Two Penn College Students Awarded Printing Scholarships
Published 06.02.2004
Two students in graphic-communications majors at Pennsylvania College of Technology each have been awarded $2,000 scholarships from the Foundation of the Flexographic Technical Association.
Chosen among this year's scholarship winners were Mark A. Blanchard, Watsontown, seeking a bachelor's degree in Graphic Communications Management; and Lonnie L. Wilcox, Williamsport, enrolled in the Graphic Communications Technology associate-degree major.
Their selection in the demanding annual competition marks the fourth time that a Penn College student has been selected. Marie A. Szabo, who graduated in May with a bachelor's in Graphic Communications Management, received two FFTA scholarships while enrolled at Penn College.
"We have done well in this competition, which speaks very well of our students," said James P. Lentz, associate professor of printing and publishing. "Flexography is the fastest-growing printing process, and there are many fine career opportunities for individuals with a background in this area."
Frequently used for printing on plastic, foil, acetate film, brown paper and other materials used in packaging, the high-speed process combines flexible printing plates and fast-drying inks to produce eye-catching graphics on a variety of items familiar to consumers.
The students were chosen from among 70 high-school seniors and college students on the basis of their applications and references, a minimum 3.0 grade-point average, and an interest in the flexography field. An industry panel evaluates the applicants and makes recommendations for awards.
Based in Ronkonkoma, N.Y., the Flexographic Technical Association is the leading technical society devoted exclusively to the flexographic printing industry. Since its founding in 1958, the FTA has grown to include every employee at more than 1,800 company locations including printers, suppliers, graphic trade shops, consumer product companies, designers, end-users, consultants and educational institutions. More information is available online .
For more about graphic-communications programs in Penn College's School of Integrated Studies, call (570) 327-4521, send e-mail or visit on the Web.