The Air Products Foundation, in an effort to foster innovation by the next generation of ceramic and glass professionals, will donate $100—up to $15,000—to the Ceramic and Glass Industry Foundation (CGIF) for each visitor who stops by its hospitality suite at the 78th Conference on Glass Problems (GPC). The GPC, presented by the Glass Manufacturing Industry Council (GMIC), takes place November 6–9, 2017, at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, Columbus, Ohio.
“For more than 50 years, Air Products has been committed to helping glass producers improve their operations with innovative combustion and industrial gas technologies,” Air Products director of business development‒Americas Rick Beuttel said. “We are excited to share our passion for innovation with the next generation of glass professionals through this donation to the Ceramic and Glass Industry Foundation.”
“This planned donation demonstrates how everyone benefits when progressive organizations like Air Products commit to investing in the future of their industry,” GMIC executive director Robert Weisenburger Lipetz said. “It will allow us to provide student travel grants to the Conference on Glass Problems, which will afford students the valuable opportunity to interact with industry leaders.”
“We are extremely grateful to Air Products for this inventive opportunity to support our efforts in student outreach” CGIF director of development Marcus Fish said in appreciation. “This gift will support our mission to attract and train the highest quality talent available to work with engineered systems and products that utilize glass and ceramic materials.”
The Ceramic and Glass Industry Foundation was created in 2014 by The American Ceramic Society to attract, inspire, and train the next generation of ceramic and glass professionals. In pursuit of its mission, the CGIF developed and manages a number of programs in the areas of K-12 student outreach, university–industry networks, student travel grants and exchanges, and student leadership development programs. The CGIF also assists students with internship and job opportunities through the online Ceramic and Glass Career Center.
Founded in 1940, Air Products is a world-leading industrial gases company that provides atmospheric and process gases and related equipment to manufacturing markets, including glass, refining and petrochemical, metals, electronics, and food and beverage. Air Products is also the world’s leading supplier of liquefied natural gas process technology and equipment.
The Glass Manufacturing Industry Council, founded in 1998, is a non-profit trade association representing the interests of the glass manufacturing industry. The mission of the GMIC is to facilitate, organize and promote the interests, economic growth, and sustainability of the glass industry through education and cooperation in the areas of technology, productivity, innovation and the environment.
For more information, contact Belinda Raines, braines@ceramics.org or visit foundation.ceramics.org.