Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania - Congratulations to Julie Schildgen, the recipient of the Academic Educator 2013 Printing Industries of America Education Award of Excellence. Julie serves as Academic Chair and Professor of the Graphic Arts Technology Program at Rock Valley College in Rockford, Illinois.

The Education Awards of Excellence honor distinguished educational service as a direct result of leadership, special education, and/or training accomplishments.

Julie is active in the International Graphic Arts Education Association and served on the board of directors from 2011–2013. While teaching at Illinois State University, she was coordinator for the Graphic Arts merit badge during Boy Shout Merit Badge Day and served as a mentor in the High Potential Minority Student Program.

She is responsible for expanding the Rock Valley College (RVC) program to include Graphic Design and Cross Media Production. After several years of self-study, in2012 the RVC program was the first Associate Program to be accredited by the Accrediting Council for Collegiate Graphic Communications. Julie now serves on the ACCGC Board of Directors.

Julie will be presented with her award along with Mark Wendling, Heidelberg, recipient of the Industry Trainer Education Award of Excellence at the 2013 GASC/Printing Industries of America Teacher’s Conference, September 8, in Chicago, IL.

For more information about the Education Awards of Excellence, contact Michael Packard, program manager, at [email protected].