Brenda Kai, EDSF’s executive director, said, “With innovative and passionate industry leaders like those on our Board of Directors, EDSF will surely succeed in its mission of enhancing the value of document communication by fostering education and leading-edge research, and building a community of support to benefit document creators, users and the future workforce of our industry. We thank them for their time and valuable contributions.”

EDSF 2010 Board of Directors:

Chair
Richard Lowe, president and COO, Franchise Services, Inc.

Executive Vice Chair
Carl Gerhardt, president and CEO, Allegra Network LLC

Secretary/Treasurer
Fred Rosenzweig, president, EFI

Vice Chair for Education
Sam Yoshida, vice president and general manager, Canon U.S.A., Inc.

Member-at-Large
Malkon “Mal” Baboyian, president, Production Printing Systems, Océ North America, Inc.

Executive Director
Brenda Kai, executive director, EDSF

Directors
Eric Armour, president, Global Business Group, Xerox Corporation
Jon Cannon, senior vice president, Global Operations, FedEx Office
Darnell Ghidotti, vice president business solutions, AlphaGraphics
Trevor Haworth, CEO, CGS Publishing Technologies International GmbH
Jeff Hayes, president, InfoTrends
Mark Kilgore, executive vice president, BÖWE BELL + HOWELL
John Mancini, president, AIIM International
Jennifer Matt
Kathleen McHugh, vice president and chief marketing officer, Presstek
Francis McMahon, director of marketing, U. S. Graphic Arts Business, Imaging and Printing Group, Hewlett-Packard Company
René Müller, president and CEO, GMC Software
Tawnya Starr, president, PrinterPresence
Sandra Zoratti, vice president, Global Solutions Marketing, InfoPrint Solutions Company

Twenty years ago, he implemented the first PC-based high-speed laser printing production application with variable data. At that time, he designed and created direct mail laser printing campaigns for several real estate giants including Coldwell Banker, Century 21 and ERA. These campaigns became replicable international industry standards. In the late 80s, Adler delivered comprehensive hardware and software testing on next generation digital printing devices for Xerox Corporation.
In 1991, Adlerco-founded Lexinet, a direct mail production company specializing in unique and profitable digital print production utilizing Web ordering and online design. He created one of the first true 4-color variable print direct mail applications. He also implemented advanced web applications supporting digital color printing and continues to push the limits of technology to deliver effective, profitable results.

Adler is a frequent speaker at graphic communication events such as Xplor International, Graph Expo, On Demand, Seybold and DMA and PODI. He has served on and been a member of the Kansas City Direct Marketing Association, Xerox Premier Partner Advisory Board and Customer Advisory Council, Xplor International, and International Printers Network. He is also past president of the Imaging Network Group, an association of privately held digital print service providers.

DN: Please tell us about the EDSF Capstone Excellence in Education Awards Program.

DA: Education is critical to the long-term viability of the document management and graphic communications marketplace. Each year, five awards are presented to outstanding educators and groundbreaking educational and training programs worldwide. These awards include:

Educator of the Year
Two Educator of the Year Awards are presented annually to academic professionals. One is awarded at the college level and one at the secondary school level. These awards are presented to educators who are dedicated to the advancement of the industry through education. The individuals will have made significant contributions in the classroom with their students, in curriculum development and within the document management and communications marketplace. Each individual provides leadership, inspiration and enthusiasm in all that they do.

Innovation in Education
Three Innovation in Education Awards are presented and honor worldwide academic institutions and professional organizations for their educational and innovative efforts relating to the document management and communications industry. Recipients address industry issues, reflect state-of-the art technology and benefit the industry through their programs.

DN: Tell us a little about your role as chairman and the selection process.

DA: My role is to help manage the nomination and selection process. We have a wonderful committee made up of industry leaders that solicit and review nominations worldwide. In fact, we are currently accepting nominations for the 2010 awards and the deadline for submission is January 29, 2010. The other very dedicated committee members include: Eileen Cassidy, GAERF; Hamilton Terni Costa, AN Consulting in Brazil; Roberta McKee-Jackson, RSM Consulting, UK; Mark Weber, Kodak; and Don Dyer, Central Maine Community College.

DN: How are award recipients honored?

DA: Each award recipient is invited to receive their engraved crystal award at the annual EDSF Industry Leaders’ Reception held during AIIM On Demand. The award is presented by the industry company sponsoring the award. In addition:

a press release is distributed

recipients  are included on the EDSF website

highlighted in the EDSF Annual Report.

DN: How can a nomination be submitted?

