December 2005

The Electronic Document Systems Foundation (EDSF), the non-profit organization dedicated to the document communications and enterprise content management industry, has awarded William J. Delgado, an instructor in the Digital Printing Technology Program at Cuyahoga Valley Career Center in Brecksville, Ohio, with the Educator of the Year Award for Post-Secondary Education. Sponsored by Kodak Graphics Communications Group, this award is presented to an academic representative in post-secondary education who is dedicated to the advancement of the document industry through education. Bill Delgado has focused on teaching printing and graphic arts for nearly 30 years. He excels at using the challenges of print as a tool to help students negotiate life's challenges and prepare for a successful future.

"Just to be known and recognized as a teacher is honorable. To be a teacher of print and graphics and to be associated with such a noble and essential profession has given me so much more than I can ever return," said Delgado. "Our program enjoys excellent support from our administration, local industry, students and parents. I strongly believe that this award is recognition of their efforts as well as any contribution I have made. On behalf of everyone connected with the Graphic Imaging Technology program, I gratefully accept the EDSF award."

Delgado has maintained his program at or near full enrollment for the past five years and has demonstrated exceptional success in placing senior level students in four-week internship programs to provide hands-on, practical experience. He spearheaded an active literacy program that has welcomed more than 250 third and fourth grade students to promote reading and the connection to the printed word. An active participant in International Graphic Arts Education Association programs for more than a decade, he holds a master's degree in technology education from the University of Akron in Ohio. Delgado was inducted into the Greater Cleveland Graphic Arts Hall of Distinction in 2004, the only 2004 inductee and only the third teacher in the history of the award.

The Cuyahoga Valley Career Center, which serves eight school districts, provides extensive opportunities in screen, offset printing, and digital design. Currently, the Center sponsors a childrenšs program, Benjamin Saves the Books, which promotes reading to children and includes hands on printing activities plus visits from guest authors.