Harpers Provide Grant To FFTA ‘TEST’ Program

RONKONKOMA, N.Y.—Foundation of Flexographic Technical Association (FFTA) recently received a major endowment from long-time supporters of flexo education, Ron and Katherine Harper. The grant, bestowed over the course of two years, will fund the start-up costs of the Foundation’s most important educational initiative ever – TEST (Technical Educational Services Team).

“Katherine and I have been passionate about the concept of expanding flexographic education and increasing awareness of the flexographic process ever since the FFTA introduced the Flexo in High Schools and Colleges program; which began in 1990 with a $1 million fund raising campaign. With that successful history in mind, we are ecstatic with the enormous potential of the FFTA TEST program,” commented Ron Harper. He expanded, “When we were first approached about supporting the launch of the FFTA TEST agenda, our immediate reaction was, ‘Never before in FTA’s 50 year history has a more stimulating, inspirational or more important program been initiated. This is not just raising the level of flexo education, or taking it to the next step, but rather it is a profound and significant leap forward in creating an ongoing, consistent and standardized message throughout our industry, and throughout institutional flexo education.’”

The TEST initiative, formally announced in early November at the Foundation’s Fall Conference, aims to rebuild the Foundation’s educational products and services by offering multiple basic, intermediate, and advanced levels of curricula, in multiple formats and languages, and all with the principles and practices identified in FTA’s FIRST - Flexographic Image Reproduction Specifications & Tolerances book. Its four main objectives include: secondary and post-secondary programs; co-sponsored seminars and events; customized training & consulting; and a Virtual Campus. Leading the TEST program is FTA Education Director Joe Tuccitto. Tuccitto brings with him an intimate knowledge of flexo education, having served as the principle flexographic printing instructor at Dunwoody College of Technology for over seven years.

“Ron and I have seen Joe Tuccitto’s enthusiasm and passion for flexo education eloquently displayed during his tenure as an educator/trainer with the Dunwoody College of Technology, Anderson & Vreeland and through his volunteer work with the Phoenix Challenge Foundation,” commented Katherine Harper. “His vigorous commitment to excellence is apparent in everything Joe touches. We are delighted that FFTA December 3, 2007 encouraged him to accept the challenge of organizing, implementing and managing this dynamic and essential TEST initiative.”