DA: It’s easy. Just go the Web site at www.edsf.org and complete the nomination form.  Or you can contact Brenda Kai at ; they will work with the person being nominated on your behalf to get the form completed.

DN: What would you like to say to companies and individuals about EDSF?

DA: The name of this year’s campaign is “The Future is Bright.” By honoring all the hard working educators, we can do our small piece to make it even brighter.

We know that everyone is very busy this time of the year and has more than a few things to do. However, we would like you to take just a minute to think about a very important search. . .the search for the “next you.”

Think about that for a few seconds. You are successful, creative and influential, but where will the “next you” come from? That person who will lead the industry you love and work hard to keep the stock price in your 401K up; where are they? At EDSF, we know that the answer lies in young minds, all over the world, that are just beginning their journey to the place you now occupy. They are the ones that will ultimately be your legacy – the “next you.”

But many of them need help to realize their ambitions.

Over the last several weeks, during EDSF’s “The Future Is Bright” Awareness Campaign, you’ve been introduced to several EDSF Board members, met the volunteers that support the scholarship program and The EDSF Report, heard about the new Adopt -A-Scholar and Holiday giving programs, and met many of the wonderful students that received support.

We hope that in becoming more familiar with EDSF that you will want to become involved in making a bright future for these students needing financial assistance. Please remember that EDSF is not a membership-based organization, but relies on generous contributions from corporations and individuals to fund the scholarship programs.

The truth is, it really is all about “you.” The current “you” that provides your generous support to EDSF and the “next you” that needs all of us to help them reach their dream. Every gift, whatever the size, is valuable. Please visit www.edsf.org to make a tax deductible donation online.

The need for scholarships, especially those that support students hoping to build a career in our industry, has never been greater. A chance to have a college education is perhaps the greatest gift that deserving students receive. However, the costs of a college education today continue to escalate while financial resources decline.

Privately funded Memorial Scholarships can provide many opportunities for students with limited resources, and are an excellent way to perpetually honor co-workers, friends or family members.

With EDSF — the international non-profit organization dedicated to the document management and graphic communications industries — each memorial fund is maintained in a separate investment account and routinely reviewed and managed by the EDSF Scholarship Trustees, who are members of the Board of Directors. Today, EDSF scholarships are making a big difference in the lives of international students studying communications, graphic arts and document management.

EDSF donors may establish the criteria for their scholarship, which will be used in awarding the scholarships. Common criteria includes:

College Degree/Major
Geographic location
University being attended
Community Involvement

In addition to establishing an EDSF Memorial Scholarship, gifts in honor of or in memory of an individual or group may be made to any existing EDSF scholarship fund or to the general fund. As a registered 501(c)3, all donations are tax deductible.

Find out how you can make a difference.

For a listing of EDSF Memorial Scholarships, or for information about establishing or donating to a memorial scholarship fund, please visit the Web site at www.edsf.org or contact Brenda Kai at .

EDSF Scholar of the Day

Alexandra Hartman, Clemson University
EDSF Board of Directors Scholarship 2009
EDSF Board of Directors Scholarship 2008

“This scholarship helps me remain a student as every year it gets harder to pay the tuition. Thank you so much for allowing me to continue my education.”

Today, the Platas, owners and publishers of OutputLinks and Graphic Communications World, talk about their involvement with EDSF, the international non-profit organization dedicated to the document management and graphic communications industries. Visit EDSF at www.EDSF.org.

DN:
How long have you been involved with EDSF?

A&JP:
Eight years. We attended the Foundation’s Inaugural dinner and started funding scholarships in 2002.

DN:
How many scholarships have you funded to date, and what type of scholarships are they?

A&JP:
The first scholarship we established was an endowment to fund in perpetuity the John Lopiano Endowed Scholarship. To date, we have funded approximately 30+ annual scholarships including an annual $5,000 scholarship honoring the 50+ OutputLinks Women of Distinction. Other scholarships honor Lifetime Achievements, Stewardship and Sustainability contributions by industry leaders. By partnering with EDSF to manage our scholarships, we do what we enjoy, fund the scholarships, while EDSF manages the day to day work and selection process to make it all work smoothly.

DN:
With the difficult economy and contributions to non-profits in a significant decline, your support for scholarships has increased. Can you share your philosophy on this?

A&JP:
Yes, these are challenging times and a recent report in the WSJ indicates a dramatic decline in charitable giving with one of the hardest hit being education. We see stewardship as an opportunity to be of service and, when times are tough, the need for stewardship is greater than ever. We have have steadily increased our donations and will continue to do so despite the economy. It may mean we have to work harder to find the available funds, but if those of us in business are being hammered by the economy, just imagine what those who are trying to complete an education must be going through. Hence, we simply feel that financial support for education is more important than ever before.

