2nd Annual Bill Treadaway Print Leadership Forum

3rd Bill Treadaway Print Leadership Forum Scheduled


Upcoming Events

 
Intern Employer Day Scheduled for March 4, 2008


Xplor Mid-Atlantic Region Sponsors 12 Clemson GC Students
at GOA/Xplor Global Conference and Exhibits

On February 3–5, twelve Graphic Communications students traveled with Mrs. Nancy Leininger to Miami Beach for the Graphics of America/Xlpor Global 2006 Conference and Exhibits. The Clemson “ambassadors” were sponsored by the Xplor Mid-Atlantic Region in a pilot program championed by Katherine Clarke (Casey) a 2003 Clemson GC grad. Casey got the necessary funding approval to help offset some of the costs, and arranged the agenda. The students were also joined by Dr. John Leininger, who was already at the conference to receive his Electronic Documents Professional Certification earlier in the week. He was just one of four from the USA to receive this certification this year.

Our first day at the event started off with a breakfast for our group with speakers including Skip Henk, Xplor International President and Diana Hillman, Mid-Atlantic Region President, and presentations by Joe Farina and Paul Loumena from Elixir on the state of the document industry. The students were joined at the breakfast by several other company sponsors, Mid-Atlanta Region officers, and recent Clemson GC grad, Kemrey Heinold.

After arriving at the exhibit hall, the students were scheduled to rotate through the booths of the 5 sponsor companies whose representatives acted as mentors to the students. Jeanne Mowlds of EDSF used some of the time the students spent with her taking them around the show floor introducing them to other industry representatives. Other sponsors taught the students about their company and the document industry. Later in the afternoon, Dr. John Leininger had arranged for Robin Walton of HP Indigo to give the students a thorough and practical demonstration of the digital devices at the HP booth. On the final day of the trip, students were on their own to visit other booths, network, and sit in on training sessions.

These graduating seniors are finishing their undergraduate course work in Graphic Communications in May. Each was able to gain an in-depth view of the world they are about to enter. This pilot program was such a success that Xplor hopes to be able to provide this opportunity to even more students in the future. The students agree that the trip and their membership in Xplor are great opportunities for them to enhance their course experiences, to network with industry leaders, and to learn more about potential job opportunities. They are grateful for the support of the department and the Mid-Atlantic Region to minimize their out-of-pocket costs and make the trip possible.

Company sponsors were Jeanne Mowlds of EDSF, BJ Nestler and Jay Gallagher of Document Solutions Network, Paul Loumena of Elixir, Bill Sanders and Chris Parker of NearStar, and Mary Anne Rowan of Solimar Systems. The twelve GC seniors in attendance were Stacy Brogan, Shelley Fox, Tara Greene, Melissa Hall, Justin Meissner, Laura Ogard, Brian O'Neill, Betsy Pietrus, Pamela Pryor, Morgan Serreno, Bryan Wilson, and Matthew Wimberly.

Dr. John Leininger earns EDP Certification

Wednesday, February 1, 2006 Dr. John Leininger, Professor of Graphic Communications at Clemson University, was 1 of 19 individuals from around the world to be certified as an Electronic Document Professional through Xlpor International. The presentation was made at Xplor's Global Document Exchange, in conjunction with Graphics of the Americas, during the opening general session in the Jackie Gleason Theater, Miami Beach Convention Center. Commission chairperson Terry Johnson, EDP presented the awards.

The Electronic Document Professional (EDP) Program, sponsored by Xplor International, recognizes individuals that possess a high standard of ethics, knowledge and experience in the field of electronic document systems. The EDP designation is an industry symbol for professional proficiency, experience and commitment. EDP professionals promote and enhance the industry through continuing individual education, knowledge sharing, and mentoring others in the certification process.

About Xplor International
Xplor International is a worldwide, not-for-profit professional association that consists of thousands of users and suppliers of the products and services that create, modify and deliver customized information using a wide variety of document technologies. The association provides educational products and programs for its members and the industry at large through conferences, meetings and annual events. Xplor International has its worldwide headquarters in Torrance, California, with affiliated offices around the world. Further information is available at www.xplor.org.

GC Students and Faculty Attend Adobe’s Momentum in Print 2006

Adobe Systems hosted their first international users meeting in San Francisco on January 22-24, 2006, and Clemson Graphic Communications students and faculty were in attendance. Dr. John Leininger and Mrs. Nancy Leininger were presenters at the event. Dr. Leininger conducted a half-day hands-on Variable Data Printing Training session assisted by Mrs. Leininger, and Mrs. Leininger was also on the slate as a Panel Moderator for the Short-Run Packaging session.

As a member of the Adobe Momentum in Print 2006 Advisory Panel, Dr. Leininger knew that Adobe was putting together an event like no other. It included General sessions, Tutorial Sessions, Focus Sessions, and a Sponsors Showcase. So at the last minute when he was given VIP tickets to allow others to attend, he immediately went to the department chair to get approval for 4 students and one other faculty member to attend. There wasn't much lead-time, but when opportunity knocked, we responded. The availability of last minute weekend flight specials on the web drastically minimized costs, and before they knew it Dr. Eric Weisenmiller, along with GC students Courtney Adams, Andrea Brown, Chad Smith and Dustin Williams were on their way to Momentum in Print!

