Story courtesy of HGTC
Horry-Georgetown Technical College has announced the creation of a $25,000 endowment for its electrical lineman technician program, created by Horry Electric Cooperative in honor of one of its employees, Kevin Gore. Gore, an advance line technician who has worked for Horry Electric for over 30 years, is battling stage four pancreatic cancer.
Representatives from Horry Electric surprised Gore with the news in early February.
“Kevin was overcome by the news of the endowment and the scholarship that will be awarded on an annual basis in his honor,” said Burroughs Nobles, manager of operations for Horry Electric Cooperative. “Kevin asked me to be sure to tell everyone what a privilege it is to be able to work for a company like Horry Electric Cooperative where everyone cares about each other like family, and where the leadership values each person’s contribution to the organization.”
Horry Electric created this fund in his honor because of the impact he’s had on his coworkers over the years.
“Kevin was always the first person I saw as I pulled into our parking lot. He always had a smile on his face, a positive attitude, and started your day making you glad to be part of Horry Electric Cooperative,” said Pat Howle, executive vice president and CEO of Horry Electric Cooperative.
The endowment will make a difference in the lives of future generations of electrical line workers.
“I am so very thankful for this endowment, as it promises a fantastic and bright future for line workers in the industry,” said professor Scott Shoemaker. “some of our students are challenged with the cost of the program and the required tools. Because of donations like this, students are able to begin their career debt-free. It is very heart-warming for myself and our students that Horry Electric chose to honor Mr. Gore’s legacy in this way.”
The electrical lineman technician program at HGTC is a one-semester certificate program that prepares graduates to enter the electric utility industry as an apprentice with a broad understanding of the skills, knowledge, safe work practices and physical ability required to perform line work. Students must be 18 years of age and hold a valid driver’s license to enroll in the program.
