Katherine P. Frank, Chancellor | University of Wisconsin-Stout
Katherine P. Frank, Chancellor | University of Wisconsin-Stout
The University of Wisconsin-Stout’s graphic communications program has received three grants totaling $13,000 from the Print and Graphics Scholarship Foundation (PGSF). These funds are part of a larger national initiative by PGSF, which awarded $535,000 in scholarships and educational support to students and institutions across the United States for the 2025-26 academic year.
The grants will be used to benefit students in UW-Stout’s graphic communications major as well as those pursuing the graphic media and print management minor. The funding is aimed at upgrading lab equipment, supporting professional development opportunities, and enhancing learning experiences.
One portion of the grant will go toward new color management lab equipment. Additions such as a Farnsworth Munsell 100 Hue Test, a light booth, monitor calibration devices, and a spectrometer will be integrated into coursework. This equipment is intended to help students gain practical knowledge about color perception and measurement in professional settings.
Another part of the funding will support UW-Stout’s student chapter of the Technical Association of the Graphic Arts (TAGA). Students will receive travel assistance to attend the annual TAGA Technical Conference and Student Competition. At this event, they will participate in activities including package production, technical paper publication, technology review, journal design, T-shirt design and production, website design, and compete with other university chapters internationally for the Kipphan Cup.
Additionally, five students will receive partial scholarships to attend PRINTING United Expo. This expo is recognized as North America’s largest printing industry event. Attendees can explore new technologies through guided tours on the show floor and interact directly with professionals across various sectors such as packaging, commercial print, apparel decoration, and wide-format graphics.
“These grants allow us to bring industry-quality tools and equipment directly into our classrooms and labs,” said Program Director Bethany Wheeler. “This type of support helps us offer opportunities for our students to build confidence, sharpen technical skills, and practice real-world applications throughout the program curriculum in addition to experiences where they connect with professionals who are shaping the future of print and graphics.”
PGSF has also provided individual scholarships based on academic performance to several UW-Stout students: Red Moser, Allison Zwettler, Samuel Huss, Erika Jackett, Udit Patel and Cali Scholes were selected by the PGFS Board of Directors for scholarship awards covering 2023-26 school years.
“UW-Stout and the B.S. graphic communications program would like to express our tremendous gratitude to PGSF for their continued support. The direct impact the organization has on our students is unmatched. We could not be more thankful,” Wheeler said.
The university reports that all recent graduates from its graphic communications program have found employment or are continuing their education within six months after graduation. The average starting salary is $51,000 according to Career Services’ annual First Destination Report.
PGSF awarded scholarships this year to 144 students at 68 institutions nationwide. The foundation supports recipients through educational grants as well as design contests.
“Without a doubt, the work we do changes and enriches lives,” said Debbie Bohan, PGSF administrative director.
More information about PGSF can be found at https://pgsf.org/.
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