College Development Director Bob Mollenhauer and Professor Robert Bush were invited to join members of Gov. McDonnell’s cabinet on a visit to a packaging facility in Staunton in September. Carded Graphics LLC, home to a state-of-the-art high-speed printing press and other cutting-edge technology, was selected by regional economic development partners to host the cabinet members, who requested that their trip to the Shenandoah Valley include a stop at a manufacturing facility.

The college is expanding outreach to industry as part of its efforts to enhance the wood science department’s packaging science program, which will provide well-educated graduates to work in this dynamic field. “This is a way to educate students who could possibly work here,” Mollenhauer said, adding that the company could be a resource for the program both as an educational partner and as a facility and equipment provider. “It helps the company, and it helps the students,” he added. “It’s a win-win all around.” As part of this developing cooperation, Christine Kelly, Carded Graphics’ director of marketing and sales services, spoke to students in Professor Bush’s Principles of Packaging course during the fall semester.

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