Lacrosse Stadium Dubbed “Conklin Field” After ONE Clemson Cornerstone Gift from Deb Conklin
Clemson Lacrosse Stadium Dubbed “Conklin Field” After ONE Clemson Cornerstone Gift From Deb Conklin
CLEMSON, S.C. – Deb Conklin ’92 has made a pivotal ONE Clemson Cornerstone gift to Clemson University, advancing key priorities across athletics, alumni engagement and student success. In recognition of her generosity and leadership, the stadium at the Clemson Lacrosse Complex will be named Conklin Field. Clemson will host an official dedication event on March 28 ahead of the program’s game against Virginia Tech.
“Clemson shaped who I am — not just professionally, but personally,” Conklin said. “This University gave me opportunities, lifelong friendships and a sense of belonging that I carry with me every day. My hope is that this gift helps ensure future Tigers have the same support, access and pride that made such a difference in my life.”
Conklin’s gift supports IPTAY and Clemson Athletics with development and enhancement of dedicated women’s lacrosse facilities. Her investment reflects a belief in expanding opportunity, advancing equity in athletics and ensuring that women student-athletes have access to premier facilities that match their talent and dedication.
For Conklin, athletics are an essential part of the Clemson experience — building confidence, teamwork and leadership skills that extend far beyond the field. A lifelong sports enthusiast and committed supporter of Clemson Athletics, she views women’s lacrosse as a program poised for continued growth and national prominence.
This commitment will continue providing a premier home venue for women’s lacrosse student-athletes, elevate the game-day experience and strengthen recruiting efforts as the program continues to compete at the highest level.
“Deb’s investment in women’s lacrosse is more than support for a sport,” said Davis Babb, CEO of IPTAY. “This gift accelerates our ability to provide elite competitive experiences and state-of-the-art facilities that match the drive and talent of our student-athletes. We are incredibly grateful for her leadership and belief in the future of IPTAY and Clemson Athletics.”
In addition, her gift establishes the Deb Conklin Endowment with the Clemson Alumni Association, providing sustained support for one of the University’s most cherished traditions — the Clemson Ring Ceremony.
For Conklin, the ring is far more than a symbol of graduation. It represents perseverance, shared identity and lifelong connection to the Clemson Family.
Her commitment to the tradition began with a gift naming the Conklin Ring Gallery within the Nieri Family Alumni and Visitors Center. At the heart of the space is a one-of-a-kind interactive display where alumni can scan their Clemson Ring and add their signature to a growing digital archive.
“The Clemson Family is so unique — not like anything else in the world,” she said. “The ring represents that community. It starts conversations with people everywhere, and it’s a reminder that Clemson is about ‘we,’ not ‘me.’”
Through this endowment, Conklin is not only preserving a tradition — she is reinforcing a culture of belonging and shared purpose that defines the Clemson experience across generations.
“Deb’s generosity is an extraordinary investment in the Clemson Family,” said Wil Brasington, CEO of the Clemson Alumni Association. “Her endowment honors and strengthens the Clemson Ring tradition — a powerful symbol of pride. Because of her leadership, more students will be able to experience this defining milestone and carry that bond with them wherever they go as members of the Clemson Family.”
Conklin’s gift also funds James Conklin Scholarship Endowment, strengthening financial support for Clemson students and helping ensure that deserving Tigers can pursue their academic goals with reduced financial burden.