Pat Klarecki of Ferris State University Receives the 2010 PGSF Educator of the Year Award

Congratulations Pat from all of us here at GCC-Meet.

Pat Klarecki, Professor, Printing Management, College of Engineering Technology, Ferris State University (Big Rapids, Michigan) has been named the eighth recipient of the Print and Graphics Scholarship Foundation (PGSF) Educator of the Year Award. This award recognizes excellence in educational instruction for graphic communication and printing. The award will be presented at the NAPL Critical Trends Summit and Breakfast Monday, October 4, 2010, during GRAPH EXPO '10.

"If an educator can reach out and inspire many students, it is a winning combination for the industry, the college, and the students," said Ted Ringman, vice president of development at PGSF. "The award is unique in that only PGSF scholarship recipients are invited to nominate educators who have been a strong positive impact in their academic careers and lives. Professor Klarecki has combined his industry experience, his love of printing, and excellent academic credentials to bring an exciting learning experience into the classroom and the Printing Management Department."

According to Professor Klarecki, "With the rate and volume of change occurring in the print media industry, it is absolutely mission critical that educators and industry professionals build strong partnerships. Research data shows that the current work force is beginning to retire in larger numbers, with fewer and fewer young people entering our industry through educational channels. Educators need the industry leaders’ voice in local and state governmental debates about the future of career and technical education. Educators need direction and assistance from our industry to teach the skills and concepts that will drive businesses forward. And lastly, there are significant numbers of talented young people who want to pursue careers in print media but simply cannot afford the cost of college education; your support of PGSF is more important than ever."

Two hundred college students attending 80 schools receive financial assistance through PGSF. However, many more of the scholarship applicants are turned down due to lack of funds. For information regarding tax advantaged contributions, establishing a scholarship through PGSF, or scholarship applications, contact Bernie Eckert, PGSF program administrator at (800) 910-4283 ext. 740 or beckert@printing.org.