The Power of One Challenge inspires David Sprouse ’61 and Sandra Sprouse’s Cornerstone investment
David and Sandra Sprouse’s successful careers and fierce investment in opportunity make them nothing short of a “power couple.” Sandra, a former French teacher, enjoyed many years as an educator, while David thrived in textile leadership roles, working from the textile mill floor to leadership positions. Together, the couple has wed their passion for athletics, academics and service through generous gifts to Clemson University, the latest being a fierce response to the Power of One Challenge.
The Sprouses’ belief in education and their devotion to the University first took shape through their support of Clemson Athletics, inspired by David’s experience as a student-athlete. After being recruited by legendary Clemson Baseball coach Bill Wilhelm, David excelled from the pitcher’s mound at Clemson while earning his degree in textile management. After graduation, David built a successful career in the textile industry that his Greenville, South Carolina-born parents knew well. Along the way, he met his wife, Sandra Jean Motley, a Duke alumna and French teacher.
David was profoundly shaped by the camaraderie and life lessons he learned as an athlete. In a generous decision to give back, the Sprouses’ investment to name the David and Sandra Sprouse Team Room in Doug Kingsmore Stadium and establish a future estate gift to create the David W. Sprouse ’61 Baseball Scholarship Endowment reflects their commitment to improving the experience and opportunities for athletes and leaders alike.
Now, their commitment has expanded from the field to the classroom with a transformative $2.5 million Academic Cornerstone investment to the Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business.
Answering Clemson’s Power of One Challenge, the Sprouses have endowed two prestigious faculty positions — the David W. Sprouse ’61 Endowed Chair in Economics and the David W. Sprouse ’61 Distinguished Professorship in Financial Management. These endowments support two foundational disciplines that will drive innovative research and empower future business leaders.
Prestigious named positions, such as endowed chairs and professorships, demonstrate Clemson’s commitment to attracting and supporting distinguished faculty who enhance teaching, research and service. Exceptional learning begins with outstanding faculty who inspire innovation and mentor students, equipping them with the skills to lead. By investing in faculty, the Sprouses’ Power of One investment will impact every generation of Clemson business students.
The Sprouses’ journey from supporting student-athletes to empowering faculty embodies the Clemson spirit of lifelong commitment, ensuring the University continues to move Fiercely Forward for generations to come.
