ROCK HILL, S.C – ( March 04, 2014 ) –
Winthrop University President Jamie Comstock today announced that technology and communications leader Comporium is the presenting sponsor of the university’s March 24-29 Inauguration celebration.

“I want to share my gratitude to Comporium and the Barnes family for such a generous expression of confidence in me as the 10th president of Winthrop,” Comstock said. “The roots of both of our organizations run deep in this progressive community, and our futures are intertwined in initiatives that will significantly impact the quality of work and life in South Carolina and beyond.”

The inaugural celebration includes a variety of events and activities, culminating with Comstock’s Investiture Ceremony on Friday, March 28, and the black-tie Inaugural Gala on Saturday, March 29.

Comporium has been a community partner with the university for decades. “Winthrop and Comporium share a history in Rock Hill since 1895 and a vision for South Carolina’s future development,” said Bryant Barnes, Comporium president and CEO. “We are delighted to support this event and look forward to building a knowledge-based economy alongside Winthrop.”

Winthrop University and Comporium are the “bookends” to the City of Rock Hill’s Knowledge Park project now underway. Components of the master downtown redevelopment plan and the new construction to begin soon in the former textile corridor near the university’s campus include a high-tech broadband infrastructure from Comporium and educational elements provided by Winthrop.

Since joining Winthrop and moving to Rock Hill, Comstock has set a collaborative tone with the business community and local government.

Mayor Doug Echols ‘77 commented, “Winthrop University and Comporium are not only integral pieces of Knowledge Park, but of our community as a whole. Both organizations invest significantly in Rock Hill’s economy and quality of life, offering job opportunities, educating future knowledge economy workers and lending to Rock Hill’s reputation as a progressive City. It makes sense that these organizations have joined in this way to celebrate Dr. Comstock and the exciting future that’s in store for our community.”

For more information, contact Glenn McFadden of Comporium at 803/326-6464 or [email protected] or Judy Longshaw of Winthrop at 803/323-2404 or [email protected].

About Comporium
Comporium is a privately-held, diversified technology and communications company that focuses on exceeding its customers’ expectations with technologically advanced services that make customers’ lives easier. Comporium and affiliated companies continually invest in emerging technologies that focus on data, switching, transport, storage, and other intellectual property that recognizes the emerging importance of a connected world.

About Winthrop and the Inauguration of 10th President Jayne Marie Comstock
The March 24-29 Inauguration of Jayne Marie (Jamie) Comstock as Winthrop’s 10th president signals a new era in the history of this top-ranked regional public comprehensive university. Comstock has charted a bold course for Winthrop’s future, redefining public higher education by prioritizing both quality and access in a single institution. Serving more than 6,000 students, Winthrop blends liberal arts, professional programs, global understanding, and civic engagement in a diverse community of learners. Students leave Winthrop prepared for successful careers, engaged in a democratic society, responsive to local and global concerns, and grounded in values that give meaning to their lives. Comstock’s vision for Winthrop will ensure that all students – regardless of demographic category or life experience – have access to an exceptional public higher education. Comporium is the proud presenting sponsor of Inauguration activities.