The Newsom Effect

Raymond Newsom’s relationship with Furman University ran deep – formed in the early 1960s as a student-athlete and fraternity member, and decades later cemented through transformative fundraising leadership, particularly around men’s basketball and Timmons Arena. Before his passing on July 26, 2025, Newsom built a legacy of community and the belief in what athletics can mean to a university.

From Student-Athlete to Loyal Alum

Newsom’s connection to Furman began in 1961 as a student looking to play college sports. And what started with a bit of money and some encouragement has turned into true dedication.

“If Furman hadn’t given me a little bit of money and asked me to come, I wouldn’t have thought about it,” he said. “It honestly changed my life.”

But they did give him that opportunity and it would set him on a path that extended far beyond sports. It sparked something in him, starting with meeting his wife, Carol ’66, and establishing a partnership that eventually would become a dream of advancing the future of athletics at the university.

Building a Business – and Giving Back

After graduating in 1965 and serving in the Army, Newsom built a successful insurance business – NFP Corporate Benefits in Greenville – from the bottom up. But even as his professional life flourished, Furman remained close to his heart. “I loved Furman, and I loved men’s basketball,” he said. “Most of our efforts have gone to that and I’ve had the great honor of bringing others along to help.”

Newsom’s philanthropic leadership began in earnest when he became president of the Paladin Club in 1987. “With my wife’s help, we raised a million dollars that year for the first time in the history of Furman,” he said.

Transforming Timmons Arena

Newsom played a pivotal role in transforming Furman’s men’s basketball program. He has been most influential in efforts to improve facilities, securing over $600,000 to install video boards in Timmons Arena. And today, with full-scale renovations completed, Newsom’s vision has come to life. “The facility amenities are fantastic – competitive with anybody in the country,” he said. “It’s going to give us a chance, if we continue to grow the program, to go even bigger in so many ways.”

In addition to his own family’s donations, Newsom has helped rally support from others, including donors with no direct connection to Furman. “People love to be connected to successful things,” he said. “You see success, and you want to be a part of it.”

A Family Legacy

Newsom’s dedication is now generational. His daughter recently served on Furman’s Board of Trustees, and his grandchildren have continued the Furman tradition. “This is the Newsom effect, not the Raymond Newsom effect,” he said. “None of this could’ve happened without my wife.”

Carol’s influence, he insisted, has been foundational: “She’s the hardest sell I ever had. But she was always there when I needed somebody to say yes.”

Up until his death in July, the Furman Athletics Hall of Fame member visited major donors, traveled to home and away games and remained committed to Furman’s future. “We wanted to do something or Furman,” he said. “Not for ourselves.”