Following a planning meeting in Appleton, Wisconsin in mid-October, the participants agreed to try to contact more alumni and schedule a conference call in November to help prioritize goals and objectives that will meet alumni needs.

“We sincerely believe there are many among the approximately 1,500 alumni out there who have earned master’s and PhD degrees since 1929 who would like to reconnect for business and social reasons,” said IHF co-chair Mike Friese, executive director of operations for Encapsys. “We will conduct the conference call and webinar to determine levels of interest in social connections, professional and career links, student support, youth education and participation in social media such as Facebook and LinkedIn.”

The purpose of the Institute Heritage Foundation is to serve all alumni by engaging former students in active and effective partnerships with the IPST community and the industry. Governed by alumni, for alumni, the Foundation promotes mutually beneficial interaction between the alumni and the current student body and offers the opportunity to build Institute friendships.

The Institute is always looking for alumni willing to interact with students or with industry. Opportunities for participation include:

• Student Recruitment Volunteer – The Institute is a great place to come to school and the paper industry is a great career path with many opportunities. Help get the word out to potential students.
• Host for Alumni Events – There are exciting events happening at the Institute and at major conferences, which provide opportunities to involve alumni. In addition, class reunions or alumni-centered events may be considered.
• Hire an IPST Intern – The internship program at the Institute has been an extremely successful experience for participating companies and students. Sponsoring companies receive great value and impact, and the students receive hands-on experience that can’t be matched in a classroom.