Pittsburgh, Pa., August 9, 2001 - The Graphic Arts Technical Foundation (GATF) has named James F. Hopkins and Gary Walton as recipients of the Education Awards of Excellence. The awards are presented annually to one industry representative and one academic representative in recognition of outstanding contributions to education and training in the graphic arts. The selection committee of noted industry and education leaders looks for candidates whose efforts or leadership have directly resulted in a distinguished education or training service, program, project, or accomplishment. Leadership on both a community and national level should be evident. Candidates need not be GATF members. Industry Representative, James F. Hopkins Representing industry, Mr. Hopkins started a quick copy shop in his garage in 1974. Today he is the president of Hopkins Printing, one of the top commercial printers, employing over 100 people in Columbus, Ohio. Dedicated to personal development and education, his company’s mission statement includes "to create an environment for thinking, learning, and having fun while growing." His company has won numerous awards for excellence including being named a Best Workplace in America by the Master Printers of America. Jim is involved with dozens of professional organizations and community groups. He holds several titles through his activities in the Printing Industry Association of Northern Kentucky and Ohio (PIANKO), which nominated him for GATF’s award. At PIANKO, Jim was instrumental in the development of a PIANKO staff position dedicated to bringing new and talented young people into the printing industry and created and now chairs PIANKO’s Printing Education Liaison Committee. Dedicated to developing partnerships with all 50 Ohio vocational school graphic communications programs, this committee assists schools in a wide variety of educational efforts such as internship, mentoring, and career awareness programs. "His consistent efforts with regard to improving learning opportunities; getting schools accredited with PIA standards; formulating trusts to fund scholarships and program improvements for students and instructors in the state of Ohio; and involvement in the former VICA and current Skill America contest are just a few of his many endeavors to provide opportunities for creating quality educational opportunities and educational programs in Ohio. These opportunities will ultimately lead to a well-educated and more productive workforce for the printing industry," wrote Robert Rateno of Cuyahoga Community College in Parma, Ohio in a supporting letter. Academic Representative, Gary Walton Representing academics, Gary Walton is the co-chair of the Graphic/Flexographic Communications Program at Cincinnati State Technical & Community College in Ohio where he has taught for the past 25 years. He helped increase the department’s enrollment by 92 percent and has trained over 2,600 individuals. Through his efforts, a flexography program was added to the curriculum, and he was instrumental in raising over $1,350,000 in donations of equipment and supplies for the two printing programs. Originally a press instructor, he has trained himself in the art of color separation, color prepress, and advanced color printing, and is now sought for his color expertise. He has consulted and trained printers in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. "Mr. Walton is genuinely concerned about the progress of education in the printing industry. He is not only educating himself and students in the changing technologies of graphic arts but is reaching craftsmen in the field," wrote Deborah Pfaff of Multi-Craft Litho in Cincinnati, Ohio who nominated him. He is a member of GATF/PIA and was the director of education for Printing Industry Association of Northern Kentucky and Ohio (PIANKO) for seven years. He is also a member of NAPL, FTA, IGAEA, and many other organizations including serving as the past president of the Cincinnati Craftsmen Club and past chairman of the Cincinnati Printing Council. He has conducted high school teacher workshops for the past eight years and is an advisory board member for a local high school. Award Ceremony Both candidates will receive plaques at a luncheon on Saturday, October 27, 2001, during the 2001 GATF/PIA Fall Administrative Meetings at the Renaissance Vinoy Resort in St. Petersburg, Florida.