ROLLING HILLS ESTATES, Calif. U.S.A. (Dec. 21, 2005) ---The Electronic Document Systems Foundation (EDSF) has presented the Visual Communication Program at Austin Community College (ACC) in Austin, Texas, with the Innovation in Post-Secondary Education Award. Sponsored by Canon USA, this award is presented to post-secondary academic institutions or accredited training organizations that build and deliver programs and/or offer professional career development in innovative ways. Providing classroom and online instruction, the Visual Communication Program harnesses a team of industry professionals to provide an enviable record of job placement for its graduates. EDSF is the non-profit organization dedicated to the document communications and enterprise content management industry. “This award gives recognition to the professionalism, dedication and cooperation that our staff and faculty contribute to our program each day,” said Andrew Saldaña, program originator and departmental chairperson. “ It confirms that we are progressing in the right direction and providing a high standard of education to our students.” The Visual Communication department at ACC was formed through a merger of the Visual Communication, Design and Digital Graphics, and Publishing Technology departments to address the overlapping skills and knowledge needed to compete in the publishing, printing and design industry. Specialized areas of study include Graphic Design, Interactive Design, 2D and 3D Animation and Digital Prepress Production. In addition to classroom teaching, the department has implemented several online course offerings and a complete online certificate, consistently adding new courses to close the gap between distance learning and the online college environment. The unified vision of the faculty and staff is one of the strengths of the program. Additionally, there is a team of industry professionals who assist in curriculum development. As a result, the ACC students obtain good job opportunities as well as recognition in various competitions locally and nationally. Approximately 95% of the program’s students with associate degrees find work in the industry. The department has become a key resource for local employers who want to hire graphic communications professionals. Saldaña attended and graduated from Texas State College with a major in commercial art and printing. He began his career as a graphic designer for the Houston Chronicle and Smitherman Graphics and worked as an illustrator for Texas Parks and Wildlife. He operated his studio from 1983 through 1988, at which time he began teaching at ACC. Appointed department chair in 1996, he created a visionary plan that propelled and established the program as a frontrunner in the educational community.