Cal Poly Update | May 2007

Graphics Students Capture Grand Prize in International Competition

SAN LUIS OBISPO -- Cal Poly graphic communication students captured first-place honors in an international competition for producing a research journal. The university’s student chapter of the Technical Association of the Graphic Arts (TAGA) won the grand prize award at TAGA’s annual convention.

Photo of winning TAGA society students in hotel banquet room Eight students and Graphic Communication Department Head Harvey Levenson attended the conference in Pittsburgh, where they received the award. Only 25 TAGA student chapters worldwide are eligible to participate in the competition.

The students are judged on how well their research is written, produced and presented as a journal, and the extent of student involvement in the project. There are two levels of judging, one by conference attendees and one by the TAGA board of directors. The Cal Poly entry won on both levels.

“This is a tremendously impressive achievement from one of the most competitive student contests in the graphic arts field,” Levenson said. “Winning the Grand Prize demonstrates the level of focus we place on not only research but also on writing and graphic presentation. The award also speaks volumes about the hard work and dedication of Xiaoying Rong, who serves as faculty advisor for Cal Poly's chapter of TAGA.”

Cal Poly's winning entries include the following research papers:

"Highlight Dot Shoulder Angle Using Bank Source Exposure & Point Source Exposure In Digital Platemaking for Flexography," by Nancy Schueneman
"On the Fence: The Future of JDF," by Michael Bayard, Sharon Ernst & Peter Uzzi
"Printability of Biodegradable Film," by Jessica Jacobson
"Plasma Substrate Treatment," by Elise Sanders.

About Cal Poly's Graphic Communication Department
Founded in 1946, Cal Poly has one of the largest graphic communication programs in the United States. With over 33,000 square feet of laboratory space, Cal Poly continues to advance the educational offerings for students studying printing, electronic imaging, packaging, publishing, and cross-channel communications. The department houses some of the most modern laboratory facilities in graphic arts education and is nationally accredited by the Accreditation Council of Collegiate Graphic Communications.

The department houses the Graphic Communication Institute at Cal Poly to conduct research, testing, product evaluations, seminars, workshops and conferences. As part of its 60th anniversary year, the department is holding a $2.5-million development program to ensure that it continues serving the industry through highly qualified graduates. For more information on the department, go to www.grc.calpoly.edu. For more information on the institute, visit www.grci.calpoly.edu.

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