ROCHESTER, N.Y., Sept. 26 - Selected as the host location for the first U.S. Presidential Debate of the 2008 election season, The University of Mississippi in Oxford, Miss. used the unique capabilities of KODAK NEXPRESS Dimensional Clear Dry Ink on its KODAK NEXPRESS 2100 Plus Digital Production Color Press to produce special invitations, folders, handouts and other materials for guests. The university boasts more than 14,000 students, a large faculty and staff, and an active local community, all of whom are anxious to make a good impression on visiting dignitaries.

“The Dimensional Clear Dry Ink enables us to enhance the look and feel of some of our most important projects, which helps us improve our service, makes our customers happy, and helps us build a strong reputation,” explains Tony Seaman, Director of The University of Mississippi Printing and Graphic Services (PGS). “The upcoming debate is a great chance for us to showcase this technology and produce some eye-catching collateral.”

The debate takes place on Friday evening, September 26 at the Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts at The University of Mississippi and will draw more than 3,000 journalists from around the world. In the weeks and days leading up to the debate, the university hosted a number of symposia, panel discussions, lectures, festivals and other events that are designed to educate students and the public on the key issues facing our country today. Printed materials for many of these important events were produced by Seaman and the PGS staff.

KODAK NEXPRESS Dimensional Clear Dry Ink is used by PGS to create a raised or tactile printing effect that provides images with a dimensional feel that mimics the surface of the items in a photograph. For example, the group could print an image containing wood grain that actually feels like real grain. For added versatility, users can identify specific areas of the image to be raised and specify variable heights. Raised text or graphics can be placed on materials such as invitations, photobooks, calendars, collateral, certificates or direct mail.

“The eyes of the nation will be on us as we host this debate, and we will be doing our part to make sure our university shines,” adds Seaman. “Some of the printed material we are producing will end up as souvenirs, and will be the thing visitors take away as a remembrance. The unique effects we add with Dimensional Clear Dry Ink certainly make those pieces stand out and make a great impression.”

Throughout the year, The University of Mississippi PGS produces course material, recruitment packets and brochures, public relations materials, admissions kits, newsletters and a wide variety of other pieces that are needed in a dynamic educational environment. Using a combination of offset and digital printing solutions, the group offers printing related functions to academic, administrative and support departments, as well as faculty, staff-affiliated organizations and students. PGS services include design, digital and offset printing, and mailing.

KODAK Products are backed by KODAK Service and Support. KODAK Service and Support is made up of more than 3,000 professionals reaching more than 120 countries. It is a leading multi-vendor integrated services provider, delivering consulting, installation, maintenance and support services for the commercial printing, graphic communications, document imaging and data storage industries. KODAK Service and Support professionals are uniquely qualified to provide services that control costs, maximize productivity, and minimize business risk.