Newly improved Courtyard Café patio provides relaxed setting for Piedmont Technical College students and staff on Greenwood Campus

Thanks to a collaborative effort, Piedmont Technical College (PTC) students and staff now have a newly improved place where they can eat lunch, enjoy a study break or simply recharge.

PTC officials held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday to unveil improvements to the Courtyard Café patio on the Greenwood Campus. Several plants were added to the area and a striking sculpture of Blaze, the college’s Phoenix mascot, was mounted on the back wall of the patio. Table umbrellas also were installed to provide shade.

The patio makeover was the idea of PTC’s Conference Center staff.

“They wanted to do something outside because the space was underutilized,” said Rusty Denning, associate vice president for economic development and strategic partnerships.

Horticulture Technology students handled the landscaping improvements on the patio, while Engineering and Welding students created the sculpture of Blaze.

PTC President Dr. Hope E. Rivers praised the programs for coming together for a shared purpose.

“The outside area looks spectacular,” said Rivers, who urged the students attending Thursday’s ceremony to “enjoy this space.”

Engineering and Industrial Technology Dean Christina Knight said the project “represents the very best of who we are.”

“This isn’t just about cutting a ribbon,” Knight said. “It’s about celebrating what’s possible when people across departments come together