On January 21, 1999, the Clemson University Graphic Communications Department celebrated International Printing WeekÆ by recognizing the industry which assisted with Clemson's upgrading in the digital printing world. The event also recognized the retirement of Dr. J. Page Crouch, who first taught graphic communications at Clemson University in 1968. He started with a single class, and now the program has grown to over 400 undergraduate students and over 35 full-time graduate students. The faculty consists of nine regular faculty, three visiting faculty, two adjunct professors, and four faculty who work primarily with industry research and testing, week-long training programs for industry, and symposia for industry and education.

The International Printing WeekÆ celebration also featured live demonstrations of printing in the university union and displays of student work, all for the purpose of making other students and employees across campus understand how important printing is in their life. On the afternoon of the 21st, the Graphic Communications Department hosted an open house, demonstrating several of the new pieces of equipment donated by Agfa, Heidelberg USA, Muller Martini, OLEC, and Xerox.

After the open house Clemson formally dedicated the new equipment. This past semester Heidelberg USA installed a 4-color Quickmaster DI 46 press along with a Polar 78 paper cutter, a Stahl B20 folder, a Heidelberg Topaz scanner and Pac Pilot-a packaging software program. Heidelberg has made a huge investment in industry training in Atlanta with their facility that helps to train and retrain new operators in prepress, press and postpress activities. However, this training center does not address the need to attract young people to the management side of the industry, and with Heidelberg's help, that is the goal of programs at Clemson and other four-year institutions across the country.

Xerox is another major supporter of Clemson's GC program. Clemson has been involved in helping with training of Xerox representatives. With the installation of a DocuTech 6180, a DigiPath front end station and a DocuColor 40, Clemson can now give students and industry trainees more valuable hands-on experiences in digital processing of information, print-on-demand, database management, and personalized printing. Xerox is committed to ongoing support of the program though their service agreements to keep the equipment and software constantly updated.

Muller Martini installed the very first piece of equipment in the current lab 11 years ago. They renewed their commitment to Clemson with the recent installation of a new Presto stitcher with 2 pocket feeder and a cover feeder. The machine was designed specifically to fit into the needs of the Clemson GC lab. Computer controls and more user-friendly adjustments are featured, allowing students to be more effective with less assistance in performing their lab requirements.

Several other companies have installed equipment critical to Clemson's instructional needs. OLEC Corporation placed a Teaneck DEC (Desktop Exposure Center) in the lab for platemaking and proofing. Agfa has renewed it's commitment with continuation of their service agreement on the Avantra 25 imagesetter. Supplies to run all of the equipment mentioned are critical and Clemson received support for Heidelberg Quickmaster DI consumables from Presstek for plates, Day International for blankets, Wikoff for ink, Varn for chemicals, and Heidelberg for direct supplies. Fuji has continued their support for film. A list of over 200 companies who have supported the Clemson GC program over the years was posted during the open house.

Page Crouch, pictured at right, dedicated his professional life to learning and teaching about the graphic arts industry, but not just for his students. He has constantly gone out into the industry and worked with industry partners to bring education to them and to involve industry in Clemson's undergraduate and graduate programs. Page brought graphic communications to Clemson, but with the continued support of the industry and other faculty members, Clemson's GC program will continue to grow and serve our industry well.

Dr. Crouch continues to work as a Visiting Professor at Clemson, assisting with industrial symposia, industrial training and industry relations. He is currently also working on several important consulting projects, one of which is working with the Printing Industry of the Carolina's (PICA) PrintForce initiative to eliminate the "Best Kept Secret" in the Carolinas-the multitude of excellent career opportunities in the printing/graphic arts industries. PrintForce seeks to increase the quantity and caliber of young people seeking opportunities, either directly or through school programs, and to enhance the quality of all school graphic arts programs.

January 21st was a celebration of what can be done when all work together for a common goal. One person, Page Crouch, made a difference, and when so many people get involved in a program like Clemson's, great things happen.

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: March 22, 2001.