HVTO’s NextGen: EDSF Boosts the Output Industry’s Future Workforce
Posted on Mon, Jan 23, 2012
It’s happening globally – now. Find out how EDSF’s international Scholarship Program is benefiting the document communications and graphic arts industry’s NextGen, in this exclusive OutputLinks interview with Mark Hannig, chair of the EDSF Scholarship Committee.
By Brenda Kai, EDSF
EDSF, the international non-profit organization dedicated to the document management and graphic communications industries, announced that its 2012 Scholarship Program is open as of Jan. 16, 2012. Founded in 1996, the scholarship program is designed to attract the best and brightest to the industry.
EDSF is honored to announce that Mark Hannig – a senior IT technical analyst for the Chubb Group of Insurance Companies and a member of Xplor International – is the Chair of the 2012 Scholarship Selection Committee. Prior to filling the Chair vacancy, Hannig served on the selection committee for two years.
Today, we talk with Hannig to learn more about the scholarship program and hear his perspective on tips for students submitting an application.
Question: Mark, from a financial perspective, what type of awards are available to students?
Answer: EDSF sponsors a number of scholarships, as well as administers scholarships for the following companies: Axis, Inc.; Clampitt Paper Company; The Lewis M. Gabbe Foundation; The Hoods Memorial Fund; OutputLinks Communications Group; Questex Media Group; Symcor; Signs Now; and the Richard, Walter and William Sakai Memorial Scholarship Program. The monetary awards range from $1,000 - $5,000 USD. [ For a complete listing visit >>> ]
Question: What sets EDSF apart from other scholarship programs?
Answer: There are several things that set EDSF apart. The first is the international scope of the operations. Since the inception of the program in 1999, 392 scholarships have been awarded to high-caliber students in countries including Australia, Belarus, Canada, China, Dubai, Iceland, Italy, Nigeria, Pakistan, Russian Federation, Turkey, United Kingdom and the United States.
The second factor is that, unlike other programs, students must compete each year for the scholarships. This helps make sure we are supporting the best of the best.
Question: Tell us a little about your role as chair of the committee.
Answer: First, I have the pleasure of working with a great team that contributes many hours of their own time to the selection process. The committee members are:
- Ron Dahl of Digital Color Source;
- Brett Dashwood of Dashwood Consulting and OutputLinks Communications Group – Asia Pacific Division;
- Nancy Jones of DST Output;
- Pat McGrew edp of Hewlett-Packard;
- Carrie Murphy of InfoPrint Solutions;
- and Dora Wong of 4over, Inc.
After all the applications are reviewed and evaluated, my role as chair is to make sure the process moves forward in a smooth manner and to act as the “tie breaker” should it be needed in the ranking and allocation process.
Question: How are the scholarships funded?
Answer: The scholarship program is made possible due to the generosity of companies and individual donors who believe in EDSF’s mission and support it financially. Gifts of any amount are appreciated by EDSF. Donors may designate a specific scholarship program for their financial gift, give directly to the EDSF Scholarship Fund or, for as little as $1,000, sponsor a Legacy Scholarship. [ For a complete list of contributors, click here. ]
Question: What tips do you have for students when submitting their applications?
Answer: Start early and apply early. Make sure you meet or exceed the deadline for submissions. [ To download a scholarship application, click here. ] Read all the requirements and make sure you are eligible. Follow the directions carefully and proofread your application. Spelling and grammar really do count. Submit a neat, presentable package. Be sure to include your community service information, not just your academic information.
Question: Any last minute comments about EDSF scholarships?
Answer: This has been one of the most rewarding programs that I have been associated with. I would like to thank all the corporations and individuals whose financial support help make the scholarships possible.
To learn more about EDSF or to enquire about the scholarships, visit www.edsf.org or contact Brenda Kai, EDSF executive director, at 817-849-1145 or via e-mail at brenda.kai@edsf.org.
About Chubb Group of Insurance Companies – The member insurers of the Chubb Group of Insurance Companies form a multi-billion dollar organization providing property and casualty insurance for personal and commercial customers worldwide through 8,500 independent agents and brokers. Chubb’s global network includes branches throughout North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia and Australia. For more information, visit www.chubb.com.
About EDSF – EDSF is a charitable foundation dedicated to preparing the next generation of professionals for the document management and graphic communications marketplace. EDSF supports the industry's future by granting scholarships to students in support of their academic careers, by providing research grants to colleges and universities, by building awareness about industry careers, and by recognizing innovative educators and educational programs. EDSF serves vendors and users who design and implement document solutions for business applications. For more information, visit www.edsf.org.
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