DN:
Have you met any of the scholarship students?

A&JP:
Over the years, we’ve had the opportunity to meet many of the scholarship recipients and they are wonderful people. Their great and enthusiastic aspirations inspire us. Funding an EDSF Scholarship is a super opportunity to play a small role in helping them achieve their dreams. They are so appreciative of the financial support they received from our industry. They are the spark our industry needs to prosper. Every young person needs to know that others believe in them.

DN:
What message would you like to share about EDSF?

A&JP:
We all know the need is out there. We all know we need to keep new blood coming into our industry. We all know it is an exciting time in our industry and a great place to start a career. So, let’s all do what we all know – allocate the finds to fill the pipeline of s new generation of output professionals. EDSF makes it easy.

EDSF has several new programs: Adopt-a-Scholar and the Holiday Giving program that provide new ways to contribute at whatever level is comfortable for you or your company. All the donations are tax deductible and can go directly to supporting much needed scholarship funding. To learn more, visit www.edsf.org.

EDSF Scholar of the Day

Carolina Modenessy, New York University -
John Lopiano Scholarship 2008
EDSF Board of Directors Scholarship 2007

“The scholarship that EDSF has awarded me is such a wonderful help for my academic and future professional careers. I am very excited about fulfilling my career goals as a graphic designer/manager and, with help from organizations like EDSF, I can continue to reach for my dreams. Thank you!”

Starr has dedicated her career to educating the printing industry on all matters related to the Web and Web-to-print applications. She is recognized as an expert on Web marketing and how it enables companies of any size to save time and money while attracting and keeping customers. Starr is a published columnist and author, and in 2005 she received the prestigious Industry Award of Distinction from PrintImage International for her service as a consultant and educator to the industry. She has conducted hundreds of seminars and has been featured as a speaker at dozens of national and international print conventions.

Starr became involved with EDSF in 2008. She currently serves on the EDSF Board of Directors and the Development Committee.

DN: What was your first impression of EDSF and why was it important for you to become personally involved?

TS: My very first impression was that we shared a passion about providing scholarships to high caliber students needing financial help. I felt that this was an opportunity for me to use my experience to help with fundraising ideas, give back to an industry I love and know that my involvement is helping a worthwhile cause in a very real way.

DN: What are some of the goals you had as a member of the Board when you joined the Development Committee?

TS: One of the challenges that EDSF is working hard to overcome is lack of visibility, which is directly tied to fundraising. The first thing we addressed was the Web site. It was about 10 years old, had limited marketing functionality and did not allow the Foundation to accept donations online. EDSF desperately wanted and needed a new Web site that would allow them to grow. PrinterPresence was able to provide the Foundation with their new Web site. The new site quickly articulates their mission statement. They are now in a position to capitalize on this awareness campaign, and the online donation capability is allowing them to offer funding programs such as the Adopt-a-Scholar and Holiday Giving initiatives that would have been difficult if not impossible to administer before.  

DN: You mentioned your passion for student scholarships. Have you met any of the scholarship recipients?

TS: I had a chance to meet four of them last year at the AIIM ON DEMAND conference. They were very impressive, but need help to realize their ambitions. I can not express the gratitude they conveyed for the financial aid they received. The future of our industry truly is bright and in good hands with these outstanding individuals.  

DN: What do you wish other people knew about EDSF?

TS: We are part of one of the largest industries in the world. If everyone made a small donation, when added together we could produce phenomenal results in the lives of so many young people, their education and the future. I would encourage everyone to visit the Web site at www.edsf.org and make a donation, no matter what the size.

EDSF Scholar of the Day

Emily Chang, CalPoly – San Luis Obispo – EDSF Board of Directors Scholarship 2009

“This EDSF scholarship is important to me, not only because it will be a significant help in covering my school expenses, but because it has encouraged me to continue doing what I love. This scholarship reinforces my hope that what I’ve achieved so far is only a small glimpse of what I might accomplish in the future.”

There is a popular holiday story in which a character named Scrooge is visited by three ghosts. Scrooge asks one of the ghosts, “Are these the shadows of the things that will be, or are they shadows of things that may be, only?”

Can we change the future? A certain Ebenezer Scrooge asked this question and, to his everlasting relief, he found that good deeds and giving could, indeed, change the future. Giving has its rewards not only in the present but in the future – just ask any of EDSF’s scholarship recipients how much your contributions mean to them and their college education. EDSF is the international non-profit organization dedicated to the document management and graphic communications industries, and its scholarship program is benefiting hundreds of students worldwide.

