Let “Freeness” Ring

On April 20, the class of 2023 celebrated with the annual Paper Science & Engineering Senior Banquet at the NC State University Club. The much anticipated event brought faculty, staff, students, families, and supporters together to look back on all of the amazing accomplishments within this class.

It’s really about the support

The evening was kicked off with a social hour, allowing everyone to recall their long nights cramming for tests, days spent in PPL 2221, and fond memories from their time in the PSE program. After catching up and reminiscing, the attendees enjoyed a nice plated dinner before being served a delicious PSE sheet cake. The most popular and anticipated portion of the evening is the longstanding tradition of skits. Each year, students and faculty prepare skits to commemorate their experiences, show appreciation, and poke some fun at one another. Bennett Surrett, one of our seniors, explained how “seeing how the students and faculty can pick at each other just solidifies how close-knit our program is. I don’t hear of anything like that happening anywhere else on campus.” The PSE program creates more than a professional network, but rather a community of supportive individuals who are passionate about making a difference in and out of the classroom.

To wrap up the event, students had the opportunity to ring the renowned “Freeness Bell.” The tradition involves an inverted Canadian Standard Freeness tester, a staple in our industry and curriculum, and symbolizes the finish line for students approaching graduation.

Generosity of New Indy Containerboard

The evenings success was compounded by the support from industry partners. This year, our friends at New Indy Containerboard, graciously sponsored dinner for each of the seniors and took time to attend as well. Their generosity reminds us how special our program is here at NC State, and that the industry believes in our students. Thank you to the New Indy representatives Chandler Thomas and Coulter Jackson for spending the evening with PSE.

Congratulations to all of the 2023 graduating seniors! Your dedication and contributions to the Paper Science & Engineering program will not be forgotten, and we can’t wait to witness the amazing things you accomplish!

Check out google photo album from the evening!

By Guest Blogger Sami Anthony