They attended several excellent tutorial sessions on Color Management, Digital Photography, Print Production, Workflow, and Industry Standards. The general sessions and panel discussions gave them a current practical view of the direction of the industry. They were able to network with many printers and sponsors since all the meals and early evening activities were planned into the event. While listening to the students talk one might think that the tutorials were the highlight of the event. But Andrea and Chad may disagree since Andrea won a free copy of Adobe Creative Suite2 and a tutorial book, and Chad won an iPod!

Adobe's Sr. Manager of Product & Partner Marketing, Robin Tobin made the Clemson participants feel right at home. She introduced them to folks she knew they should meet, and was pleased that Clemson was so well represented at the event. The students gained much from this opportunity, though they had to juggle plans and classes to make it happen. They appreciate the faculty who worked with them to make up work missed while away and allowed them to take advantage of this tremendous enhancement opportunity.


Third Annual
Bill Treadaway Print Leadership Forum Scheduled

We are planning our 3rd Annual Bill Treadaway Leadership Forum to be held on January 31, 2008. The theme for the forum will be Leadership and the Evolving Face of Graphic Communications: Company Culture, Technologies, Markets & Media.


Our past speakers have included:
Don Carli, City University of New York
Michaael Ferrari, Proctor and Gamble
Bill Ray, Quantum Paper, Inc.
Maynard Benjamin, Envelope Manufacturers Association Manufacturers
Bill Farquharson, Print Tec
Sheri K. Sparks, HR Weyerhaeuser


Click here for the news release and further information.


Carol Jones, Forum Chair
Department of Graphic Communications
College of Business and Behavioral Science
Clemson University
G-01 Tillman Hall, Box 341353
Clemson, SC 29634-1353
jensenc@clemson.edu
main: 864-656-3447
office/voice: 864-656-6158
fax: 864-656-4808

Upcoming Events

John Leininger Heads Hands-on
Variable Data Printing Training Consortium

Click here for more information on the schedule of events, program outline, how you are host training, and ROI for VDP.

John Leininger
phone 864-656-3447
fax 864-656-4808
email: ljohn@clemson.edu


Optimizing The Digital Plate Package for Flexography
August 2-3, 2006

In today’s environment, digital workflow processes such as plate making should be simpler not more complicated. Optimizing the Digital Plate Package for Flexography is a series of seminars, demonstrations and hands-on sessions where attendees will learn to un-complicate digital plate pre-press and production in order to achieve optimal results. The two-day program, August 2-3, is limited to 25 people and is hosted by Clemson University’s Department of Graphic Communications.

Joining Clemson’s faculty will be top industry presenters such as Mark Mazur (Dupont Imaging Technologies), Mark Samworth (Artwork Systems), David Chinnis (Flint Group Printing Plates) and Dr. John Anderson (FTA). They will teach attendees how to avoid plate-making pitfalls and recognize common mistakes. Plate issues can be avoided, print problems reduced and ROI increased by first learning the proper rules and then correctly applying the workflow tools available.

This seminar is appropriate for all segments of flexography and is co-sponsored by the Foundation of Flexographic Technical Association (FFTA).
The topics discussed are recommended for:
- Practitioners wishing to maximize their digital plate making capabilities.
- Companies planning to convert to a digital plate making workflow.
- Training new employees and updating current staff.
- Companies with plate consistency and performance issues.

The cost for an individual is $450. Group rates are available for 3 or more.
For details and on-line registration: graphics.clemson.edu/itc/sem_plates.htm
or contact:
phone 864-656-7664
fax 864-656-4808
e-mail: duanew@clemson.edu

Flexographic Process Printing Symposium
September 20-22, 2006

Interested parties should contact:
Duane Woolbright
phone 864-656-7664
fax 864-656-4808
e-mail: duanew@clemson.edu


Alcoa Foundation Supports Graduate Assistantships
in Department of Graphic Communications


CLEMSON — Clemson University Foundation has received a $25,000 grant from the Alcoa Foundation to provide funding for graduate students to gain leadership and communication skills to make them more effective in the workplace.

The funding will provide assistantships in the university’s graphic communications lab, technology to conduct graphic arts research and training for emerging graphic communications technology.

The announcement came from Southern Graphic Systems, an Alcoa business headquartered in Louisville, Ky., that supplies photographic and digital images and manufactures flexographic printing plates and rotogravure cylinders for the packaging printing industry.

“Our responsibility to our customers in the very demanding markets we serve requires the best talent available,” said Dennis Wilcox, regional vice president at Southern Graphic Systems, “One of our key strategic objectives is workforce development – to attract and retain talented people by developing and implementing well-defined human resources initiatives.”

Southern Graphic Systems also provides internships for Clemson students to enhance their skill levels and broaden their perspectives in an active workplace.

“The program benefits Southern Graphic Systems in that we get short-term task oriented work completed with no long-term commitment and we have the opportunity to evaluate these students as potential permanent hires in the future,” said Wilcox.

