RIT’s School of Print Media Holds Naming Ceremony for Gravure Research Library

NOTE: Photo of today’s event available at www.rit.edu/news/pics/Library_Naming.jpg (Photo details at conclusion of press release)

Rochester Institute of Technology’s School of Print Media formally dedicated the H. Howard Flint II Gravure Research Library during a ceremony today on the RIT campus.

The library is being named in honor of H. Howard Flint II, who died in 2005, in recognition of his longtime support of the Gravure Association of America and the Gravure Education Foundation. Flint is the former chairman of Flint Ink and the grandson of the company’s founder. Flint Ink, now known as Flint Group, is one of the world’s largest suppliers of inks, printing plates and colorants.

Michael Green, vice president and general manager of Flint Group North America Publication and News Ink Divisions and a 1987 graduate of RIT, was on hand for the naming of the university’s Gravure Research Library and accepted a plaque on behalf of Flint Group. The plaque will hang in the library at RIT.

“I met Howard Flint in 1986 while I was a graduate student of printing technology at RIT,” says Green. “At that time, Howard was the treasurer of the Gravure Education Foundation and he awarded me $2,000 when I had the honor of receiving the first GEF Fellowship. After the award ceremony, we began talking about my career aspirations. He was very genuine and eager to provide advice in helping me continue my career in the printing industry. Shortly after our meeting, I joined Howard’s company, Flint Ink. That job was the first step in what has been a very satisfying 20-year career. It’s only fitting that Howard’s name is on this library because he spent his life dedicated to helping students and the gravure industry. For me personally, this is a gratifying moment to recognize someone who has had enormous influence on my life and career.”

Representatives from the Gravure Association of America (GAA) and Gravure Education Foundation (GEF) also took part in today’s event. GAA and GEF donated their library collections to RIT in 2005 for the library’s grand opening. Among the collections are proceedings from Gravure Research Institute (GRI), Gravure Technical Association (GTA), Technical Association of the Graphic Arts (TAGA) and Technical Association of Paper and Pulp Industries. The 1918 edition of The New York Times Sunday supplement, printed by rotogravure, is also included. The collection is cataloged and is part of the RIT electronic online database.

“We are deeply honored that the Gravure Education Foundation Library housed at RIT will be named in honor of H. Howard Flint II, a good friend and longtime member of the Gravure Association of America Board of Directors and Gravure Education Foundation Board of Trustees,” says Bill Martin, president and CEO of the Gravure Association of America. “Howard and his company have been strong contributors to the association and foundation, providing valuable resources toward the education of our students.”

“The H. Howard Flint II Gravure Research Library is an invaluable resource for students in RIT’s School of Print Media learning about the gravure process and technology,” says Patricia Sorce, administrative chair of RIT’s School of Print Media. “I would like to thank the Gravure Association of America and Flint Group for their generous support in helping us educate these bright young men and women who will one day be a part of the gravure printing industry workforce.”

Photograph Caption Information: Pictured from left to right, Patricia Sorce, administrative chair of RIT’s School of Print Media, and Michael Green, vice president and general manager of Flint Group North America Publication and News Ink Divisions. Photo credit: A. Sue Weisler.

NOTE: Rochester Institute of Technology’s School of Print Media, considered among the best of its kind in the world, offers undergraduate programs in graphic media and new media publishing, and a graduate program in print media.

RIT is also internationally recognized as a leader in computing, imaging technology, fine and applied arts, and education of the deaf, enrolling more than 15,500 full- and part-time students in more than 340 career-oriented and professional programs.