Rochester Institute of Technology Student Chapter Launch

For Immediate Release: Joint Press Release
Pictorial Offset Corporation
Advertising Production Club of New York
Rochester Institute of Technology

ROCHESTER INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY HOSTS ADVERTISING PRODUCTION CLUB OF NY FOR TWO DAYS OF EDUCATION AND NETWORKING
 
Carlstadt, NJ, November 6, 2007 – Pictorial Offset Corporation teamed with the Advertising Production Club of New York (APC) engaging students at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) on “The Impact of New Media on Advertising Print Production” during a panel discussion on October 29, 2007. 
 
The panel included four School of Print Media alumni (Ken Lantz, ’82, DraftFCB Group, Sr. VP Director of Print Creative Services; Darren Gough, ’94, Spectagraphic Inc., Director of Sales; Gary Pawlaczyk, ’83, Pictorial Offset Corporation, Senior VP of Sales & Marketing; and Pam Stomel, ’06, Pictorial Offset Corporation, Account Manager) as well as Vivian Cunningham, APC President and DiNoto Advertising, VP.
 
Pat Sorce, Administrative Chair at RIT School of Print Media, is working diligently to encompass ‘Advertising and Media Strategy’ within the curriculum of RIT’s School of Print Media and establish an APC chapter at RIT.  As a part of that strategy, on Monday, October 29, 2007, a reception and dinner at the RIT campus in Rochester, NY focused on real print production scenarios, from obstacles to triumphs throughout the past 20 years.  On Tuesday, October 30, 2007, a speed-networking event was held to develop and build relationships between the students and faculty of RIT and the senior executives of the advertising and print community of New York City, discuss co-op opportunities, and familiarize everyone with upcoming networking opportunities.
 
The students at RIT benefitted by having the ability and convenience of asking current professionals questions about their careers and what steps they had taken to reach such respected roles, learn more about the current job market, and how their skills will be applied in the ever changing print and advertising marketplace.

A Message from Darren Gough
RIT Graduate; School of Printing Management & Science

This past October, several APC board members – all industry leaders - took time out of their busy schedules to make the journey to the Rochester Institute of Technology. Our mission...to help promote the launch of an APC R.I.T. student chapter and educate the school’s administration about the benefits of being part of the APC.

As an R.I.T. alumni (class of ‘94) I found it to be an honor to join this distinguished panel for a revolutionary time in the history of the APC. This trip was not only a jaunt down memory lane, but an opportunity to reawaken my enthusiasm for my career and the tradition behind the Advertising Production Club.

The time, effort and enthusiasm our group put into this trip helped confirm the true meaning behind the APC. To educate, network, and assist the next generation of advertising and print production leaders.

I found it personally invigorating to see the drive and motivation in the Graduating Seniors of the School of Printing and Media. This industry, however gratifying, can also be quite taxing; Rush turnarounds, meeting deadlines, and making the impossible... Possible. But to see the ambition, determination and initiative of the students recharged my personal drive, and I could not wait to get back to New York City and conquer it once again.

The APC’s trip to Rochester was also an education for those of us visiting. The group was given a tour of the Cary Library where there were many examples of printing machines and devices from another era. Cold Type, one color hand cranked printing presses, and most historically, pages from the Gutenberg Bible. The Gutenberg Bible, the first substantial book printed with movable type, is one of the greatest treasures as its production marked the beginning of the mass production of books in the West. The Gutenberg Bible was printed at Johann Gutenberg's shop in Mainz, Germany and completed in 1454 or 1455. I read that it is a true honor to see, let alone hold a copy of The Gutenberg Bible. As you can see by this photograph, the APC members who journeyed to R.I.T. were awarded for their efforts; an experience I will not soon forget.

I truly feel that our mission to R.I.T. was a great success for those of us who made the journey and for the students aspiring to be part of our industry. I look forward to the day we can host a networking event between the APC, the R.I.T. Alumni Association and the School of Print & Media Students. An event such as this can only strengthen the future of the APC, those of us currently in the industry, and the future members of our industry.

Darren Gough
Spectragraphic Inc.
Chief Environmental Offficer, Director of Sales & New Business Development