Oct. 25, 2024

Ferris State professor Pat Klarecki honored for contributions to Graphic Media Management, advocacy, and education

Ferris State Graphic Media Management Patrick Klarecki honored — Graphic Media Management Professor Patrick Klarecki received the John Berthelsen Annual Service Recognition Award from the Print and Graphics Scholarship Foundation on Tuesday, Oct. 22. Klarecki has been an advocate for the program and print/graphics industry throughout his 30+ years at Ferris State University’s faculty. Klarecki is pictured with administrative director Debbie Bohan, from the Print and Graphics Scholarship Foundation.

BIG RAPIDS, Mich. —

A veteran educator in Ferris State University’s Graphic Media Management program has been honored by the Print and Graphics Scholarship Foundation for his career of service to students and the industry.

Professor Patrick Klarecki received the foundation’s 2024 John Berthelsen Annual Service Recognition Award from administrative director Debbie Bohan this week.

Klarecki has more than 30 years of service in the Graphic Media Management program, which has evolved as technology impacted the process of brand presentation and creating printed items in all means of products.

“One thing I have worked hard at is to bring awareness to the idea that printing and graphics comprise the third largest industry in our nation and the world,” Klarecki said. “So many things, from countertops to more generally accepted items like calendars or business cards, are within the scope of this profession. When I came to Ferris, I was one of 14 instructors. The program was in the College of Technology because printing was more of a craft.”

Faculty work centers on a well-rounded focus on student success.

“Now, our two instructors present the proper technology, and our students receive experience in customer relations and marketing to succeed as professionals in what is very much big business,” Klarecki said.

Bohan was pleased to meet with Klarecki, Ferris’ College of Business leaders and Print and Graphics Scholarship Foundation Scholarship recipients as she brought him the Berthelsen Award, established in 2022 “for service to furtherance of education for the graphic arts.”

“Pat is a very valued member of the educational community and has made a huge contribution to the industry,” Bohan said. “Ferris provides an instrumental program for the development of professionals in printing, in its various uses.”

Brady Nachtrieb of Saline is a freshman in the Graphic Media Management program and a recipient of a PSGF Scholarship who was on hand for the day’s proceedings. Nachtrieb was one of 12 Ferris scholarship recipients, taking a portion of the $53,070 in awards from the foundation.

“My scholarship was pretty much the benefit that meant I was able to take 17 credits and be at Ferris,” Nachtrieb said. “I am super grateful for what is a once-in-a lifetime opportunity, and it was nice to meet Debbie, having had several previous conversations with her.”

Nachtrieb credits his instructor in high school for spurring his interest. He became involved in the SkillsUSA competition, encouraging trade, technical and skilled service occupation training.

Other Ferris PGSF Scholarship recipients include MacKenzie Griffin of Wyoming; Riley Habermehl of Ludington; Amber Hadley of Ada; Alivia Kolekamp of Rockford; Kayla McDonnell of North Royalton, Ohio; Evan Narva of Rockford; Gabriella Nienhuis of Mears; Faith Robinson of South Lyon; Tara Seth of Coopersville; Haylie Szarejko of Battle Creek, and Chideraa Udegbulem of Cleveland, Ohio.