Sappi Fine Paper Commits $50,000 to Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College

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FDLTCC is matching the Sappi commitment with an additional $50,000, making the total commitment $100,000 for this project between the two partners.

Sappi's gift is made in recognition of the positive relationship between the company and FDLTCC, and their shared goal to continue educating and building a high-quality, skilled workforce. "Strong collaboration between Sappi and the local educational institutions reflect Sappi's commitment to supporting the community and the community's commitment to providing the necessary training for future potential employees for the long term benefit of both" said Rick Dwyer, managing director, Sappi Cloquet operations.

Sappi Fine Paper North America has been a significant, long-term partner with FDLTCC. The company is involved with the college through continuing education and customized training programs, providing professional representatives at career fairs and employer job fairs, working together on curriculum innovations, supporting the college Foundation, and ultimately hiring FDLTCC graduates.

"It is exciting to announce this gift and think ahead to the immediate enhancements we will make to our existing curriculum and hands-on lab applications," said Larry Anderson, president of Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College. "We have a great employer and educational partner in Sappi Fine Paper North America. This is overwhelmingly positive for everyone involved, including our college instructors, our students, and our industry partner and major employer in the region we both serve. This $50,000 gift is a great boost as we continue our mission to provide relevant higher education opportunities in these communities and fulfill the goals of the strategic framework adopted by the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System."

FDLTCC will use the Sappi gift to modify existing curriculum in the Electrical Utility Technology program based on recommendations made by representatives from Sappi Fine Paper North America-Cloquet Operations and other local manufacturers. New lab equipment purchases will provide students the opportunity to learn on equipment that is the industry standard. The course content revisions and equipment upgrades will provide students with practical skills and knowledge necessary to enter the industrial and manufacturing electrical field, which in turn will assist area manufactures meet their needs for skilled employees.