News Release
For Immediate Release
Contact:   Joe Polinski
(803) 981-7161

South Carolina Technical College System Honors Joe McElwee
 

November 9, 2007

ROCK HILL—Joe McElwee, a long-time member of the York Technical College Foundation, was honored last evening by the South Carolina Technical College System for supporting education in the Palmetto State. The ceremony, known as Benefactors Make a Difference, highlighted the generosity and efforts of individuals who have partnered with South Carolina's technical colleges to make a college education possible for hundreds of students.

McElwee, who has served on the York Technical College Foundation Board of Directors since 1990, is an avid supporter of the college's efforts to address the diverse educational needs of the communities it serves.  As president of TruVista Communications, he was instrumental in establishing the first distance learning classroom in Chester County in 1995, which enabled York Tech students to take a wide selection of courses without traveling to the main campus. 

In 1998, McElwee and TruVista played a key role in launching the college’s “Digital Divide Project” that provided many of the poorest areas in Chester County with access to the Internet.  He also helped establish scholarships for Chester County students and worked to bring the college's Practical Nursing program to the Chester County Career Center.

McElwee is a major supporter of York Technical College’s efforts to build a higher education facility with state-of-art laboratories and classrooms in Chester County.  As a member of the Chester Capital Campaign Committee, McElwee is helping the college’s Foundation to raise funds from private sources to make the new Chester Center a reality.  

The 31,211-square-foot facility will be built on a 40-acre site off S.C. 9, east of Chester. Construction of the facility will take about one year to complete.

"Joe works tirelessly behind the scenes to enable York Technical College to better serve its students and the community," said Dr. Greg Rutherford, president of York Technical College.  "The college is grateful for his leadership and ongoing support, and we are very proud to recognize Joe as our Benefactor for 2007. "

A native of Clover, SC, McElwee received his B.A. degree from Wofford and an M.A. at Vanderbilt. McElwee worked for Bell South for 10 years in Louisiana, Mississippi, and North Carolina.  He came to Chester Telephone in 1967.  Over a 38 year period, he served as Commercial Manager, Executive Vice President, and as President from 1976 until he retired on December 31, 2004.  He continues to serve as Chairman of the Board. 

York Technical College . 452 S. Anderson Road . Rock Hill, SC 29730