TORRANCE, Calif., (October 18, 2004)—The Electronic Document Systems Foundation (EDSF), the non-profit organization dedicated to the document communications industry, today announced the recipients for its 2004 Educators of the Year Awards. Presented annually, the Educator of the Year Awards are given to academic representatives from higher and secondary/post secondary educational institutions. These individuals are dedicated to the advancement of the industry and have made outstanding and innovative contributions towards educational efforts in the document communications.   Educator of the Year in Higher Education The Educator of the Year in Higher Education Award, sponsored by Pitney Bowes, Inc., honors an individual from a university or college who is dedicated to the advancement of our industry through education. This year’s recipient has given selflessly of his time, energy and expertise across the academic, association, supplier, and print service provider communities. EDSF is pleased to recognize Dr. John Leininger, Professor in the Department of Graphic Communications at Clemson University in Clemson, South Carolina as the 2004 EDSF Educator of the Year in Higher Education. Since 1986, Dr. Leininger has taught courses in flexography, lithography, digital printing, inks and substrates, and management at Clemson. With the support of 18 industry partners, he created the traveling Hands-on Laptop VDP Training consortium to bring practical experience with variable data printing to the industry. Leininger constantly seeks creative ways to teach complicated concepts, volunteers his time in support of a wide range of industry organizations. His peers remarked that John is always willing to share his knowledge and expertise with others for the betterment of graphic communications education. “Sharing knowledge is a two-way street, and accepting this award reinforces the time, effort, and value of networking and forming partnerships with other teachers, printers, suppliers and association members,” said Dr. Leininger. “I consider myself lucky to be an educator where I have the opportunity to learn and share knowledge every day.” EDSF Educator of the Year for Secondary Education Initiated this year, EDSF is proud to award a secondary teacher who is dedicated to the advancement of the document communications industry through secondary education. Sponsored by Kodak Versamark, Inc., EDSF’s Educator of the Year for Secondary Education Award recognizes individuals that make outstanding educational contributions in the electronic document, multimedia communications, and graphic media industry. These individuals demonstrate leadership, motivation, innovation, and enthusiasm. EDSF is honored to award Thomas Epperson, of Mattoon Community High School in Mattoon, Illinois the 2004 EDSF Educator of the Year for Secondary Education. Mr. Epperson has built a successful graphic arts educational program that is a role model for programs in other secondary institutions. Epperson’s curriculum is a blend of solid skills building and real-world business experience. Participants in the program do all of the printing for the Mattoon School District and act as sales and customer service staff for school administrators. Epperson’s program delivers dedicated, motivated, and enthusiastic graduates ready to play a leadership role in the graphic arts industry. “I am flattered to be the recipient of this honor,” said Thomas Epperson. “To be truthful, the success of our program lies in the quality of my students and the support of my administrators, the local printing industries, and our community.” The 2004 EDSF Educator of the Year recipients will be awarded during the EDSF Board of Directors reception in Dallas, Texas during the Xplor’s 25th Annual Global Conference and Exhibit on October 26, 2004.