The annual NAPIM Summer Course is one of the crown jewels of the National Association of Printing Ink Manufacturers (NAPIM). Since the early 1950s, industry experts have taught the course to newcomers and technical specialists in the ink, printing, raw material and equipment fields.

Starting this year with the 2025 NAPIM Summer Course, the course will be hosted by Appalachian State University in Boone, NC. This year’s course will be held July 14-18.

Appalachian State University has one of the premier graphic communications departments in the U.S. It is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, 90 minutes from Charlotte Douglas Airport. There is a shuttle service available to and from the airport that can be reserved ahead of time.’

The week-long summer course begins with sessions on fundamentals, and heads to advanced topics. It is designed for a range of industry professionals, from formulators, in-plants, chemists to sales and support personnel, as well as people new to the industry.

George Fuchs, director – regulatory affairs and technology for NAPIM, noted that Appalachian State’s Graphic Communications Management School (GCMS) is widely regarded as one of the leading educational and training facilities for ink formulation and printing of all types.

“A number of our member companies had recommended that we consider Appalachian State as a venue for this year’s course,” Fuchs noted. “It turned out to be a great recommendation. Appalachian State has an extensive history of student intern and employee placement at ink manufacturers and printers across the US.”

Appalachian State includes a top-flight ink lab as well as printing training resources, which will offer hands-on training opportunities.

“Appalachian State’s GCMS has state-of-the-art printing equipment (offset, digital, flexo, etc.) specifically configured for instructional usage,” Fuchs said. “It also offers excellent classroom and laboratory facilities. We expect that these facilities will work exceptionally well with the Summer Course syllabus, which combines expert technical instruction followed by direct, hands-on laboratory and press demonstrations.”

The university’s success with placing its students in ink and printing roles shows itrs commitment to quality education.

“They are committed to ensuring that their graduates are ‘career ready’ when they complete their training,” Fuchs said. “Appalachian State staff understands and appreciates the importance and value of the educational/industry partnerships in all phases of the graphic arts. They are as excited as we are about having this year’s course at their facility.

“I’m personally very excited about this year’s course at Appalachian State University,” Fuchs added. “Appalachian State’s accessible location, beautiful campus, walking distance hotels, convenient facility amenities and state-of-the-art training environment will provide an unparalleled educational experience for this year’s attendees.”

For more information, please check the NAPIM web site at https://www.napim.org/aws/NAPIM/pt/sp/summer. Registration will begin soon.