EDSF’s GRAPH EXPO Gala Helps Students Fund Their Education and Careers
Posted on Mon, Oct 18, 2010
Our Industry “Gives Back at GRAPH”
EDSF Event at GRAPH EXPO Helps Make Educational Dreams Come True for Students Pursing Graphic Communication Careers
By Brenda Kai, EDSF
The “Give Back at GRAPH” evening featured one highlight after another: starting with over 400 industry leaders simply getting together to network; followed by presentations by four scholarship recipients; some very spirited bidding on exciting prizes, like a week in a Villa in Tuscany; and ending on a very high note with Andy and Julie Plata donating an additional $5,000 for the OutputLinks Scholarship funding for 2011.
College Cost Facts:
- The cost of a college education is rising three times faster than the rate of the cost of living.
- The amount we owe as a nation for our education has officially topped what we owe in our credit cards.
- The need for financial aid for a full time student has increased 42 percent in the past 10 years.
When we hear statistics like these it is really gratifying to see companies that are marketplace competitors come together as one at an event like “Give Back at GRAPH” to support education that will benefit the future of our document and print communications industry.
This was EDSF’s inaugural event and our goal was to raise $100,000 for scholarships. The results are not final, but early indications are that we achieved this goal.
While this will substantially increase scholarship funding for 2011, there is still such a critical need for financial support. It’s not too late to be a part of this initiative. You can donate online at ESDF.org and help the dreams of students (who are pursuing careers in our industry) stay big and worries small.
Perhaps, the best way to illustrate how meaningful your contributions are is to share with you three stories that really touched me about how hard students and their families are working and sacrificing to realize their dreams.
From Russia to Graphic Communications
Olga and her Mom came to the United States from the Russian Federation. In order for Olga to attend college, she and her Mom lived in the lowest rent apartments they could find. Here’s the quote from an e-mail we received from Olga: “I had to move from the last place, because I was gunned down in the hallway of the building and had my purse stolen. I could not mentally be at the apartments any longer, so me and my mom moved out in a quick one week, to a nice secure area, maybe a little more in price, but safety is everything.” Olga was shot over the $6 she had in her wallet. She is fully recovered and graduated last year. She now lives in Detroit and works in graphic communications.
From Cold to Graphic Communications Teacher
Gabe graduated and is teaching in the Graphic Communications program at Eastern Illinois University. He lived in an apartment with three other students and told us that he and his three roommates chose to turn off their heat and sleep in coats to save enough money to help fund their education.
Fireman to Print Shop
Dan needed to live away from home to go to college, but couldn’t afford housing. He refused to give up and worked a deal with the local fire department to let him live at the station in return for being a volunteer fireman on call during the weekends. Dan now manages his family owned print shop in Pennsylvania.
Every contribution, however small, carries with it the ability to change tomorrow’s landscape for these young minds and is appreciated more than anyone can imagine.
About EDSF
The Electronic Document Scholarship Foundation is a charitable, non-profit, 501(c)(3) that engages in programs designed to attract the best and brightest to the industry. By granting scholarships, fostering education, promoting research, recognizing leaders, encouraging innovation, and garnering and disseminating knowledge, we are helping build the next generation of digital content and delivery professionals.
For more information about EDSF, visit
EDSF.org.