From The Desk Of Davis Babb

June 5, 2020

Fellow Tigers,

From our entire IPTAY and Clemson Athletics team, we hope you and your family are staying safe.

At IPTAY, our mission is to provide Clemson student-athletes with the total athletic and academic experience. Because of our generous donors, student-athlete success is possible both on and off the fields and courts of competition. On behalf of our staff, coaches, and student-athletes I want to say thank you, thank you for being a part of the “Power behind the Paw.”

It is our hope that large crowds and a full season will take place inside of Memorial Stadium this fall. However, University, Athletic Department, Atlantic Coast Conference, and State Government officials continue to monitor the current public health climate to ensure the proper decisions are made for the safety of our fans and student-athletes. Currently, our IPTAY team in collaboration with Clemson Athletics is planning for how a canceled or altered football season could affect options regarding donations to IPTAY in 2020. At this time while we do not have all the answers, I do want to inform you that a full refund option and alternate refund options will be available for donations made this year related to the 2020 football season.

For more than 85 years, IPTAY donors have been the rock-solid foundation behind the Clemson Tigers! During these eight decades, our beloved University and organization have navigated through difficult and challenging times. The Coronavirus Pandemic has changed the definition of normal for all of us. Here at IPTAY and Clemson Athletics the entirety of the spring athletic calendar was canceled, all classes were moved online, graduation was postponed, and a majority of our staff transitioned to working from home. While these changes have been significant, I am proud of the way in which our student-athletes, coaches, and staff have responded. We continue to move forward and make preparations for the fall semester with great anticipation.

The unwavering commitment that makes Clemson so special, enables IPTAY to fund initiatives that help Clemson Athletics be the model program that it is today. Annual contributions are vital to the support of the Clemson Tigers and fund nearly $40M in yearly expenses. $21M alone is needed to cover athletic scholarships, academic services, and annual debt service for facilities. Even in a year that may look different, these are expenses we must cover regardless to aid in the support of our student-athletes. We are ever thankful for you, our IPTAY donors, and the direct financial impact your annual donations make on fueling the Clemson Tigers.

The Clemson Family is strong and I am confident that in the days and months ahead, regardless of the decisions made for the upcoming football season, you will exceed expectations and continue to provide the funds needed to allow IPTAY to continue its core mission. As a reminder the deadline to complete all pledges for the year is June 30, 2020. We are truly grateful for you and what you provide to our young men and women.

For decades, IPTAY donors have provided a foundation for the success of our young people. Everything we do is only possible because of your commitment to our program. Please know with circumstances surrounding the virus and new standards being created for mass gatherings, we will update the IPTAY family throughout the summer with additional correspondence as more news becomes available. If you have any questions, please reach out to our office and a member of our team will be able to assist you. Stay safe, stay well and Go Tigers!