One way to support future scholarship funding, and also thank your clients and business partners for their business, is to participate in the EDSF Holiday Giving Program, which takes place during EDSF’s seven-week “The Future is Bright” Awareness Campaign, through Jan. 8. This new Giving Program offers a unique opportunity for remembering, thanking and honoring your family, friends and clients at this special time of year.

When you participate in the EDSF Holiday Giving Program, you can provide the names and addresses of clients, business associates, friends or family members, and EDSF will send a personalized e-card indicating that a donation was made in their name. As a donor, your contribution to EDSF’s registered 501 (c) 3 is tax deductible and you will receive a 2009 tax receipt acknowledging your donation. In addition, you will be listed on the EDSF Web site and in the EDSF Annual Report.

For additional information, please visit www.edsf.org and click on Donate Now, or contact Brenda Kai at . We hope you will consider participating in the Holiday Giving Program as an alternative gift idea which honors your family, friends and clients while simultaneously making the future bright for a student needing help.

EDSF Scholar of the Day
Jason Landrum, Pittsburg State University – EDSF’s Hoods Memorial Scholarship 2009

“I am extremely blessed to be awarded the Hoods Memorial Scholarship. Knowing the industry is behind me and willing to support me financially means so much. This generous scholarship encourages me in preparing for a bright future and allows me to put a stronger focus on my education rather than how to pay for it.”

The future is bright for students studying and preparing for careers in the document management and graphic communications industry, and EDSF scholarships are making a big difference. EDSF is the international non-profit organization dedicated to the document management and graphic communications industries, and its scholarship program is benefiting hundreds of students worldwide. Today, EDSF offers donors the opportunity to establish three basic types of scholarships, which support our industry’s future workforce. The three types of scholarships that donors may establish are

• Endowed scholarships that use investment income to make awards;
• Sponsored scholarships, which use a lump sum payment to award a designated amount annually, and;
• Annually Funded scholarships that require a one-time or ongoing annual contributions.

In each case, donors may establish the criteria to be used in awarding scholarships. While it is best to keep criteria as broad as possible for sufficient flexibility, donors may have preferences in a number of areas. Such preferences will be honored, provided they do not conflict with university policies or state and federal laws and regulations.
It is easy to set up a scholarship and a great way to recognize contributions made by a company or individual.
Investing in students is investing in the future of our industry. For more information, please contact Brenda Kaiat for more information.

EDSF Scholar of the Day

Christen Forrester, Arizona State University -
EDSF Board of Directors Scholarship 2009
EDSF Board of Directors Scholarship 2008

“I would like to thank EDSF for the Board of Directors Scholarship. This financial assistance is invaluable in supporting my studies in the field of graphic communications. I will be pursuing my Master of Science degree in Graphic Design at Arizona State University. The rigorous nature of the program, coupled with a teaching assistanceship, makes outside work virtually impossible for me, and that is why I am so grateful for the financial help that this scholarship will provide.”

Today, WhatTheyThink is talking to Carl Gerhardt, president and CEO of Allegra Network, LLC, a proud supporter of EDSF and its mission to ensure that the document management and graphic communications industry has the talent it needs to survive, grow and excel.

DN: You’ve been involved with EDSF for several years now and currently serve as executive vice chair of the Board and vice chair of the Development Committee. What is the single largest benefit that EDSF provides to the industry?

CG: Without a doubt that would be the scholarship program. As part of EDSF’s Board, it is our responsibility to provide our industry with the future leaders of tomorrow. This can only happen by supporting them in their goal of receiving a college education. By joining forces with other industry leaders we have a tremendous opportunity to make a big difference in the lives of deserving students who need our help more than ever before in this challenging economy.

DN: What challenges are facing EDSF at this time?

CG: There are two major challenges. First, EDSF remains a well kept secret. Despite being around since 1996, very few companies and individuals are aware of the Foundation and the work it does. I’m constantly talking about EDSF with industry peers and I hear over and over “we’ve never heard of them.” That is what this awareness campaign is all about, getting the word out and increasing industry participation.

Secondly, and even more important, is the critical need for funding. Non-profits have been significantly impacted by the recession and at a time when scholarship funds are desperately needed due to the current economy and the difficulty in obtaining student loans. EDSF is not membership based and is totally dependent on contributions from companies and individuals. So we encourage everyone to get involved. No gift is too large or too small.

DN: What have been your favorite parts of being on the EDSF Board?

