A blustery, cold day was not enough to dampen the spirits of those assembled recently to dedicate the Eddie Runion Creative Arts Center on the campus of North Greenville University.
Eddie Runion’s family members are shown with his portrait to be placed in the Eddie Runion Creative Arts Center. From left are Travis Runion, Jerry Runion, Charlie Runion, Millie Runion, Kathy Runion Varner, and NGU president Jimmy Epting.The family of Eddie Runion, former Greer entrepreneur, provided the initial gift to name the facility in his memory. Along with the Ole’ 414 Studio, dedicated last month, the center is the first addition to the Village at Tigerville at the corner of Highway 414 and North Tigerville Road.
Runion owned and operated C.E. Runion Manufacturing Company, Inc. in Greer until 1970. Most recently he owned and operated Runion Developers, also located in Greer, where he developed and managed properties including shopping centers, apartment homes, and industrial warehouses in the Upstate.
Runion served on the board of trustees at Banker’s Trust, North Greenville University, and Miracle Hill Ministries.
The Eddie Runion Creative Arts Center, formerly the historical J.H. Roe and Company building constructed in the early 1900s, features a Carolina First Bank and an Einstein Brothers Bagels and Coffee Shop. This facility, along with the Studio at Ole’ 414, will be home for NGU’s new four-year studio art degree program.
“First and foremost, we want all these facilities to be used for God’s glory and for our creative arts students to learn about him,” said NGU president Jimmy Epting. “With the addition of other shops and restaurants, we hope this Village will entice people to come to Tigerville – not just for an education, but for other purposes which will give us another opportunity to share Jesus Christ.”