Canon Launches ‘University Inkjet Program’ Print Curriculum at Clemson University

Canon Solutions America, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Canon U.S.A., Inc., joined forces with Clemson University’s Department of Graphic Communications to establish the first-ever University Inkjet Program (UIP) as part of the school’s curriculum. 

The initiative aims to educate students both about industry trends 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.

To kick off the program, Canon introduced Clemson students to the commercial print industry through a wide array of hands-on activities designed to spark interest and foster knowledge. 

This included a group project that facilitated product design and content creation by asking students to craft a booklet of their choice from scratch. Winning teams received the opportunity to attend the thINK Ahead 2020 Conference in Boca Raton, FL. 

While at the conference, students will also be guests at Canon’s Customer Innovation Center, where they will have the opportunity to print their files on inkjet presses to create a final product.

“Canon’s contribution to the world is to create a better future and abundant opportunities for the next generation,” said Peter Kowalczuk, president of Canon Solutions America. “By working alongside our customer, Clemson University, to expand the classroom walls and introduce hands-on opportunities for students to learn, we underscore the immense pride we take in investing in education. This combined initiative paves the way for aspiring content creators and designers to take up the mantle and push the graphic communications industry forward.”

The program also included a tour of Bob Jones University (BJU) Press, a print production facility, where Clemson students were able to gain first-hand experience of top of the line industry printers, including the ColorStream 6000 with Hunkeler Gen 8 Cut-Stack, Canon imagePRESS C910 and PRISMAproduction.

“Thanks to Canon we were able to visit BJU Press, where our students appreciated the realities of everyday printing in a fast-paced production environment,” said Dr. Eric Weisenmiller, associate professor, graphic communications, in Clemson’s College of Business. “This helped make further connections in their existing contexts of thinking acquired through classroom learning and internship experiences – which is invaluable prep for anyone pursuing a career in the graphic communications industry.”

“BJU Press Printing Division was delighted to host the Clemson Graphics students,” said Dave Ratje, senior manager at BJU Press. “The students and faculty were excited to see the new Canon equipment, as well as the entire book manufacturing process from beginning to end. They asked some great questions. It was enjoyable to see their interest.”

For most of the Clemson students, their visit to the printing facility was the first time they had seen how production print operates in real-time. 

To continue the education for these Clemson students, Canon will be hosting monthly online lectures, with topics ranging from Pre-Press and Designing for Inkjet to Media Solutions and Finishing. One lecture series, in particular, will focus on Career Day, featuring presentations from thINK Board Members and Canon Solutions America staff about the future of print and some of the different opportunities for the students as the future of the industry.