Funding for the Future

Committee members gathered June 23rd to discuss the vision for Phase II at Print/Con.

Clemson University’s Department of Graphic Communications prepares for the printing and packaging industries of the 21st century by implementing Phase II for its Printing and Converting Research Center. Phase II involves upgrading the Print/Con facilities which started a new building for the new 3 color rotary diecutter for the corrugated industry donated to Clemson University by the International Corrugated Packaging Foundation (ICPF) and its contributor, the Bobst Group.

Faculty members and industry supporters met as a committee June 23rd to discuss the roadmap for defining the next step, Phase II, which will focus on wide web and narrow web printing and converting capabilities to serve the graphic communications undergrad and graduate students and the industries coming for training and testing services.

Clemson plans to continue serving the printing and packaging industry by providing an environment where students have the opportunity to work and learn in a large scale equipment environment. Most students are eager to push the envelope and employ the latest graphic applications using state of the art imaging and printing tools. The committee recognizes the importance of providing that environment where students can challenge themselves.

This committee is launching the process of raising funds from the broadest industry base possible to achieve the goals of Phase II. State funding and budget cuts have delayed the implementation of some projects in Phase II yet the committee is confident alumni and industry will pull together to make finalizing Phase II a reality. Any readers interested in participating in this process, including assisting with the committee, are encouraged to contact Dr. Sam T. Ingram, Department Chair and Professor, 864.656.3447 or sting@clemson.edu.