We are constantly learning things all throughout our lives.  From the time we are babies to every day in your adulthood, learning never stops, especially in college.  Younger generations entering the printing industry are learning trade from different angles and technologies than compared to previous generations before them.  Learning things from a presentation is one thing but learning how to do things by having a hands-on experience, takes it to a new level.  The students in Cincinnati State’s Graphic Imaging Technology Program are learning by doing just that – having hands-on exposure with printing processes.

The Graphic Imaging Technology Program, which started in 1966, trains their graduates to be proficient in all areas of the print industry.  Approximately 30 students learn how to create art digitally with a focus on developing graphics for the print process, through various Adobe programs.  During the two years that students spend at Cincinnati State, they have direct hands-on exposure to preparing and producing projects in the Flexographic, Offset, Screen and Digital print processes.  From designing the art, to plate-making and operating the presses, the students learn how to do it all.  In addition to learning how to run the machines, the students also complete courses that include estimating, workflow and color management.

Yazoo’s generous donation of paper cores to the GIT program enables the faculty to teach the students how to run the machines properly and prepares them for the print industry.  The students enrolled in the GIT program also complete two semesters of co-op work experience at various local print facilities, allowing the students to work in a real-world environment.

The program has almost a 100% job placement rate because of the great support they get from the local printing industry.  Kathleen Freed, Professor of the Graphic Imaging Technology Program, says “Without Yazoo’s donation, we would not be able to print student projects on our flexo presses in our Flexographic Printing courses.  Each student prints a one-color, two-color, four-color (spot) and process color project over the course of the semester, allowing them to expand their skill-set properly.”  We are thrilled to continue our donation to colleges across the nation that offer printing courses to help prepare the students for their career in the flexographic industry.

Everyone in some form or fashion has experienced the loss of a loved one at least once in their life. Learning to deal with those kind of emotions are tough, especially for children.  That’s where Olivia’s House comes in.  Olivia’s House, a local grief and loss center for children, provides numerous services, programs, resources, and support for children and their families at no-cost whatsoever.  Their organization is the first of its kind in our area and has helped over thousands of children and families over the last 15+ years.

Throughout the year, Olivia’s House hosts many events to benefit their non-profit organization and the children and families it serves. Their Walk to Remember event was started to help families celebrate their loved ones.  The event this year, held in September 2017, was at Hickory Falls Family Entertainment Center.  Along with Yazoo’s very generous donation, Olivia’s House raised over $46,000!  Aside from the Memory Lane walk itself, participants also enjoyed mini-golf, laser tag, and arcade games.

The event will be held next year on Saturday, September 29, 2018 at the same location. For more information about the event, please contact Olivia’s House.