Attending the unveiling of the new signage are, left to right, Jim and Evelyn Benson, David and Lisa (Benson's daughter) Crow, Tony (son) and Heidie Benson, and Keith Miller, president of Greenville Technical College.
The Bensons pledged an additional $1 million to be paid over five years and Greenville Tech designated the campus and building 301 in their honor.
The money donated is being used to improve the campus and to expand facilities to better serve the students of Greer, Taylors and surrounding areas.
Benson, who established a used car business in Greer early in his career, has remained an active participant in the community as his automotive group has grown to include seven dealerships in Greer, Easley and Spartanburg. “I owe a lot to the people of Greer for their early and continued support of my efforts. I am pleased to have this opportunity to give something back,” Benson said.
“Jim Benson is a prime example of what can come with hard work and determination, a man who started with little and traveled a path of self-made success,” said Keith Miller, president of Greenville Technical College. “With his donation, our Benson Campus can be a path to a better future for generations to come.”
The campus, at 2522 Locust Hill Road in Taylors, 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.