Sewickley, PA, July 26, 2007 - Printing Industries
of America/Graphic Arts Technical Foundation (PIA/GATF) has named Ron and
Katherine Harper the recipients of its 2007 Education Award of Excellence for
industry representatives. The awards are presented annually to an academic
representative and an industry representative in recognition of outstanding
contributions to education and training in the graphic arts.
Ron and Katherine Harper are the husband and wife team who founded
Harper Corporation of America, a global anilox roll supplier with two locations
in the United States and licensees in Bangkok, Thailand (Harper Asia/Pacific)
and Herford, Germany (Harper Graphics). An innovator in laser-engraved anilox
roll production and restoration for corrugated wide web, narrow web, and
newspaper flexographic printing markets worldwide, Harper Corporation
demonstrates an unparalleled commitment to education at all levels-from formal
education for flexo students to technical training for industry professionals.
The Harpers' generosity is legendary in flexo education. Mr. and
Mrs. Harper helped pilot the first Flexo in High Schools program (now Flexo in
Education) in the early 1990s, filling a void in vocational education for youth
and establishing a trained future workforce for flexography. In 2002 they
created the Flexo College of the Year Award, which is presented annually during
the Flexographic Technical Association Forum. Their many generous donations of
anilox rolls, both in the U.S. and abroad, provide quality resources for
students and allow graduates to be better prepared for the work force.
In 2005, the Harpers helped establish a hands-on flexo program at
the Instituto Nacional de Aprendizaje de Costa Rica (INA) in San Jose, Costa
Rica. In addition, their donation to California Polytechnic State University's
Graphic Communication Department established the Ron and Katherine Harper
Endowment, which supports flexography education, facilitates laboratory
development, and allows students to travel to flexography conferences.
The Harpers' support for the flexo programs at Central Piedmont
Community College (CPCC) and Appalachian State University (ASU) has resulted in
CPCC's Harper Campus in Charlotte, N.C., which houses the Harper National
Flexographic Center, and ASU's Katherine Harper Hall, home of its graphics
program on the Boone, N.C. campus. Earlier this year, Ron Harper established
the "Katherine Harper Teacher's Education Fund" through the Phoenix Challenge
Foundation, sponsor of the Phoenix Challenge Annual International High Schools
and College Flexographic Competition, which has also been a major beneficiary
of the Harpers' philanthropy.
Through the generous contributions of Mr. and Mrs. Harper,
flexography education and the resulting availability of a trained workforce
continues to enhance the entire flexographic industry.
For further information, please contact Deena Hower at 412-259-1702
or dhower@piagatf.org.
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About PIA/GATF: PIA/GATF is the world's largest graphic arts trade
association representing an industry with more than 1.2 million employees. It
serves the interests of more than 12,000 member companies. PIA/GATF, along with
its affiliates, delivers products and services that enhance the growth,
efficiency, and profitability of its members and the industry through advocacy,
education, research, and technical information.
