CLEMSON, SC (FOX Carolina) -
A family from Georgia has donated $5.5 million to Clemson University, the largest single donation to the school from an individual or family.
The gift was made by Charles and Linda Watt, their sons Steve and Mike, and their wives Pam and Kim.
The majority of the money will go to build the Watt Family Innovation Center for academic collaboration and student engagement. The 40,000 square-foot center will be built near the R.M. Cooper Library and the Class of 1956 Academic Success Center.
The Watt family gave a total $5,532,181 to the school's Will To Lead capital campaign, including donations made to IPTAY, the College of Health, Education and Human Development, the School of Nursing, the College of Engineering and Science, the Leadership Circle and the $5.25 million for the new academic center.
Charles and Linda Watt are natives of West Pelzer and Belton respectively. He graduated from Clemson in 1959 with a bachelor's in electrical engineering and founded the Scientific Research Corporation in Atlanta.
Steve Watt was a 1981 Clemson grad with a bachelor's in administration management. He is the SRC executive vice president. His wife, Pam Watt, earned her financial management degree from Clemson in 1983.
Mike Watt is a 1984 Clemson grad with a bachelor's in computer engineering. He is the SRC chairman and CEO. His wife, Kim Watt, earned her financial management degree from Clemson in 1985.
The entire Watt family lives in Kennesaw, GA.
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