by Ella Smith, Student Public Relations Writer
The In-Plant Printing and Mailing Association (IPMA) awarded Cedarville University’s print and postal services the In-Plant of the Year Award. With this award, Cedarville's print and postal services join the ranks of other major in-plants, such as World Bank, Briggs and Stratton and the University of Texas at Austin.
Tammy Slone, director of retail services and manager of postal and print services, and representatives from her staff were presented with the award at the IPMA national conference June 6 in Bonita Springs, Florida.
One primary quality the IPMA found in Cedarville University’s print and postal services was a holistic operation. This includes the entire in-plant functioning at the highest quality, improving technology, integrating into the parent organization, participating in community service outreach programs and contributing to the success of Cedarville University.
Since Cedarville merged print services and postal services in 2008, staffing has increased for in-plant coordination in order to keep both services working efficiently. Cedarville’s print and postal services is committed to collaborating with other departments within the University.
Print services has supported the University’s mission, educating students, by partnering with students from a graphic design course in producing the student package project and a student dimensional design piece. They have also conducted tours every year for production design students, giving students a chance to see firsthand what goes into the printing process.
Print and postal services offer a wide range of innovative technology and coordination between departments. In the last three years, the operations have acquired a flatbed printer, which enables them to print directly on any flat surface, package lockers, laser engraving and contour cutting.
As the print services department continues to expand, it also has increased its work to include various nonprofit organizations, including area school districts, the Greene County Sheriff’s Department and Crisis Pregnancy Center, in addition to its work for the university community.
By offering its services to community organizations, print services is able to give back to the community and allow nonprofits access to services they wouldn’t be able to reach otherwise.
It is print services value of teamwork and coordination that allowed them to stand out to IPMA.
“I really consider this a team effort on campus because there is a high level of confidence among the campus community with the service we provide,” added Slone. “This confidence that is shown in our staff members truly makes a huge impact on our ability to serve our clients well and achieve this level of accomplishment.”
Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is an accredited, Christ-centered, Baptist institution with an enrollment of 5,082 undergraduate, graduate, and dual-enrollment high school students in more than 175 areas of study. Founded in 1887, Cedarville is one of the largest private universities in Ohio, recognized nationally for its authentic Christian community, rigorous academic programs, high graduation and retention rates, accredited professional and health science offerings, and the #4 national ranking by the Wall Street Journal for student engagement. For more information about the University, visit cedarville.edu