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Enhancing the future of South Carolina’s economy
$5.6 million gift funds two endowed chairs in materials
science
The J.E. Sirrine Textile Foundation, a giant of the South Carolina
textile industry for more than 60 years, presented Clemson University
with a $5.6 million gift, the largest the university has ever received
from a foundation.
In accepting the gift, President James Barker said, “This
is an historic day in the life of Clemson University, a turning
point in the textile industry in South Carolina and a milestone
for the economic future of the state in the knowledge-based field
of advanced materials. With this gift, the Sirrine Foundation continues
to positively impact the educational endeavors of Clemson students
and quality of life for South Carolinians.”
The money will help fund two endowed chairs in the areas of glass
optical fibers and advanced materials fibers, both in the School
of Materials Science and Engineering. When matched with resources
from the South Carolina Education Lottery and Clemson University,
the amount will double in value to $11.2 million.
J.E. Sirrine Textile Foundation Board President, Mark Kent, said
the gift is in keeping with the vision of engineer J.E. Sirrine,
when he called upon South Carolina textile companies in 1944, to
advocate for future generations.
“Since our inception, the J.E. Sirrine Textile Foundation
has viewed education as its primary focus. The belief and wishes
of Mr. Sirrine were that education was the key to success, as was
investment in research and development. This is what he believed
would help South Carolina and create jobs,” said Kent.
While much of the traditional textile manufacturing has gone overseas
to cheaper labor markets, Clemson’s School of Materials Science
and Engineering has expanded to encompass different high-tech niche
areas of the industry. Expertise now extends to fiber-reinforced
composite materials based on metals, and high-performance, lightweight
ceramics and polymers, with uses in automotive, space, athletic
equipment and medical prosthetic markets.
The School of Materials Science and Engineering has 19 faculty members,
105 undergraduates and 68 graduate students. Current research focuses
on ceramics, polymers, photonics, medical textiles, biomaterials,
fiber science and metallurgy.
The J.E. Sirrine Textile Foundation
gift will make Clemson the United States’ pre-eminent institution
in intelligent fiber-based materials. The foundation board of trustees
are shown here with President James Barker, and Materials Science
and Engineering School Director, Kathleen Richardson. From left
to right, they are: Harold Risher, Bill McCrary, Wylie Hamrick,
Caroll Hart, Jr., President Barker, Joe Jennings, Kathleen Richardson,
Bob Moser, Mark Kent, Les Hudson and Smyth McKissick.
Textile foundation funds endowed chair in glass optical
fibers
One half of a $5.6 million gift from the J.E. Sirrine Textile Foundation
to Clemson University has funded an endowed chair in glass optical
fibers in the School of Materials Science and Engineering. The South
Carolina Education Lottery Fund has matched the donation for the
endowed chair with $2.8 million, through the South Carolina Research
Center of Economic Excellence Endowed Professorship Program.
An endowed chair, one of the highest honors at a university, is
reserved for a leader with an international reputation in the designated
field.
Optical fibers have enabled or enhanced the Internet and many other
modern conveniences. Related research activity increases as new
niche technologies using fiber are being developed in areas of defense
and homeland security. This includes high power laser systems and
chemical and biological agent detection, as well as use in automotive,
medical and industrial systems.
John Ballato, (center) director of the Center for
Optical Materials Science and Engineering Technologies (COMSET),
shares information concerning glass optical fibers with board members
from the J.E. Sirrine Textile Foundation. The board has funded an
endowed chair in glass optical fibers in the School of Materials
Science and Engineering.
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