Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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Clemson textile school director visits Clinton Mills plants (L-R) Joe McCall, Dr. Clarence Rogers, Dr. Rippy, and Plant No. 1 Manager Gregg Link discuss modernization projects within the Clinton Plants. Clinton foundation scholarships forms available Doug Rippy revisited Clinton Mills on February 13,1990. This time, in his of ficial capacity as Director of the School of Textiles at Clemson University. Rippy’s earlier association with the company was in the summer of 1963 when he worked in Plant No. 1 weaving as a “summer” employee. “This was a rewarding experience,” says Rippy. “My memories of those months in the plant are pleasant,” he added. “I stripped bobbins, painted, doffed cloth, and did what ever was needed.” His employment with Clinton Mills enabled him to complete his education at Clemson University and then pursue an extensive military career in the Air Force. While in the Air Force, he earn ed a Master’s Degree and later return ed to Clemson where he received his Doctorate in Engineering. A retired Lt. Colonel, Rippy now focuses on building the School of Tex tiles enrollment and image. His objective is to improve the rela tionship between the School of Textiles and the Industry. “In recent years, our enrollment has increased from 90 to 180 students, and our graduates get very attractive job offers.” Rippy contrasted his summer employment with his recent observa tions of Clinton’s operations. “I’m impressed with the patience and thoroughness with which the Clin- Managerial changes James Carr will tansfer from Geneva Plants 1 and 2 to the Clinton Engineer ing Department, effective March 1, 1990. He will be project engineer, serv ing all seven Clinton Mills plants. Carr has been Geneva Plant Engineer since September 28, 1978. Ronald Edwards will succeed Carr as Geneva Plant Engineer. Edwards was previously Assistant Plant Engineer for the Geneva Plants. Curtis Williamson has been pro moted from Geneva Maintenance Technician to Maintenance Supervisor for the Geneva Plants. ton modernization projects have been undertaken. It’s evident that those tex tile firms who are committed to quali ty and world class manufacturing will survive.” “When I was a summer student in 1963, there was no way of capturing a persons performance electronically, we operated fly-shuttle looms, and the rooms had high humidity. There was virtually no modernization taking place in fiber handling,” he recalled. Rippy is married to the former Bren da Fallaw of Clinton. Her parents had an extensive textile background. “The Fallaws always regarded Clinton Mills as a good place to work,” he added. Although the E-Model looms are gone, and equipment has been improv ed, Rippy feels the manufacturing con cepts are still similar. “Even though you may have worked here a long time ago, when you enter a department you still recognize what is taking place.” The Textile School’s Director feels strong about the future of the textile industry. “For years we concentrated on weav ing technology. Today, the emphasis is spread throughout the manufacturing process as new and improved fiber handling, yarn preparation, and fabric handling equipment is being added in record amounts.” Doug Rippy visits Plant No. 1 weave room. Eligible sons and daughters of Clin ton Mills and Elastic Fabrics of America employees are encouraged to file for Clinton Foundation Loans and Scholarships. Children of Clinton Mills, Inc. and EFA employees who will be graduating in the Class of 1990 can apply. The parent of each applicant must have been employed by the Company for a period of at least two years as of the April 15 deadline. Qualifying applicants must be a senior in high school and ready to enter college in the fall term in the year in which the scholarship or loan is awarded. All applications for the educational assistance through the Clinton Founda tion are reviewed by an independent Grants Advisory Committee compris ed of Dr. Carl Wessinger, Dr. Ann Stidham, Henry A. Simmons, Fletcher Pruitt, and Dr. Russell Dean. Each of the scholarships awarded will be in the amount of $2,000 per year, not to exceed $8,000 per total scholar ship. The loans have a value of $1,750 annually, not to exceed $7,000. The Foundation will award up to three (3) scholarships and ten (10) in terest free loans annually. In 1989, the Foundation awarded three scholarships and seven interest free loans. Application forms are available from Mack Parsons, Clinton; Bob Dettmar, Geneva; Russell Vance, Clinton Mills Sales; and Shirley Weeks, Elastic Fabrics of America. It is important that students take the college entrance exams in time for the results to be available by April 15.