Nearly 250 guests had a chance to interact with College of Technology students and view entries in the 2012 Graphic Excellence Awards Gala held April 18th at The Crystal Ballroom in the Rice Hotel in downtown. This annual event hosted by Printing Industries of the Gulf Coast, the regional affiliate of Printing Industries of America, affords a unique opportunity to recognize the finest printed materials produced by the leading printers and designers in this region of the country.
Eight senior students in the UH College of Technology Digital Media Program accompanied Dr. Jerry Waite, Digital Media Program Manager and Professor in the Information and Logistics Technology Department. The Digital Media Program at UH won a special award for Best Student Entry. UH students Connie Nuncio and Vi Lam were recognized as the students who worked on the winning project. Other special award winners were EarthColor Houston, Judges' Choice; Chas P. Young, Best Use of Paper; Alliance Graphics/Printing, Best Use of Ink; Newman Printing Company, Best of Bryan/College Station; The Print Center @Region 4, Best In-plant Entry.
This year, 299 pieces were submitted in the competition. Taking home the top honor of Best in Show went to Bayside Printing Company, Houston, for their Palace of Justice book. Other top show awards went to Southwest Precision Printers, Best of Show 1st Runner-Up; Alliance Graphic/Printing, Best of Show 2nd Runner-Up; CME Printing, Inc., Best of Show 3rd Runner-Up; and EarthColor Houston, Best of Show Honorable Mention. Additionally, several award winners in four divisions were announced.