Individuals, Companies, Businesses Name Rooms in Health/Science Building

CONTACT: LINDA ELLIOTT, EXT. 2145

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 4/22/99
(By Lisa Garrett)

PENDLETON --- Individuals, families, organizations, companies and industries can still support specific academic programs and/or make living tributes and lasting memorials to loved ones by naming classrooms and laboratories in Tri-County Technical College's $12.5 million Health/Science Building.

Throughout the year, 19 individuals, companies and businesses have named rooms in the Health/Science Building for a variety of different reasons, said Linda Elliott, vice president for development at the College. "Many are memorializing colleagues or family members; businesses are making a fitting tribute to their companies and employees. Others view their contributions to health/science education as a way to add to their own personal legacy while identifying themselves with one of the finest facilities of its kind."

"Regardless of the reason, one common thread is unmistakeable; these individuals and groups are contributing significantly to the training of health professionals for Upstate South Carolina," said Mrs. Elliott.

John Woodson, a 1985 graduate of the RTV department and general manager of WRIX in Anderson, was the first to begin the fundraising campaign to memorialize veteran broadcaster Matt Phillips, who owned WRIX, and Kevin Morris, an RTV student and WRIX employee who died in 1995.

Mr. Woodson was teaching RTV classes at Tri-County when Phillips passed away in August of 1997. "A day later, we started raising money on the air," said Mr. Woodson. He and others have raised almost $8,000 to name two RTV rooms in the building to memorialize the two air personalities.

He says he received quick and positive response to honor both individuals. "I'm not surprised, considering the two individuals we are honoring and the cause. A lot of folks benefit from Tech, so it was easy to do," added Mr. Woodson.

Mrs. Jeanne Fowler, of Belton, widow of Jim Fowler who served on the College's Area Commission until his death in 1994, has named an organic chemistry classroom in memory of her husband. She chose the science area because she holds a biology/chemistry degree from Limestone College. "Tri-County Technical College meant so much to my husband," said Mrs. Fowler. "I'm a strong believer in education, and naming a room in memory of Jim is a way to convey that. There is a real need for Tri-County Tech in this area. The College provides a great service to the community. This building is a dream come true for Tech."

Oconee Memorial Hospital contributed $30,000 to name the Surgical Technology Center. John Powell, of Walhalla, who is chairman of the hospital's board of directors and an alumnus of Tri-County, said the donation was more than just giving money. "The board realizes what Tech has meant to the medical field over the years. The College has trained a lot of people who work at Oconee Memorial, and we wanted to give something back to the College. It's a token of our appreciation."

Anderson Area Medical Center (AAMC) contributed $150,000 to name the building's fourth floor, which houses the nursing and practical nursing departments. "Without a doubt, the governing board of the Anderson Area Medical Center has made a commitment to be a complete part of the community, investing in activities that promote the growth and development of Anderson County," said Kirk Oglesby, president emeritus of AAMC. "The board views Tri-County Technical College as really serving our community. Contributing to the health/science building is another way ANMed can demonstrate its commitment."

Other individuals, companies, foundations, trusts, associations and groups of colleagues and friends have named rooms. They include: Gallant Belk; Budweiser of Columbia, Anderson and Greenville Foundation; South Carolina Broadcasters Association; First Citizens Bank; Darby Electric Company, Gambrill Foundation; Torrington/Ingersoll-Rand; Cameron and Margaret Murdoch of Seneca, NationsBank; John Sam and Zonell McPhail Lay Trust; Claramunt Family; Dwight and Jessie Holder Foundation; Marion and Mary Davis of Easley; Mr. and Mrs. Ski Shaloski of Pickens; BASF Corporation; Schlumberger Industries; Belton Industries; Thrift Brothers of Seneca; and the estate of Dr. Henry Cowart Drake.

The College will use the money raised to purchase equipment or keep the faculty who teach in this building up to date in their curricula.

Rooms and floors are still available for naming by contacting Mrs. Elliott. Costs range from $3,500 to $15,000 for a classroom or lab and $75,000 to $158,000 for a floor.

The $12.5 million, five-story 84,000-square-foot structure houses 37 laboratories and ancillary facilities, 17 classrooms and offices for the Health Education Division, Science faculty, and the Early Childhood Education and Radio and Television Broadcasting (RTV) departments. Located in the building are the dental assisting, early childhood education, medical laboratory technology, associate degree nursing, practical nursing, surgical technology, radio and television broadcasting and science programs.
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