrate the spirit and traditions that make Clemson so special, this facility will be central to the parent, student and alumni experiences for generations to come. From welcoming prospective students and families to hosting alumni for major University events, the Center serves as a year-round hub of Tiger pride and connection. Inside, guests will find interactive displays, modern event spaces and offices for key departments that serve alumni and friends of the University.
Friday’s ceremony brought together University leaders, students, alumni and special guests for a formal ribbon cutting, building tours, and heartfelt reflections on the impact of private philanthropy on Clemson’s continued growth.
“The Nieri Family Alumni and Visitors Center is more than a building. It’s a space that connects past, present and future members of the Clemson Family,” said Brian O’Rourke, Vice President for Advancement at Clemson University. “We are deeply grateful to all our donors for their extraordinary generosity and continued belief in what Clemson stands for. Their support brought this long-envisioned project to life.”
As Clemson continues to evolve, the Nieri Family Alumni and Visitors Center stands as a lasting symbol of what’s possible when vision is matched with generosity. It is a place where new stories will begin, and memories will be made. Most of all, it is a tribute to the unwavering spirit of the Clemson Family, always united, always moving Fiercely Forward.
About the Nieri Family and Alumni Visitors Center
Situated on the scenic shores of Lake Hartwell, adjacent to the Clyde V. Madren Conference Center and John E. Walker Sr. Golf Course, the Nieri Family Alumni and Visitors Center offers a striking new presence overlooking the 18th green. This state-of-the-art facility replaces the long-standing Alumni Center on Daniel Drive, which served as the home of the Clemson Alumni Association for nearly five decades.
The Nieri Family Alumni and Visitors Center is a 98,000-square-foot five-story facility designed to welcome, connect and engage more than 160,000 visitors to Clemson annually. Strategically located on the shores of Lake Hartwell, the center serves as a welcoming new gateway to campus, featuring two unique event spaces and a blend of cutting-edge architecture with timeless Clemson spirit.
The building showcases a hybrid structural design combining traditional steel with mass timber, which is prominently featured in the central lobby on all floors. Electrochromic glass throughout the facility automatically tints in response to sunlight and time of day, maximizing energy efficiency while minimizing the need for window treatments.
The ground floor includes a brand-new clubhouse and Clark Family Pro Shop for the Walker Course, offering expanded retail space and upgraded men’s and women’s locker rooms, as well as the Duckworth Family Bistro, known as the Lucky Duck Bistro, perfect for casual dining and meetups.
The first level serves as the primary entrance, housing the Brown Family Lobby, the Class of 1944 Visitors Center, Clemson Alumni Association offices, Conklin Ring Gallery, Creel Family Auditorium and Holcombe Family Engagement Room. A dramatic two-story lobby with a grand staircase connects this level to the second floor. The exterior of the building features the Turner Family Loggia, Golden Tiger Lane, a gift from the Class of 1975 and the Tiger Statue, a gift from the Classes of 1966, 1972 and 1974.
The second level is home to the Center for Career and Professional Development and the Office of Admissions, two essential resources for guiding students through their Clemson journey and beyond. The third level houses the University’s Advancement Division and the Clemson University Foundation offices, serving as the operational heart of the University’s fundraising and alumni engagement efforts. Additional conference rooms include the Carr Family Conference Room, the Goodman Family Room and the Foster Roach Family Room.
The fourth level is reserved for the Board of Trustees offices, along with the Wong Family Room and the Clemson Family Room, donated by Ashley Johnson. The McKissick Family Terrace and the Mary Warner Mack Terrace offer sweeping views of the Clemson campus, Lake Hartwell, and the Blue Ridge Mountains creating a stunning setting for events and gatherings.
Additional amenities include increased parking, a level one patio and exterior interactive features to enhance the visitor experience.
With an investment of more than $50 million, the Nieri Family Alumni and Visitors Center reflects Clemson University’s long-term commitment to hospitality, student engagement, and alumni relations. Design work began in 2020, with construction launching in Spring 2022.
The Nieri Family Alumni and Visitors Center was brought to life through a collaborative effort led by Clemson University’s Finance Division and University Facilities Planning, Design, and Construction group.
The architectural design was led by GMC in collaboration with consulting architect Cooper Carry of Atlanta. The design team also included RMF Engineering, Michael M. Simpson & Associates, Smoak Landscape Architecture, BrightTree Studios, Jack Porter, and Tipton Associates. Construction was managed by Brasfield & Gorrie.
Clemson pride was woven into every phase of the project, with more than 20 Clemson alumni contributing their expertise across roles within the design and construction teams—an effort that reflects the deep connection between the University and those who help shape its future.