CG: I would have to say meeting the scholarship recipients. Each year, EDSF hosts a reception for industry leaders and invites several students that have received scholarships. That’s when it all comes together and you can see the return on your investment up close and personal. They are so excited about the industry and so enthusiastic it is really contagious. Many of them have expressed to me that without the support they receive from EDSF they would not have been able to complete their education.

Another benefit that I have enjoyed, along with the other board members, is the chance to network with other key industry leaders while at the same time benefiting graphic arts education.

DN: What thought would you like to leave for companies and individuals regarding EDSF?

CG: I would challenge them to get involved and help make a difference in the life of a student. It’s heartbreaking to think that without continued support our industry stands to lose the enthusiasm and creativity of these young minds. Please visit the EDSF Web site and see the different ways you can help make a difference.

EDSF Scholar of the Day

Daniel Mast, Pennsylvania College of Technology -
Heidelberg USA Scholarship 2007
EDSF Board of Directors Scholarship 2007
EDSF Board of Directors Scholarship 2006
EDSF Board of Directors Scholarship 2005

“Since I was young, I have aspired of not only working in the printing industry but also becoming a successful owner of a printing business. EDSF scholarships are enabling me to obtain this goal through financial aid. These scholarships encourage me to maintain concentration throughout my college career so I can obtain as much knowledge as I can to further myself in the communications industry.”

This week, we talk with Bruce Murray, chair of the EDSF Scholarship Selection Committee, who answers questions about the EDSF scholarship program and introduces the other committee members.

Murray has 30 years of experience in marketing, communications and sales, including over 15 years in the electronic document management industry. Murray has been with Systemware, Inc., a leading electronic document management software firm, for the past 13 years, most recently as a market specialist. He holds an MBA in marketing from San Diego State University and a bachelor’s degree in English from UCLA, from where he graduated with Phi Beta Kappa honors.

DN: Please tell us about the EDSF scholarship program.

BM: The foundation’s scholarships are awarded to qualified students worldwide who are preparing for careers in this growing and dynamic industry. A minimum of 40 awards are available each year. To date, an impressive 306 scholarships have been awarded worldwide in the following countries: Canada, China, Dubai, Iceland, Italy, Nigeria, Pakistan, Russia, United Kingdom and the United States.

DN: Tell us a little about your role as chairman and the selection process.

BM: My role is to ensure that the review process proceeds smoothly. Since I joined the committee two years ago, the number of scholarship applications has increased 300 percent. This requires a very dedicated committee and a streamlined, effective review process. Once EDSF staff has reviewed the application to make sure all the criteria have been met, a ranking is assigned. Based on these rankings, the top applications are forwarded to the selection committee. The committee members then each independently review each submission. This includes reading their essays and reference letters, reviewing their transcripts along with the student’s professional, educational and extra-curricular activities. The rankings are then combined and a conference call where the selection committee finalizes the scholarships to be awarded.

This is a great time for me to recognize the other members of the committee who give so generously of their time to participate on this committee. They are: Michael Girardeau of CGI, Nancy Jones of DST, Pat McGrew, EDP, of Eastman Kodak Company, Lisa Eddy of Quad Graphics, Mark Hannig of Chubb Commercial Insurance, Carrie Murphy, EDP, of InfoPrint Solutions Company and Ron Dahl, of the Institute for Graphics and Imaging.

DN: How are the EDSF scholarships funded?

BM: The scholarships are funded in many ways.

First, EDSF offers Endowment Funds, which are scholarships established on a permanent basis as a memorial or in recognition of a person, program or organization.

Next, EDSF has Sponsored Funds,, consisting of a specified amount contributed for a scholarship which are paid annually.

Annual awards are gifts donated annually.

Lastly, there are General Contributions. Gifts of any amount are tax deductible and greatly appreciated. Donors may designate a specific scholarship program for their financial gift or give directly to the EDSF Scholarship pool.

DN: How do students apply for a scholarship?

BM: Eligible applicants can apply for EDSF scholarships for the 2010-2011 academic year beginning in January 2010. The deadline for submissions is May 1, 2010. The criteria along with the application will be available on the EDSF Web site Jan. 1.

To see a listing of contributors to the EDSF scholarship program and to make your tax deductible donation, please visit www.edsf.org. EDSF is a registered 501 (c) 3 non profit organization.

EDSF Scholar of the Day
Anastasiia Solodovnyk, Moscow State University of Printing Arts – OutputLinks Sponsors Scholarship 2009

“I am happy and proud to be the first Russian student to receive an ESDF scholarship. I will use the scholarship towards my master’s degree in construction of printing equipment. A good education will allow me to pursue a career within the printing and graphic communications industry and soon become a sponsor of future ESDF scholarship students.”