SGIA Awards $40,000 in Graphic Communications Scholarships

With the generous support of industry donors, the Specialty Graphic Imaging Association (SGIA) proudly announces its 2019 scholarship recipients. Out of 67 applicants, the association awarded 20 SGIA Educational Institution Member students with $2,000 each.

According to Erin Nuss, Manager of Workforce Development, SGIA, the association’s annual program has now awarded 50 scholarships since its inception in 2016, totaling $100,000 toward students' education, books and room and board.

“Having received scholarships myself, it is especially rewarding to provide this opportunity for our industry’s future,” said Nuss. “These scholarships help students fully focus on their passion, rather than the finances of their education, and it’s been amazing to hear how much it’s meant to them.”

2018 recipient McKenzie Brogan, a student at University of Wisconsin-Stout, shared a note of thanks with Nuss: “I don’t know what I would have done without your support on this journey. Thank you for investing in me, my education and my future career. Your support means so much to me.”

To be eligible for the 2019 SGIA scholarship, students had to be enrolled at an SGIA Educational Institution member college/university full time for Fall 2019, and demonstrate a commitment to a career in graphic communications, printing technology or printing management. The recipients were selected by a small group of SGIA committee members, who evaluated applicants’ scholastic achievement, financial need, extracurricular activities, achievements/awards and work experience, in addition to an essay and academic and professional recommendations.

“Though the large number of strong candidates we see always makes the selection process difficult, it reinforces what standout students we have entering the workforce,” said Nuss. “As I congratulate this year’s 20 recipients, I look forward to continuing to grow this program and support the next generations in print.”

Congratulations to the 2019 SGIA scholarship recipients:

California Polytechnic State University
Julienne Chiang, Junior, Graphic Communication
Emma Landgren, Junior, Graphic Communication
Erica Taylor, Sophomore, Graphic Communication

Clemson University
Alicia DiPerri, Senior, Graphic Communications
Natalie Weaver, Junior, Graphic Communications

Los Angeles Trade-Technical College
Leah Pakpour, Senior, Sign Graphics

Pasadena City College
Jose Revuelta, Sophomore, Studio Arts

Ryerson University
Iain Ailles, Junior, Graphic Communications Management
Justin Chan, Senior, Graphic Communications Management
Matthew Fantauzzi, Sophomore, Graphic Communications Management
Julia Forrester, Senior, Graphic Communications Management
Afrah Idrees, Junior, Graphic Communications Management

University of Wisconsin-Stout
Abigayle Gardiner, Junior, Graphic Communications
Emily Gustafson, Junior, Graphic Communications
Ari Hytti, Freshman, Game Design and Development
Jessica Kastello, Senior, Graphic Communications
Wyatt Martin, Incoming Freshman
Hailey Vosen, Senior, Cross-Media Graphics Management

Western Michigan University
Margaret Golia, Senior, Graphic and Printing Science
Prashant Kotkar, Graduate Student, Paper and Printing Science

SGIA’s 2020 scholarship application period opens January 1.

Source: SGIA

The preceding press release was provided by a company unaffiliated with Packaging Impressions. The views expressed within do not directly reflect the thoughts or opinions of the staff of Packaging Impressions.