08
Aug 2014
The Greer Campus of Greenville Technical College today became the Benson Campus, honoring Jim Benson and his $3 million gift to the college. Benson?s gift of $2 million is the largest cash gift ever received by the Greenville Tech Foundation. In addition, he has also pledged an additional $1 million to be paid over five years. In recognition of both gifts, the campus has been renamed and Building 302 will bear the names of Evelyn and Jim Benson. The money will be used to improve the campus and to expand facilities in order to better serve the students of Greer, Taylors, and surrounding areas for many years to come. Benson has deep roots in Greer, and his gift is an investment in the community he loves. ?I got my start in Greer, selling used cars I trucked in from Pennsylvania and later operating a used car lot on Poinsett Street,? said Benson, who today is president of an automotive group that includes seven dealerships in Greer, Easley, and Spartanburg. ?People in the community were very supportive of my businesses from the start, and I owe a debt of gratitude to them. This is my way of giving back to Greer.? Dr. Keith Miller, president of Greenville Technical College, said the gift ensures that the Greer Campus can continue to drive growth in Greer. ?This area has been transformed in recent years as it has become home to some of the world?s biggest names in business and industry including BMW and Mitsubishi Polyester Film. We work hard to prepare students to work for these companies and others and to ensure that employers have a ready supply of highly skilled job candidates. Jim?s investment in the Greer Campus is an investment in the Upstate, and we are very grateful for his generosity.? Located at 2522 Locust Hill Road in Taylors, the Benson Campus houses core programs including Visual and Performing Arts, Physical Therapist Assistant, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Health Information Management, Personal Trainer, Pharmacy Technician, and Massage Therapy. In addition, general education courses that are needed for any major are offered along with courses that transfer to four-year colleges and universities through the University Transfer program.