EDSF Excellence in Education Award Recipients Announced
Honorees Represent Best in Document, Graphic Arts, E-Commerce Education

TORRANCE, Calif., U.S.A. (Sept. 27, 2000)-The Electronic Document Systems Foundation (EDSF) today announced the recipients of the 2000 EDSF Excellence in Education Awards for innovation in education in the document communications industry.  The winners include the Digital Media Studies Program at the University of Denver, The Printing Technology Program at Pasadena City College, Espoo Vantaa Institute of Technology, and Heidelberg Print Media Academy.  ESC Grenoble - IBM Master's Program received the Excellence in Education Honorable mention.  All of the programs represent the best in document, graphic communications, and e-commerce education.

The Excellence in Education Awards honor academic institutions, professional organizations, and
individuals for their educational efforts relating to the document communications industry.
Recipients address industry issues, reflect state-of-the-art technology, and benefit society and the industry through their programs.  This is the fourth year EDSF has presented this prestigious honor to those offering innovative learning opportunities to the industry.

Each of the award categories is sponsored by a different industry organization, including: Xerox
Corporation, IBM Printing Systems Division, Heidelberg Digital LLC, and Pitney Bowes Document
Messaging Technologies

Innovation in Higher Education
Award Sponsored by Xerox Corporation
The Digital Media Studies (DMS) program at the University of Denver, Denver Colo., received the Excellence in Education Award for  "Innovation in Higher Education."  The Digital Media Studies program involves undergraduate and graduate students in design, technical, and critical approaches to digital media content creation.  Founded in 1996, the program is offered jointly by the School of Communication, the School of Art, and the Department of Computer Science.  More than 100 undergraduate majors now participate, and the graduate program has become one of the most selective at the university, currently enrolling 30 students from around the world. Students cultivate their talents and potential in visual communication, digital design, and technical production.

Innovation in Continuing Education
Award Sponsored by IBM Printing Systems Division
The Pasadena City College Printing Technology Program, Pasadena, Calif., received the Excellence in Education Award for "Innovation in Continuing Education."  The Pasadena City College Printing Technology program provides high-quality instruction that prepares students for initial employment in the printing and publishing industry.  This program offers training in both basic comprehensive skills and advanced technical training for those individuals wishing to earn a certificate of achievement in three specialty areas of offset lithography, screen printing, and printing management.  In addition, this program provides a more in-depth learning environment to further develop, refine, or diversify a specific skill as required in the industry.

Innovation in Online Education and Training
Award Sponsored by Heidelberg Digital LLC
Espoo Vantaa Institute of Technology (EVITech), Espoo, Finland, received the Excellence in Education Award for "Innovation in Online Education and Training in the Document Systems Industry."  EVITech is a higher education, non-university institute.  The objective of the Media Technology Program at EVITech is to train Media Technology engineers with the knowledge and skills to work in the rapidly changing fields of printing and digital media. Students can
specialize in either Graphic Arts or Digital Media. The course provides students with a basic understanding of the processes, materials, equipment, and systems of the printing industry including digital printing as well as text, picture, animation, video, and audio technology.  

Innovation in Professional Growth and Development
Award Sponsored by Pitney Bowes Document Messaging Technologies
Heidelberg Print Media Academy is the recipient of the Excellence in Education recipient for "Innovation in Professional Growth and Development in the Document Systems Industry."  The Print Media Academy represents Heidelberg's commitment to training and education in the graphic arts industry throughout North America. The Heidelberg Print Media Academy (PMA), a global network, provides a year-long course program as part of its defined commitment to workflow, application of technology, and a solutions driven approach.  The Print Media Academy's technical courses and seminars are offered through Heidelberg Education Services and are conducted at Heidelberg Training Centers across the United States, Mexico and Canada.  Course offerings include the theory and operation of prepress, press, and postpress products. Heidelberg develops authors and updates all course content, curriculum, and documentation used in the delivery of training to customers.

Honorable Mention
ESC Grenoble - IBM Master's Program is the recipient of the Excellence in Education Honorable Mention.  ESC Grenbole - IBM Master's Program is Europe's first e-business master's diploma.  This program also marks the first partnership between a major education institution and a large corporate entity.  This newly developed master's program trains future employees to use e-business technologies for better productivity and effectiveness.  It targets future consultants, project directors, and e-business managers who have more extensive undergraduate and work experience.

Awards Selection
Nominated programs must offer a curriculum in a university, college, community college, or trade and occupational school or equivalent.  Winning programs contribute to academic growth and excellence relating to document communications. They reflect the leading edge of technology and address the most current needs of the industry.  In addition, the winning programs prepare students to contribute to the future of the document communications industry.

About EDSF
EDSF is the only foundation dedicated to enhancing the value and relevance of document communications worldwide. EDSF is a catalyst for education and research initiatives that bring the industry together to resolve document communication issues that impact society. EDSF helps the industry and public benefit from paper and electronic documents, which are continually being transformed by emerging technologies. Information: www.edsf.org, or contact Jeanne Mowlds, EDSF executive director, at (310) 541-1481 or jmowlds@edsf.org.