HGTC Receives $250,000 Donation from The Chapin Foundation

The Chapin Foundation Bolsters Healthcare and Education at HGTC 

[Conway, SC, April 11, 2024] – The Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) Foundation is proud to announce a donation of $250,000 from The Chapin Foundation, reaffirming a steadfast commitment to advancing healthcare and education in the Myrtle Beach area. This significant contribution will have a profound impact on the educational opportunities available to students within the Digital Resources Lab following the upcoming expansion of the new HGTC Nursing and Health Sciences Institute on the Grand Strand Campus.  

HGTC plans to grow its Nursing and Health Sciences Institute to about 24,100 square feet by the end of 2025. The expansion, which breaks ground on April 22, will serve HGTC’s nursing and emergency medical technology students, providing an inter-professional training facility for 18 healthcare programs and community partners.

The Chapin Foundation’s generosity underscores their dedication to nurturing the next generation of healthcare professionals and strengthening the fabric of our community. By investing, the Chapin Foundation empowers local students to pursue their academic aspirations and contribute meaningfully to the region’s healthcare landscape. 

The grant from The Chapin Foundation will not only bolster the educational infrastructure of the Nursing and Health Sciences Institute but also cultivate a pipeline of skilled healthcare professionals equipped to address the evolving needs of our community. Through innovative programs and cutting-edge technology, students will gain hands-on experience and develop the critical skills necessary to thrive in their careers.

“It is an honor to partner with The Chapin Foundation in our shared commitment to advancing healthcare and education in the Myrtle Beach area.  We are immensely grateful for the extraordinary support and belief in our mission,” said Dr. Marilyn Murphy Fore, HGTC President. “This generous donation will enhance our ability to provide students with state-of-the-art resources and educational experiences, positioning them for success in their academic and professional endeavors.  Together, we will continue to empower individuals, transform lives, and build a healthier, more prosperous community for all.”

The impact of The Chapin Foundation’s philanthropy extends far beyond the walls of the HGTC community. By investing in the education of our students, seeds are being sown for a brighter, healthier future for generations to come.

“The HGTC Foundation extends its deepest gratitude to The Chapin Foundation for their visionary leadership and unwavering support. This partnership exemplifies the power of collaboration in driving positive change and creating opportunities for future generations,” said Shannon Detzler, President & CEO of the HGTC Foundation.  

(End of 2024 Press Release from HGTC)

The Chapin Foundation also generously approved a grant in 2016 for the HGTC Grand Strand library location. Equipment was ordered and installed in 2017, which included furniture, PolyCom and ZSpace equipment. Of course, in 2020 everything changed with Covid and the library was shut down. This was followed by the Grand Strand campus renovation in 2021. Thus, leaving the library empty for about 18 months.

Upon the completed renovation it was discovered that the PolyCom screen and system was in need of extensive upgrades. It was cost prohibitive to complete this task due to advances in IT and online learning during Covid. This system was removed and replaced with a 98″ interactive screen that accommodated Zoom, MS Teams, WebEx and the like. “That initial investment by the Chapin Foundation put us on the cutting edge of technology in 2017 and kept us continuing with advancements in technology as it improved.” Recent review showed that ZSpace was being underutilized by the school as a whole but heavily utilized by Nursing & Health Sciences. “This initial investment has also led to HGTC furthering technological equipment with Anatomage tables for state of the art studying for our student population. Recently the ZSpace machines were removed from the library with plans to re-install the equipment in the upcoming renovation of building 100. This will place the machines directly in the area of study most utilizing the equipment,” said Shannon Detzler.

Today, the Chapin Room at the library serves as the primary library classroom, serving approximately 20 classes per semester and over 1,000 students annually.  While the initial investment in technology may have now ran it’s course and become obsolete, it assisted in keeping HGTC on the cutting edge with advanced equipment then and continuing today.

For more information about the HGTC Foundation, please call 843-477-2105, email foundation@hgtc.edu, or visit the website.

Photo: Edwin Hinds, Vice Chairman of The Chapin Foundation, presents the $250,000 check to the HGTC Foundation for the new HGTC Nursing & Health Sciences Institute.  

(left to right)