Canon Assists Clemson University’s Print Curriculum, Miami University’s Coral Reef Restoration Project

Canon Solutions America joined forces with Clemson University’s Department of Graphic Communications to establish the first-ever University Inkjet Program (UIP) as part of the school’s curriculum. In addition, Canon Solutions America participated in a Coral Reef Restoration Project, spearheaded by the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science.

Clemson University
The initiative aims to educate students both about industry trends and Canon’s inkjet technology, while simultaneously exposing them to career opportunities in print production. Bringing to life Canon’s commitment to develop and support the next generation of creators, the UIP also sets a precedent for future programs with universities nationwide.

To kick off the program, Canon introduced Clemson students to the commercial print industry through a wide array of hands-on activities designed to spark interest and foster knowledge. This included a group project that facilitated product design and content creation by asking students to craft a booklet of their choice from scratch. Winning teams received the opportunity to attend the thINK Ahead 2020 Conference in Boca Raton, Florida, the largest inkjet networking and user conference in the world. While at the conference, students will also be guests at Canon’s Customer Innovation Center, where they will have the opportunity to print their files on inkjet presses to create a final product.

“Canon’s contribution to the world is to create a better future and abundant opportunities for the next generation,” said Peter Kowalczuk, president of Canon Solutions America. “By working alongside our customer, Clemson University, to expand the classroom walls and introduce hands-on opportunities for students to learn, we underscore the immense pride we take in investing in education. This combined initiative paves the way for aspiring content creators and designers to take up the mantle and push the graphic communications industry forward.”

The program also included a tour of Bob Jones University (BJU) Press, a print production facility, where Clemson students were able to gain first-hand experience of top of the line industry printers, including the ColorStream 6000 with Hunkeler Gen 8 Cut-Stack, Canon imagePRESS C910, and PRISMAproduction.

“Thanks to Canon we were able to visit BJU Press, where our students appreciated the realities of everyday printing in a fast-paced production environment,” said Dr. Eric Weisenmiller, associate professor, graphic communications, in Clemson’s College of Business. “This helped make further connections in their existing contexts of thinking acquired through classroom learning and internship experiences – which is invaluable prep for anyone pursuing a career in the graphic communications industry.”

“BJU Press Printing Division was delighted to host the Clemson Graphics students,” said Dave Ratje, Senior Manager at BJU Press. “The students and faculty were excited to see the new Canon equipment, as well as the entire book manufacturing process from beginning to end. They asked some great questions. It was enjoyable to see their interest.”

For most of the Clemson students, their visit to the printing facility was the first time they had seen how production print operates in real time.

Alexis Owsik, a senior Graphic Communications major, remarked “Having the opportunity to go to Bob Jones was an enriching educational experience as we were able to see different commercial presses actually running jobs. As an industry leader, Canon has many of the newest technologies, which were extremely beneficial to see and learn about, especially as an undergraduate student.”

To continue the education for these Clemson students, Canon will be hosting monthly online lectures, with topics ranging from Pre-Press and Designing for Inkjet to Media Solutions and Finishing. One lecture series, in particular, will focus on Career Day, featuring presentations from thINK Board Members and Canon Solutions America staff about the future of print and some of the different opportunities for the students as the future of the industry.

In addition to programming at Clemson University, Canon cameras and lenses are also used in the Graphic Communications Department, as well as throughout its Athletics division, including the EOS C300 Mark II cinema camera and an extensive inventory of broadcast lenses, including the DIGISUPER 80 and DIGISUPER 95 when broadcasting home games.

Canon also supports a number of other education initiatives with high schools and universities across the country through its Future Authors program. Established in 2006, this annual workshop provides students with insight into the process of creating content, editing, and digitally publishing books and has expanded to include other creative processes.

Miami University
The environmental sustainability initiative launched on November 20 with university scientists, students, and Canon team members embarking on a collaborative expedition to plant the commemorative reef.

The steep decline of coral reefs has resulted in a sizeable loss of keystone coral species, several of which are now listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Additionally, one-third of all coral species risk extinction, and three-fourths of the coral reef population, are considered highly threatened. Active reef restoration, such as this program, can help to recover these deteriorated coral populations. To kick off the program, students attended a half-day outing providing hands-on experience implementing coral restoration efforts. Led by University of Miami Rosenstiel School coral researchers, the 20-person voyage included a snorkeling and scuba excursion to a coral nursery to gather coral fragments that were then planted on an existing reef of Key Biscayne, Florida. The process of planting the Canon Reef included collecting small fragments of coral from coral colonies growing within an underwater nursery, preparing the corals to create additional colonies, and then outplanting resultant colonies on the pre-selected site.

This University of Miami program educates participants on the critical role coral reefs play in the environment and economy and the threats they face. In addition, it offers an opportunity to learn of the tools available for reef conservation and restoration, while conducting coral research.

“This Coral Reef Restoration Project is vitally important to our research efforts,” said Dalton Hesley, senior research associate at the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School. “Our lab has worked relentlessly to understand the factors influencing coral growth and survivorship, and this initiative allows us to take even more significant steps in this endeavor.”

The environmental project offers Canon U.S.A., Inc. and Canon Solutions America, Inc. a platform to further build on their corporate commitment of sustainability. Canon’s dedication to conservation and the environment is reflected in its management structure and corporate culture.

“Canon’s contribution to the world community is founded on creating a better future for the next generations,” said Shinichi Yoshida, executive vice president and general manager, Canon U.S.A. “Our association with the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science allows us to help improve the sustainability and preservation of invaluable ecosystems.”

“Canon Solutions America is excited by opportunities to work with our customers and our parent company to support environmental and sustainability efforts,” said Kowalczuk. “This project exemplifies the notion of ‘Kyosei,’ the Canon corporate philosophy founded on the belief of all people, regardless of race, religion, or culture, harmoniously living and working together towards the common good. We’re incredibly proud of our work with the University of Miami Rosenstiel School in its coral restoration and shark conservation pursuits.”

For more information on Canon, please contact Richard Eilers at [email protected].