College Officials Express Gratitude for O'Dell Center Support
Piedmont Technical College (PTC) and the Piedmont Technical College Foundation recently hosted their annual legislative barbecue at Bermuda’s at The Links at Stoney Point. The event is designed to thank legislators for their support of the college’s mission. This year, attendees got to view time-lapse video showing the dramatic progress on construction of the 45,000-square-foot William H. “Billy” O’Dell Upstate Center for Manufacturing Excellence.
“We are exceedingly grateful to the family of Edward and Elizabeth Moss, who donated the land upon which the Center is being constructed,” said Dr. Ray Brooks, president of PTC. “We also are indebted to the taxpaying voters of Greenwood County who approved the penny sales tax to help finance the project. The progress has been dramatic and exciting to witness.”
Officials hope to open the Center, which will house modernized training space for advanced manufacturing programs, late next year. Brooks noted that PTC’s efforts to expand high school dual enrollment opportunities are continuing. New dual enrollment partnerships are forming with Greenwood District 50, the Laurens County School District, and the newly named Governor’s School for Agriculture at John de la Howe, which is expected to reopen next year.
Legislators and guests at the barbecue listened to Brooks provide a brief overview of the college’s role in supporting a qualified workforce and economic development in the region. He concluded with a sincere expression of gratitude to those in attendance.
“Your support ensures that the college remains vibrant and that we can continue to serve the students in our region at a high level,” Brooks said. “Thank you.”
PHOTO CUTLINES
- PTC Foundation Chair Jim Medford addresses the crowd.
- Sen. Floyd Nicholson and Denise Medford
- Guests view a video depicting progress of the O’Dell Center Construction.