Division of Development and Alumni Relations

David T. Seaton, ’84, is the chair of the Carolina’s Promise Campaign Committee. As CEO of Fluor Corporation based in Irving, Texas, he leads one of the world’s largest engineering, procurement, construction, and maintenance service companies.

Seaton’s immediate prior position was chief operating officer. Since joining Fluor in 1984 following his Carolina graduation, he has served in numerous positions related to operations and global sales. Included was his role as senior group president over Energy & Chemicals, Government and Power Groups, a responsibility related to Fluor’s operations in China and the Middle East.

Chairing a $1 billion campaign is an enormous commitment of time and energy. What motivated you to lend your support to this effort?

My support of this historic effort is rooted in my deep belief and commitment to the University of South Carolina. I believe the leadership, under the caring hand of (President) Harris Pastides, and the vision he has will propel this great university to greater heights. I am appreciative of what I gained from my time as a student and my desire to see future students grow and prosper is significant. I cannot think of a better way to help Carolina than chairing this campaign.

What are your highest hopes for what USC might accomplish through this historic campaign?

The name of the campaign says it all. Carolina's Promise means we must invest well in the success of our students, for they truly represent the best promise of tomorrow. Carolina's Promise also means that the university has made a commitment - or promise - to students, faculty, staff, alumni and parents and the communities we serve that we will continue to lead the way to improve the quality of life for all in South Carolina, the country and the world.

If you only had a few sentences to make a pitch to a potential donor, what would you say to motivate that individual to give to Carolina's Promise?

Our obligations as alumni of the university begin not with paying back for the wonderful education we received here, but by paying forward. By that, I mean by investing in the future of Carolina so that succeeding generations will have even greater opportunities in a vastly more competitive world economy.