KENNESAW, Ga., May 29, 2002 – Recognizing Heidelberg’s long-term dedication to the development of new print industry professionals, Ferris State University presented Heidelberg USA President and CEO Niels Winther with an honorary doctorate. Winther received the honor at the university’s College of Technology commencement ceremony earlier this month, where he also gave the keynote address. "This honor is richly deserved by Niels Winther and the Heidelberg organization," said William Sederburg, President of Ferris State University. "Heidelberg has demonstrated a deep commitment to education. It provides us curriculum, invites our instructors to its Print Media Academy classes, opens its doors to students for tours and programs, participates on advisory boards and even conducts classroom lectures. Mr. Winther embodies the Heidelberg commitment, with a very hands-on level of participation that shows his interest and passion to helping young people see printing as a viable, desirable industry to join." A principal part of Ferris State’s College of Technology is the Department of Printing and Imaging Technology Management, which is the first university department in the nation to be accredited by the Accreditation Council for Collegiate Graphic Communications, an affiliate of the GATF. Its two bachelor degree programs – printing management and new media printing and publishing, are recognized among the nation’s premier printing industry education programs, and Ferris State is the leading printing industry educator in the Midwest. Among the Ferris State University alumni who have joined Heidelberg USA is Bill Blair, senior vice president of the company’s Digital division. "I am proud to receive this recognition from Ferris State, personally, and more importantly, on behalf of Heidelberg USA," said Winther. "We believe education is paramount to the printing industry’s success. From continuing education that helps today’s printers stay relevant and profitable, to developing a new generation of printing talent, we are committed to providing and supporting opportunities to learn. The concept of apprenticeship has been an important part of Heidelberg’s 150-year history and will continue to play a role in our future success." In addition to supporting existing education programs, Heidelberg conducts numerous education programs and efforts each year. Among the company’s recently announced education initiatives, are: - Heidelberg's Print Media Academy’s first "Summer University" program in August 2002. This international program, to be held at the company’s Heidelberg, Germany academy location, is aimed at owners and managers of printing companies and media businesses who have a desire for intensive training with a six-day course. The program will focus on topics such as innovation management, marketing and sales, human resources, finance and new technologies - with particular emphasis on digital printing. For more information, contact [email protected]. - Heidelberg USA is offering a complimentary copy of the Handbook of Print Media by Dr. Helmut Kipphan to any college, university or institution of higher learning. The 1,228-page book uses graphs, diagrams, photographs and illustrations to cover everything from the advent of Gutenberg's removable type printing press in 1436 to state-of-the-art digital and computer-to-plate imaging. Dr. Kipphan worked with well-respected members of the education and print communities to produce a complete and informative view of the industry. To order a copy please visit www.us.heidelberg.com and fill out the simple order form. "Heidelberg has made a global commitment to recruiting, training and inspiring new talent for the printing industry," said Pat Klarecki, chair of Ferris State’s Department of Printing and Imaging Technology Management. "Its support from high school vocational programs through the university level is ensuring that the industry will be supplied with a pool of candidates who have a solid understanding of the art and science of printing, experience with the latest technologies and knowledge that will help them lead new innovations."