PMMI Distributes More Than $100,000 for Education in 2008
Arlington, Va.—PMMI continued its strong support of packaging education by granting $102,328 in scholarships and financial support to partner schools, packaging students and member company employees to date this year through its Education & Training Foundation.
“We’re proud of our efforts to support all facets of packaging education including four-year universities, two-year technical programs and ongoing workforce development efforts,” noted Charles D. Yuska, PMMI president and CEO. “PMMI has a history of being there for our partner schools, the industry at large and our member employees through these scholarships and we were pleased to grant more than $100,000 in direct support this year.”
Mark Garvey Scholarship Awarded to California Polytechnic
California Polytechnic State University – Poly Pack (San Luis Obispo, Calif.) received a grant of $2,500 for a yet-to-be-named student in 2008. Mark Garvey, a former Chairman of PMMI, was known for his strong support of packaging education.
Claude Breeden Scholarships Granted to 6 Schools
Six partner schools received grants in 2008 from this scholarship fund, named for long-time PMMI Executive Director Claude Breeden.
• Alexandria Technical College (Alexandria, Minn.): $6,000
• Dunwoody College of Technology (Minneapolis, Minn.): $6,000
• Hennepin Technical College (Eden Prarie, Minn.): $6,000
• Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College (New Richmond, Wisc.): $6,000
• Dabney S. Lancaster Community College (Clifton Forge, Va.) : $6,000
• Purdue University at Calumet (Hammond, Ind.): $4,000
C. Glenn Davis Scholarship Goes to Purdue
This year, the C. Glenn Davis Scholarship was awarded to Purdue University at Calumet, which will give the $1,000 scholarship to one of its students actively pursuing a packaging degree. Glenn Davis was a long-time PMMI employee overseeing education programming.
Travel Scholarships Bring Students to PACK EXPO
PMMI provided $35,000 to assist a record 575 students and 18 instructors in attending PACK EXPO, which gave students a hands-on learning experience and supported their development as tomorrow’s packaging leaders.
“By highlighting innovation across all aspects of packaging, PACK EXPO provides a unique, up-close look at the industry for these students,” said Yuska. “Investing in the next generation of talent supports building a skilled and talented workforce for the industry and is a natural extension of our efforts to create industry connections.”
Member Tuition Reimbursement Program
PMMI member companies are eligible for training scholarships as well, Yuska noted. PMMI provided $28,328.25 in support for workers improving their skills at member companies.
"The Education & Workforce Development program has distributed more than $1 million since 1997," he added. "Education is a central component of PMMI's Long Range Plan, and for good reason: The better educated our workforce is, the better equipped the packaging supply chain is to prosper in a tough economy."
In addition to the above-mentioned scholarships, the PMMI Education & Training Foundation manages the A. R. (Art) Schaefer scholarship fund on behalf of the Schaefer family and collaborates to produce the Packaging Hall of Fame dinner fundraiser in support of a permanent Packaging Hall of Fame building at Michigan State University.
