The life-changing value of scholarships drives Raymond and Carla Jones’ giving
Raymond Jones ’86 enjoyed a long and illustrious career with ExxonMobil. Because his alma mater was pivotal in providing him with lifelong opportunities, Raymond and his wife, Carla, now give back to Clemson University, extending humble gratitude through their gifts for future generations of Tigers. Recently, one young Tiger gave the Joneses the ultimate proud parent moment: Their youngest daughter, Chloe, graduated in 2025 with a degree in biological sciences, further expanding the family’s Clemson legacy.
Leading by Example
Growing up in nearby Spartanburg, South Carolina, Raymond’s parents made sure he and his siblings understood the value of education, instilling in them that they could accomplish anything they set their minds to with hard work. Raymond, his brother and his sister all earned Clemson mechanical engineering degrees thanks to that advice.
For Raymond, his degree led to traveling the globe with one of the world’s largest companies. There, he often met and worked closely with other top executives and government leaders. His later career focused on negotiating and executing multibillion-dollar projects that grew the industry and helped improve the quality of life for adjacent communities.
At Clemson, the Joneses’ cumulative giving continues to make life better for others — supporting academic causes with an emphasis on scholarships. As a young student in 1982, scholarships enabled Raymond to pursue his educational and career ambitions.
“Both Carla and I feel extremely blessed for the opportunities presented to us through the years. We hope to provide similar opportunities to as many students as possible to help them achieve their ultimate potential,” Raymond said. “As a new student, I was a recipient of scholarships and want to pay it forward now. The need is real.”
In addition to establishing the Raymond Jones Family Endowment, the couple also supported the College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences (CECAS) Dean’s Excellence Fund. They also have a five-year commitment in place for the CECAS Nanotechnology and Student Success Fund and provide support to Clemson University Foundation’s Tomorrow Begins Today, PEER/WISE, ClemsonLIFE ™ and the Gantt Center. Their cumulative philanthropic investment in Clemson has elevated them to membership in the 1889 Vision Society.
A High Bar
From his home in The Woodlands, Texas, Raymond stays connected with the University through dedicated, hands-on involvement. His leadership includes service on the Clemson University Foundation Board, the CECAS Advisory Board, the Clemson Alumni Association Board and the PEER/WISE program. Raymond was inducted into the Thomas Green Clemson Academy of Engineers and Scientists in 2018, the highest honor bestowed by CECAS. He has also been recognized with a 2021 Distinguished Service Award.
Raymond sets the bar high for those supporting higher education. Through their generous philanthropy, he and Carla are growing opportunities for countless others.
