Celebrates the Opening of the J. Robert Bazemore Design Center
Demonstrating its ongoing commitment to education and innovation in the community, Family Trust Federal Credit Union, in partnership with Winthrop University, celebrated the grand opening of the J. Robert Bazemore Design Center, located in the heart of Rock Hill’s Knowledge Park at The Thread. The 5,000-square-foot interior design center, built in honor of Winthrop University alumnus J. Robert “Bob” Bazemore, will serve as a modern learning environment with advanced technology that exposes students to real-world design concepts.
The Thread, a revitalized textile mill and warehouse, is historically significant not only to the city but also to Family Trust. The building is where Family Trust’s story first began in 1957, when the credit union was founded as Rock Hill Printing and Finishing Federal Credit Union to serve the hardworking employees of the mill. Built on a foundation of trust, support and financial empowerment – values which still drive Family Trust today – the credit union’s first transactions were modest—carried out from a simple cigar box used to store funds for lending to mill workers.
“We’re honored to contribute to a space that reflects our origins and supports the bright future of Winthrop students,” said Ryan Harvey, president and CEO of Family Trust. “This partnership represents not only our shared past with the city of Rock Hill, but our belief in its continued growth and success. It is a testament to our commitment to enriching the lives of our members and making a lasting impact in the community we proudly call home.”
“Family Trust has long been an integral part of Rock Hill’s story,” added Winthrop University President Edward Serna. “Its investment in this project honors that legacy while paving the way for the next generation of interior designers. We are grateful for their support of this transformative educational space.”