The grant is part of Alcoa Foundation’s commitment to its business communities. In South Carolina, Alcoa employs 1,250 at four operating locations in Goose Creek, Spartanburg, McBee and Gaffney.

The Clemson University Foundation is an independent, nonprofit organization incorporated in the state of South Carolina to promote the welfare and future development of Clemson University’s educational and scientific goals. The foundation receives, manages and distributes donor gifts to build and maintain academic programs through faculty and student aid programs.

Intern Employer Day Next Event Scheduled for March 4, 2008

Clemson University Graphic Communications interns prepare to once again go out into the industry. The program sends students out three times a year to coincide with the university calendar. A range from 160–180 GC students intern annually with the largest group in the summer (approx. 80 students). They are employed by companies all acorss the country.

To help facilitate the placement of so many students, the department hosts Intern Employer Day each Fall and Spring to bring industry representatives and students together. On Octber 9, 2007, over 110 representatives from 56 companies were registered to meet the 220 GC students in attendance at the event. Nancy Leininger, Internship Coordinator for the Department of Graphic Communications says that the event, hosted by the graduating seniors, “…provides a perfect opportunity for employers to learn more about the scope and hands-on philosophy of the program, and to the meet underclassmen as well as graduating seniors looking to go out into the industry.” Employers on campus in October were quite impressed with the caliber of the students and the overall organization of the event.

Every Clemson GC major must complete at least 2 required internships prior to graduation. When surveyed as seniors, students consistently rank these two experiences as being the most beneficial of their college careers. Leininger says the current interns owe their thanks for the outstanding interest and turn out of employers to those interns and graduates who have gone out before them. “If previous students and graduates weren’t meeting their needs and expectations these employers wouldn’t be so committed to those currently seeking employment.”

The evening before Intern Employer Day, many employer representatives, graduating seniors, and graduate students attend a social followed by dinner. This gives potential employers a great opportunity to informally meet students who will soon be beginning printing industry careers.

On Tuesday morning employers are given program and internship information. Interns from past terms present their stories to the employers to provide examples of the many things students do in their internships. Most of the day employers meet at their table top exhibits with students. Many employers and students are able to make plans for internships. Follow up activities tend to be brisk, with several employers staying an extra day to interview students or to arrange plant visitations for those who at the top of their lists as prospective intern employees.

Clemson's Graphic Communications Department hosts Intern Employer Day twice a year. The next event will be on March 4, 2008, where employers will make Summer and Fall 2008 internship plans. Companies wishing to receive registration information on Intern Employer Day should fax their business card to 864-656-4808, and simply write a "IED" on the card, the code for Intern Employer Day mailings. For immediate intern needs please contact Nancy Leininger the Graphic Communications Internship Coordinator.

Employers considering needs for full time employees may review recent graduate resumes on the GC web page http://graphics.clemson.edu/resumes.

Ms. Nancy Leininger <lnancy@clemson.edu>
Graphic Communications Internship Coordinator
Graphic Communications Department - http://graphics.clemson.edu
G-01 Tillman Hall
Clemson University
Clemson, SC 29634-1353
864/656-0107 FAX 864/656-4808

John Leininger - 2004 EDSF Educator of the Year

Individuals Acknowledged for Outstanding Contributions to Educational Efforts in Document Communications

TORRANCE, Calif., (October, 2004)—The Electronic Document Systems Foundation (EDSF), the non-profit organization dedicated to the document communications industry, today announced the recipients for its 2004 Educators of the Year Awards. Presented annually, the Educator of the Year Awards are given to academic representatives from higher and secondary/post secondary educational institutions. These individuals are dedicated to the advancement of the industry and have made outstanding and innovative contributions towards educational efforts in the document communications. Educator of the Year in Higher Education The Educator of the Year in Higher Education Award, sponsored by Pitney Bowes, Inc., honors an individual from a university or college who is dedicated to the advancement of our industry through education. This year’s recipient has given selflessly of his time, energy and expertise across the academic, association, supplier, and print service provider communities. EDSF is pleased to recognize Dr. John Leininger, Professor in the Department of Graphic Communications at Clemson University in Clemson, South Carolina as the 2004 EDSF Educator of the Year in Higher Education. Since 1986, Dr. Leininger has taught courses in flexography, lithography, digital printing, inks and substrates, and management at Clemson. With the support of 18 industry partners, he created the traveling Hands-on Laptop VDP Training consortium to bring practical experience with variable data printing to the industry. Leininger constantly seeks creative ways to teach complicated concepts, volunteers his time in support of a wide range of industry organizations. His peers remarked that John is always willing to share his knowledge and expertise with others for the betterment of graphic communications education. “Sharing knowledge is a two-way street, and accepting this award reinforces the time, effort, and value of networking and forming partnerships with other teachers, printers, suppliers and association members,” said Dr. Leininger. “I consider myself lucky to be an educator where I have the opportunity to learn and share knowledge every day.”

This site is created and maintained by the students and faculty
in the Department of Graphic Communications at Clemson University.
Any questions or comments should be directed to Nancy Leininger at lnancy@clemson.edu.
Date last updated: October 12, 2007 .