Private gifts to Clemson University totaled $78.7 million for the 2008-2009 fiscal year, making it the university's third best fund-raising year in spite of the economic environment.

“The members of the Clemson family are facing new challenges in this recession, but they are still supporting the university,” said President James F. Barker. “I thank them for their loyal commitment to the university, its mission and its people. The fact that we can still report this level of support makes it clear that Clemson ranks among their top philanthropic priorities.”

The university hit its record year in 2006-07, when Clemson received a $40 million gift of land for its Restoration Institute in Charleston and total gifts exceeded $100 million, said Brian O'Rourke, director of development and alumni affairs.

The following year, 2007-08, was Clemson's second best. Total gifts approached $80 million in a year when giving to higher education dropped 5.5 percent nationally because of the economy, O'Rourke said.