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By Leon G. Russ
HOMETOWN NEWS
Approximately 100 people turned out for the topping out ceremony of the first building in Spartanburg to bear the name of George Dean Johnson Friday, July 31.
The topping out ceremony of USC Upstate’s George Dean Johnson School of Business, already known to most by the moniker “The George,” was held under grey skies but that couldn’t dampen the enthusiasm of those on hand as they touted the value of education.
USC Upstate Chancellor John Stockwell said it best when he told the gathered crowd, “Our future is tied to education and is an investment in the community.”
Spartanburg Mayor Bill Barnet concurred noting, “A commitment to education is the most important tool for our children.”
Barnet also hailed the topping of “The George” as “a special moment in the evolution of our business district.” He said future business leaders would emerge from it and he expects it to “encourage others to invest in Spartanburg.”
When the man the building is named after spoke, he too, touted the importance of education and lamented that fact that “half of our high school seniors choose not to attend college.” He continued, “We need more of a commitment to education. Our future rests in education.”
As he looked over his shoulder at the skeleton of the building that will bear his name, he told those assembled “I envision people like Bill Gates, Roger Milliken and Bill Cobb one day coming out of the doors of this building. If that happens, Spartanburg will grow and our children and grandchildren will have a better place to live.”
At the conclusion of Johnson’s address the beam was raised and put into place.
Speaking after the ceremony Stockton stated the business school “is a remarkable project that will have great impact on the future of the city and the Upstate as well.”
He noted with 850 students expected at the downtown school it’s impact on the economy will be immeasurable.
Stockwell said the building should be completed by May 10, 2009 with some students taking summer classes next year while the official opening will be in the fall.
Stockwell also noted the school of business “is being designed for expansion if need be.”
The three-story, 60,000-square-foot, $30 million building is located adjacent to the Chapman Cultural Center on Saint John Street.
In addition to “The George”, the city of Spartanburg will also build a parking garage behind the building.
lruss@hometown-news.com
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