Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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Page 8 Kl . v/^^^H mm ^K - >iH KPfci ^Li ^ K> * 9g ^ Jr^S^m^M '^P&* is >:" FIB Dr. Ken Lynch of Auburn University (1 well positioned in the marketplace. Lyr Carding Superintendent Van Oxner (cer extremely low ends down per thousand Auburn textile head visits I Dr. Lynch sa "Clinton Mills is an excellent company that is well positioned in the marketplace," stated Dr. Ken Lynch, who heads the Depart ment of Textile Engineering at Auburn University, during a recent visit to Clinton Mills. "I know of no better manufacturing operations anywhere. Clinton cares about its people and the products they make," he added. "Graduates of our textile department seek companies like Clinton. The students majoring in textile engineering, textile chemistry, or textile management and technology are Student employees Steve and A reach acadi As graduation arrived, Anita .. "id Steve Wright are already reaping the benefits of a decision they made together to return to school at Piedmont Technical College. Anita, who received her associate's degree in computer programming, and Steve, who graduated in textile management, celebrated the culmination of their two years of juggling work, school and, since October, family life by "getting away for a couple of days." Both Phi Theta Kappa members, Steve graduated with a 4.0 grade point ratio and Anita has maintained a 3.7. The husband and wife team was honored as outstanding students in their academic programs. Steve is also listed in "Who's Who Among Junior College Students." Residents of Whitmire, Anita's home, the couple is employed with Clinton Mills. After three quarters in computer programming, Anita was moved from the cloth room where she worked as a grader, to the data proces bmg uepdrimem wnere but; ib d programmer. Steve, a native of Clinton, was employed on an entry level but has recently entered the Management Development program at Clinton Mills. "Our TEC training is already paying off," the couple agreed. "If it weren't for TEC. I'd ^1 , *7 <ra taw , top left) said that Clinton Mills is an excellenl ich discussed modernization of Lydia Plant's iter photo, right). Lydia Plant impressed Lym I spindle hours. .ydla plant 1,1 Jk i I yd Vsiiinuii wen being trained to handle the fast transition : that is taking place in the industry. I "Many companies such as Clinton have i concentrated on improved fiber preparation, i less material handling, and more sophistica- ; tion in weaving. Those that have taken advantage of the technology available are prepared for the challenges which are facing , the industry," he added. Auburn University "Over the last two years, we have seen inita Wright smic goals still be in the cloth room," Anita added. The Wrights worked on first and third biitub di uniuuii iviuib anu diienueu rieamont Tec evening classes. Going to school together has had definite advantages for them. '.'It was the only time we got to see each other," Anita quipped. "Duringthe 45minute rides to Piedmont Tec from Whitmire. we gained a sense of companionship and mutual support." Mondays and Thursday were spent working and attending school with Friday evenings and Saturdays reserved for additional study. Sunday was set aside by the Wrights as "day of rest." They have managed their busy schedule on an average of five hours' sleep nightly and meals "grabbed" between oDiigauons. wnen Anna recently tola ner eight-year-old daughter Alexis she would be graduating soon, she received an unbelieving response: "Really?" Clinton Mills has provide both moral and financial support to the Wrights. During his second year at TEC. Steve receiv/ed a textile scholarship while Anita attended under an employees educational assistance plan. Clinton Mills is among five area companies who contribute Textile Management Scholarships to the college annually. positioned ir some decline in enrollment in the various textile fields," he noted, "but we are beginning to implement a formal recruiting program to increase the prospective student awareness in the textile curriculum." Lynch praised the students who are currently enrolled in textile studies, calling them "the most qualified we have had in quite some time." "They all have good attitudes and are well Drenared arariemirallv " ~ r " ~ /" Wt'4 GRADUATES? Steve and Anita Wi tion of graduation exercises at Piedm of Whitmire, the Wrights were recogn "Our Tec training is payir Still aiming to upgrade their career train ing, the Wrights will continue studies at i nearby four-year college in management sci ence with a long range goal of gaining man agenal level employment at Clinton Mills. 2 HF f: \mm m*^? |Ur HKPy^l Kby|^^^H % m/irl/Atnl/iAA i muirvuipiuuu Educated in U.S. and Abroad Lynch, who holds a B.S. and a M.S. degree from North Carolina State, received his Doctorate in Textiles from the University of Leeds in England. He has headed the Auburn University Textile department since 1975. The department has approximately 100 undergraduate students pursuing majors in textile engineering, textile chemistry, textile management and technology. m -- *0F ^ / right adjust their mortarboards in preparaont Technical College recently. Residents ized as honor graduates in their programs. 1g Off." ? Anita and Steve Wright "After Piedmont TEC. we'll be slowing . < i down, but not stopping." said Steve, explaining that their future coursework would involve only three nights of study and one course at a time. J