SAN LUIS OBISPO – Three industry leaders are the first to join a sponsorship program to support hands-on learning at Cal Poly. EFI, a leader in digital imaging and print management, Muller Martini, a leading manufacturer of finishing equipment, and Consolidated Graphics, one of the nation's leading commercial printers, are providing annual stipends of $5,000 for student managers of University Graphic Systems. UGS (www.ugs.calpoly.edu/) is a student run, experiential laboratory at Cal Poly. Students working in UGS use the extensive laboratories of the Graphic Communication Department to market, sell and produce real jobs for campus customers. The jobs support what the students are learning in the classroom, said Harvey Levenson, head of the Graphic Communication Department. UGS, with annual sales approaching $200,000, produces high-quality commercial printing items such as brochures, flyers, books and related items. The campus newspaper, Mustang Daily, contracts with UGS to publish the daily campus newspaper in full color. “These are real jobs needed by the university and must be priced professionally, have the quality expected in industry, and be delivered on time,” Levenson said. Approximately 70 student employees and nine mangers work for UGS as part of the Graphic Communication Department's academic curriculum. Students earn academic credit toward their degree, and some receive competitive wages. “EFI, Muller Martini, and Consolidated Graphics pledged $5,000 per year for five years,” Levenson explained. “These $25,000 pledges will sponsor several UGS student managers. The managers change every year, so each sponsor supports five students over the five-year period.” The Graphic Communication Department is seeking additional support for sponsorships. Sponsorships are open to any company in the graphic communication industry, including printers, publishers, packaging companies, equipment and supply vendors, hardware and software vendors, and others. Interested companies should contact Levenson by mail at the Graphic Communication Department, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA 93407; by phone at (805) 756-6151; or by e-mail at [email protected].