GSSM honors Milliken & Company 2016 Townes Award recipient

The South Carolina Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics (GSSM) honored Milliken & Company during its 24th Annual Townes Toast with a Twist event, Thursday, March 17, 2016, at the Daniel Island Club in Charleston, South Carolina.

“It’s traditional for us to celebrate another year of successful accomplishments by the students, faculty and staff of the Governors School,’” said Kim Bowman, CEO, GSSM Foundation. “At the same time, we are incredibly honored to toast one of the most innovative companies in the country – Milliken.

“Dr. Charles Townes, for whom the award and event are named, changed the world with his discovery of the maser and laser. Milliken is changing the world, too.”

Presented annually, the Townes Award recognizes businesses, institutions or individuals like Dr. Townes, who take aspirations of innovation and leadership to the highest level in research, development, technology, business, education or public service.

“We congratulate Milliken & Company on being named the recipient of the 2016 Townes Award,” said Dr. Murray Brockman, GSSM president. “For the past 150 years, Milliken has developed meaningful innovations that improve the world in which we live and they are truly deserving of this honor.”

Milliken, headquartered in Spartanburg, SC, employs more than 100 PhDs and has accumulated over 2,200 U.S. patents – and more than 5,000 patents worldwide – since their founding in 1865. With 39 manufacturing facilities in the U.S., U.K., Belgium, France and China, and with other sales and service operations throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia, Milliken’s nearly 7,000 associates work to create entirely new customer experiences, build for the future and create products that do good for the world.

By combining science with design and insights, Milliken tackles the issues and concerns of society today. The company’s community of innovators is invigorated by the challenge of finding creative ways to enhance people’s lives and make the world easier, safer and more sustainable.

Accepting the award on behalf of the company was Dr. Joe Salley, President and CEO of Milliken & Company.

“This is an award that will hold a special place in our hearts,” said Salley. “Recognition like this, coming from the finest school in South Carolina, I’d say one of the finest schools in America, perhaps the world, is an extraordinary honor and an award named after Dr. Townes is very, very special to Milliken.”

Pictured above: GSSM Foundation CEO Ms. Kim Bowman; Milliken President and CEO Dr. Joe Salley; GSSM President Dr. Murray Brockman; GSSM Foundation Board of Directors Chairman Kurt Kraft

About GSSM

The South Carolina Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics (GSSM) is a two-year, public, residential high school in Hartsville, SC, specializing in the advanced study of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), with a unique emphasis on economics and entrepreneurship.

GSSM residential program can serve as many as 288 high school juniors and seniors annually from across the state. In addition, the school impacts more than 10,000 students and teachers each year through its innovative outreach and virtual programs. Learn more by visiting www.scgssm.org.