CDM Client Honored by Clemson Couple


CLEMSON - As director of fundraising for Clemson University, Brian O'Rourke is accustomed to "friends of Clemson" making monetary gifts to the school. But, it was a surprise when his own friends, Jim and Barbara McCabe of Clemson, secretly worked with his staff to establish a $100,000 endowment in his honor and then announced it from the stage of the Brooks Center for the Performing Arts.

An endowment established and named for the chief fundraising officer is a first for Clemson University.

The McCabes have supported the university's performing arts program for 15 years, but wanted to do more to help the department. They also wanted to do something to honor O'Rourke, whom they have known since he graduated from Clemson in 1983.

"Brian often refers to us as his 'surrogate parents' in the area," said Jim McCabe. "He is our close friend, and we are happy to honor him with this endowment."

The Brian J. O'Rourke '83 Unrestricted Endowment for Performing Arts is unrestricted money the department plans to use for scholarships, said Rick Goodstein, chairman of the performing arts department.

"This is going to present tremendous opportunities for talented students to attend Clemson University," Goodstein said. "We are so thankful to the McCabe family in helping us provide scholarship assistance to prospective Clemson students."

Jim McCabe attended Clemson in 1943, but did not graduate after being called away to fight in the Navy in World War II. He is retired from Exxon Company U.S.A. and has been married to Barbara for 57 years. The McCabes have supported Clemson in many ways, giving to athletics and to engineering programs, as well as to the Brooks Center.

"This gift speaks so well to President Barker's vision of 'One Clemson,'" said Brooks Center director Mickey Harder, who is a friend of the McCabes. "Jim and Barbara have supported both athletics and the arts at Clemson. They are great models of what 'One Clemson' is all about."

"Clemson thanks Jim and Barbara McCabe for recognizing one of Clemson's finest and most enthusiastic stewards. Since the time Brian set foot on Clemson's campus from Boston, he has served his alma mater," said Clemson Vice President for Advancement Neill Cameron. "Two years ago, he moved from a lucrative private sector career to Clemson as director of development and alumni affairs. This gift from the McCabes acknowledges the outstanding commitment that Brian has and will continue to make to his beloved Clemson."

The honor was a complete surprise for O'Rourke and his wife, Amy. "It is very humbling and gratifying when somebody honors you at a place you truly care about - Clemson University," O'Rourke said.