Canon Solutions America, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Canon U.S.A., Inc., joined forces with the Clemson University Department of Graphic Communications to establish an inaugural scholarship complementing the University Inkjet Program (UIP) established in 2019 as part of the curriculum for graphic communications.
The UIP aims to educate students about industry trends, branding, designing for inkjet and Canon’s inkjet technology, while simultaneously exposing them to career opportunities in print production. The UIP also sets a precedent for future programs with universities nationwide.
Building on the success of the UIP, scholarship opportunities are also available for students enrolled in the Department of Graphic Communications for tuition and books. One scholarship will be awarded to a junior for academic year 2021-2022, which can be renewed for the 2021-2022 academic year alongside an additional scholarship for another junior.
“At Canon Solutions America, we are committed to empowering students through innovative technology and valuable resources that provide real-life perspective into the vast world of production inkjet,” said Francis A. McMahon, executive vice president, Production Print Solutions, Canon Solutions America, Inc. “It is important to us that we offer hands-on opportunities that provide insight and knowledge that otherwise may not have been achievable inside the classroom. We are grateful for the opportunity to deliver that knowledge and experience and to encourage student learning beyond the classroom walls.”
Canon Solutions America hosted monthly online lectures on topics ranging from industry trends, designing for inkjet and a virtual tour of the state-of-the-art Canon Americas Customer Innovation Center. A presentation by design agency TREKK educated the students on the importance of product branding and content marketing. The final lecture focused on career opportunities within the print industry, featuring a presentation from thINK board members (thINK is an independent community of Canon Solutions America inkjet customers). Students then engaged in a question and answer exchange to help guide their future career decisions.
Beyond its support of the University Inkjet Program, Canon also supports Clemson University’s imaging needs throughout the Graphics Communications Department as well as 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.
“We’re very grateful for this collaboration,” said Chip Tonkin, chair of Clemson’s Department of Graphic Communications. “Canon Solutions America’s inaugural scholarship and support of our students will help ensure they receive the very best education and set them up for success as they graduate and become graphic arts professionals.”