ATLANTA, Ga. – TAPPI is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2015 Coating and Graphic Arts Division Technical and Leadership Awards.

The Coating and Graphic Arts Division Technical Award and Charles W. Englehard Prize recipient is Roger Wygant. The award recognizes Wygant’s outstanding contributions, which have advanced the industry's technology.

“It is a real honor to receive this award. It is humbling to be grouped with previous recipients for whom I have so much respect,” said Wygant. “An important goal of my career has been to advance the technology of the industry within my area of expertise. While not always successful, this award shows that my efforts have been appreciated.”

Wygant graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelor’s in Physics and received his Doctorate in Physics from Virginia Tech. He began his career as a database programmer before becoming a Small Business Innovation Research Federal contract researcher.

The Coating and Graphic Arts Division Leadership and Service Award and DuPont Soy Ploymers Prize recipient is Jim Niemiec of Verso Corporation. This award recognizes Jim’s outstanding leadership and exceptional service, which has resulted in significant and demonstrable benefits to Coating and Graphic Arts Division members.

“While never expecting any award, I’m heartened at the recognition presented to me for a value I have always held and realized, especially in the latter stage of my career,” said Niemiec. “Contributing to the industry which allowed me to succeed and give back in a way for others to benefit and grow.”

Niemiec graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Printing Technology from Rochester Institute of Technology and received a BAS in Administrative Studies from York University before acquiring an MBA from Lakeland College. He began his career as a junior chemist at Inmont Corporation in Chicago. Niemiec is currently Sr. Manager of Product Development at Verso Corporation’s Technical Center in Wisconsin Rapids, WI.

TAPPI congratulates both award recipients and will honor them at the PaperCon Awards Dinner on April 21in Atlanta.