Thank You From Davis Babb

Fellow Tigers,

It is a new year for IPTAY, and with it comes an exciting new chapter. As of June 30, I officially retired as IPTAY’s CEO, and on July 1, Travis Furbee assumed leadership of the organization. Since being selected by the IPTAY Board of Directors, Travis has worked tirelessly during this transition, and I am incredibly excited about IPTAY’s future under his leadership.

As this transition takes place, I want to share my deepest gratitude for the opportunity my wife Anne and I have had to be part of the Clemson and IPTAY families for the past 13 years. As Charlotte natives who grew up loving all things ACC, being able to finish my career at such a special university in a revered conference has been a tremendous blessing.

From being hired by President Jim Barker and IPTAY Board President Charles Dalton in 2013, to working alongside an exceptional IPTAY Board of Directors, IPTAY staff, Board of Trustees, University Advancement team, Athletics leadership, coaching staffs, and student-athletes, I have witnessed firsthand the power of alignment, teamwork, and a shared commitment to excellence. I have been fortunate to serve alongside remarkable Board presidents, including Charles Dalton, Fred Faircloth, Joe Todd, Dr. Eddie Robinson, Bob Riggins, Billy Milam, and Rett Rutland. Their dedication, along with that of our entire Board, has been extraordinary.

To our IPTAY staff, our TEAM, thank you. Your professionalism, passion, and unwavering commitment to Clemson have helped transform IPTAY into a stronger and more impactful organization. Today, IPTAY is a team of 35 operating as an independent 501(c)(3), allowing us to remain nimble, innovative, and singularly focused on supporting Clemson Athletics in the most effective way possible. To every IPTAY staff member that I have had the opportunity to work with, thank you for your commitment to Clemson and helping grow IPTAY to what it is today.

What Clemson has is truly special, and it begins with its people. The alignment among University leadership, the Board of Trustees, Athletics, Advancement, and so many others across campus is uncommon in higher education and has played a vital role in Clemson’s rise on the national stage.

Over the last 13 years, Clemson has experienced remarkable growth and success. The University has seen increasing academic prominence, growing national recognition, and an enhanced Clemson brand. At the same time, our student-athletes have excelled in the classroom and in competition, with Clemson’s 21 athletic programs capturing national championships, ACC titles, and countless individual honors. As former IPTAY Board President Mary Anne Bigger often says, “Athletics is the front porch of our University.” Clemson’s understanding of the value athletics brings to higher education continues to distinguish us from our peers.

Through every challenge, opportunity, and change within collegiate athletics, our loyal donors have consistently answered the call. Their generosity has funded scholarships, academic support services, facilities, strength and conditioning programs, team operations, leadership and career development initiatives, nutrition programs, counseling services, spirit squads, and support for Tiger Band. Donor investment has helped Clemson student-athletes succeed both during and after their time on campus.

IPTAY’s foundation has always been its Annual Fund. It is the engine that built this organization and continues to fuel its success. The growth of the Annual Fund over IPTAY’s nine decades is a testament to the passion and generosity of Clemson supporters. In an ever-changing collegiate athletics landscape, private philanthropy remains the differentiator that keeps Clemson among the nation’s elite programs.

Another transformational initiative was the creation of the Cornerstone Partner Program. What began with a goal of securing ten gifts of $2.5 million has ultimately resulted in more than 29 donors contributing over $170 million and counting. Their belief in Clemson’s vision helped make possible significant facility enhancements and investments that have elevated our athletics program.

Since 2013, IPTAY donors have pledged and contributed more than $975 million in support of Clemson Athletics. That extraordinary figure reflects a donor base that continues the mission established by Rupert Fike and a handful of visionaries in 1934. I hope they would be proud of what IPTAY has become. More importantly, I hope they would be proud of the countless student-athletes whose lives have been impacted through your generosity.

IPTAY now serves more than 32,000 members, including over 10,000 students through Collegiate Club, while supporting programs such as Block C, Young Alumni, the IPTAY Student Advisory Board, Cub Club, and many others. As I have said countless times through the years: we could not do what we do without you. It is just so true. This is an amazing place.

As my full-time role comes to an end, I am grateful for the opportunity to remain involved in a part-time capacity over the next year and look forward to seeing many of you at games and events along the way.

I could not be more pleased that Travis Furbee will lead IPTAY into its next chapter. After 20 years of service to IPTAY, including leadership of the Annual Fund and several key areas of the organization, Travis is exceptionally prepared for this role and will do an outstanding job.

Thank you for allowing Anne and me to serve Clemson University and IPTAY over the past 13 years. We will always be grateful to be part of the Clemson Family.

As always, GO TIGERS!

Davis Babb