CLEMSON, S.C. – IPTAY and Clemson Athletics have announced the newest Athletic Cornerstone Partners, the families of Steven and Michael Watt, recognizing their incredible generosity and impact on the most recently approved facility project; the Athletic Performance and Wellness Center. The Watt Family’s $5.675 million Athletic Cornerstone Partner contribution will play a central role in bringing the cutting-edge, 55,000-square-foot facility from concept to reality.
This visionary project is set to revolutionize the training and wellness experience for student-athletes and is poised to set a new standard in collegiate sports facilities. With plans in place for construction to begin in December 2023 and be completed in February 2025, the facility will be formally known as the Watt Family Athletic Performance and Wellness Center.
Members of the Watt Family have been long-standing supporters of a wide variety of Clemson University initiatives, both through service and philanthropy. Among many areas, the joint contributions of the Watt Family were pivotal in the creation and subsequent technology upgrades of one of Clemson’s crown jewels, the Watt Family Innovation Center.
Steven Watt earned his degree from Clemson in 1981 and his wife, Pam, earned her Clemson degree in 1983. Steve serves as the Executive Vice President and Chief Administration Officer of Scientific Research Corporation (SRC) and continues his commitment to the Clemson community through his service as the Chairman of the President’s Advisory Board. He also previously served on the Board of Visitors with Pam and was a recipient of the Clemson Distinguished Service Award in 2020. Steve and Pam have translated their passion for Clemson to instrumental contributions in support of IPTAY, the President’s Leadership Circle, and the School of Nursing – providing funding to purchase the “Harvey Watt” simulation patient for heart and pulmonary training. Pam and Steve also serve on IPTAY’s Campaign Committee. Their two children and spouses, Brandon (’08, ‘10) his spouse Janani, Brittany Watt Childers (’13) and her spouse Chase (’13), are avid supporters of the Tigers. They are also the proud grandparents of a future Tiger, Hunter Chase Childers.
Michael Watt and his wife, Kimberly, both earned degrees from Clemson in 1984 and 1985 respectively. In partnership with his brother, Mike is the co-owner of SRC and serves as its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. His service to Clemson spans 20 years and encompasses a number of philanthropic assignments that include his time on the Clemson University Foundation Board as well as the Research Foundation Board. Mike has also been highly engaged with the engineering program at Clemson beginning with his service on the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering Advisory Board and continuing with his support of the College of Engineering and Applied Science (CESAS) Advisory Board, which he chaired for several years. Mike and Kim currently serve on the National Campaign Committee for the College and are members of the CECAS Leadership Circle. In 2008, Mike was inducted into the Thomas Green Clemson Academy of Engineers and Scientists. In 2018, he was also recognized with the Clemson Distinguished Service Award. Apart from their involvement in the creation of the Watt Family Innovation Center, Mike and Kim have been active supporters of the CECAS Dean’s Excellence Fund, Barker Scholars, President’s Fund, and IPTAY. The couple shares their affinity for Clemson with their three children and their spouses: Wesley (’13), Austin (’16) and his spouse Megan (’16), and Mary-Katherine Watt Burton (’21) and her spouse Will. They are the proud grandparents of a future Tiger, Hampton Blake Watt. Wes is a Past President of the Young Alumni Council and a member of the Advisory Boards for both the Department of Political Science and Clemson University Libraries.
The family’s patriarch, Dr. Charles Watt (’59), is the founder and former chairman of SRC. He served as the founding executive director of the Watt Family Innovation Center and as a former Dean of the College of Business, and was recognized for two of Clemson’s most distinct honors; the Distinguished Service Award (2011) and the Clemson Medallion (2022). His wife, Linda, a practicing nurse for many years, is a proud Clemson supporter, spouse, and mother. Linda earned an honorary alumni designation in 2021.
A Clemson family through and through, this most recent commitment from the families of Steven and Michael Watt will continue to propel the resources for Clemson student-athletes to new heights. Their philanthropic leadership and unwavering dedication to both Clemson Athletics and the greater Clemson University community will undoubtedly foster an enhanced atmosphere of excellence and innovation for years to come.
