Greenville Technical College and Greenville Tech Foundation announced today a $3 million gift from Evelyn and Jim Benson for the college’s Greer campus, the largest in the schools’ history. The campus will be renamed Benson Campus in honor of the donation.
The gift, consisting of a $2 million cash donation and $1 million commitment over five years, will be used to improve the campus and expand facilities. The funds will help with an addition to the campus and potentially allow the location to “expand offerings, add new programs and offer more general education courses for transfer,” said Greer campus director Jean Greer.
Benson, owner of Benson Automotive Group, established his first dealership in Greer in 1964 and now has multiple locations in the Upstate. When asked why he chose the campus, Benson said he got his start in Greer and “is partial to Greer.” He added that the area is growing and there is a need for additional space and services at the campus.
“I love Greenville Tech for the work that they do. Greenville Tech is one of Greenville County’s greatest assets,” he said. He lauded the school for not only teaching academic subjects, but also job skills. His dealerships benefit from students trained at Greenville Tech who go on to work with his technicians.
“We firmly believe that a properly trained workforce is the greatest asset of any business,” he said.
Les Gardner, director of development for the Greenville Tech Foundation, said that Benson had previously helped the foundation raise funds for the Greer campus, well exceeding the goal.
“Jim has been a constant supporter of the students at Greenville Tech,” said Gardner. He added that Benson said he supports the school and students “because they need it, and I’m blessed to be able to do it.” Benson is an “unsung hero” who helps the community in multiple ways and never seeks recognition for his assistance, said Gardner.
Benson also issued a challenge: “I’d like to see more businesspeople who benefit from what Greenville Tech does step up to the plate and help Greenville Tech financially.”
Greenville Tech’s Greer campus serves 1,700 students and offers seven core programs, including visual and performing arts, physical therapist assistant, occupational therapy assistant, health information management, personal trainer, pharmacy technician and massage therapy.
Photo courtesy Freeman Major Architects
