IPTAY: Fueling Clemson Athletics for Generations
IPTAY, standing for "I Pay Ten A Year," has been the fundraising arm of Clemson University athletics since 1934. What started as a simple initiative to bolster the athletic program has evolved into one of the most successful and influential collegiate athletic fundraising organizations in the nation. IPTAY provides substantial support for programs and facilities that help Clemson Athletics stay competitive in collegiate sports.
The Origins of IPTAY
In 1934, a group of dedicated Clemson men, including George Suggs, Gene Cox, E.C. Hutchings, Bill Dukes, J.R. Pennell, George Klugh, Milton Berry, Jack Mitchell, and Rupert Fike, recognized the need for consistent financial support for the university's athletic endeavors. Fike, considered the founder and first president of IPTAY, spearheaded the effort to create a formal fundraising organization.
Initially, IPTAY was conceived as a secret order, with its own unique rituals and terminology tied to the Clemson tiger mascot. The president was called the Bengal tiger, vice president - Persian tiger and the secretary was named the Sumatra tiger. The head football coach at Clemson would be the Exalted IRYAAS, with the “IRYAAS” acronym meaning “I Received Yours and Acknowledge Same.” The word “lair” was used to refer to a unit body of the order, and “region” designated a state, province or foreign country. Several other acronyms used during the early years included GOCAMS, “Giving Our Clemson All My Support,” WDWE, “When Do We Eat?”, and WDWD, “When Do We Drink?” However, after five years, the organization dropped its secret ritual and invited all to support Clemson athletics.
Fike penned a letter to coach Jesse Neely on August 21, 1934, outlining the vision for IPTAY. The early years presented challenges, with initial membership at 162 and contributions totaling $1,623, falling short of Neely's $10,000 goal for a winning program. However, in 1940, IPTAY crossed the $10,000 mark, coinciding with Clemson's first postseason appearance at the Cotton Bowl.
IPTAY's Mission and Impact
For over 80 years, IPTAY's mission has remained steadfast: to support Clemson student-athletes. The organization provides funding for three main areas to support Clemson student-athletes: student-athlete scholarships, academic support, and facilities.
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Student-Athlete Scholarships
Each academic year, IPTAY is responsible for funding all student-athlete scholarships. IPTAY donors provide millions of dollars in scholarships each year for Clemson student-athletes. In addition, IPTAY also provides the largest academic endowment (nearly $6 million) on campus to the general student body.
Academic Support
IPTAY supports academic enrichment through the Nieri Family Student-Athlete Enrichment Center, also known as Vickery Hall. This center provides resources such as tutoring and mentors for all of Clemson's nearly 500 student-athletes, helping them succeed in the classroom. Clemson has become a national leader in academic success, posting a Graduation Success Rate of 96 percent in the most recent cohort.
Facilities
IPTAY provides funding for both new and upgraded facilities. This enables coaches to recruit and train the best and brightest young men and women at the highest level.
Additional Areas of Support
IPTAY extends its support to other vital areas, including:
- Tiger Band: IPTAY funds band member uniforms and travel expenses.
- Student-Athlete Services: IPTAY supports leadership development, community engagement, sports psychology, nutrition, and other services for student-athletes.
IPTAY Today
IPTAY is classified as an independent 501(c)3 non-profit charitable organization. As of July 1, 2023, there are 22,040 IPTAY donors. All gifts to IPTAY are donations, which are non-refundable.
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IPTAY is supported through annual donations, gift planning and major gifts. Each is vital to the success of Clemson Athletics.
Membership Information
Anyone can join IPTAY, regardless of age. All Clemson fans are welcome to support the success of Clemson’s student-athletes in the classroom and on the field. IPTAY memberships cannot be transferred to another person, but they can be passed to a spouse. New company memberships are required to be donors at the McFadden level ($7,250) or above.
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