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Pulp & Paper Events Back in Person…Nothing Compares

Going to the annual pulp and paper reception and celebration banquet there was a feeling of anxious anticipation in the air. For many students in the program this would be their first in-person experience, including me. As a third-year student, my first experience with the banquet was with COVID-19 causing the banquet to be a virtual experience in 2020. In 2021, it was done using Gatherly, which allowed attendees to connect with alumni, peers, industry professionals, family and faculty alike. Both experiences were great when compared to nothing, but it could not hold a candle to the in-person event.

Industry Professionals Speak on “Why Paper”

In the general session, Industry Professional from International Paper, Voith and Domtar spoke on “Why Paper.” I quite literally had a front row seat, from where I learned from these leaders about their commitment to sustainability and the actionable steps industry is taking to continue solidifying their reputation as a sustainable industry. After the presentation, the panel opened up for questions and left valuable insights for young professionals on how to remain connected to people on the “ground” and also what a day in their life looks like.

After the general session, the network event proved to be an exciting time. I was able to introduce my parents to my peers, as well as the faculty, about whom they had heard so much. I also got an opportunity to introduce myself to David Buchanan, the President of Voith Paper North America. He was able to answer a question I had after the end of the presentation and left me with good advice. As the time for the networking event wound down, the time for the main event was approaching.

Continued Investment from Alumni and Corporate Donors

Walking through the door into the ballroom, I was taken aback by the sheer number of tables and the amount of people I saw around me. During the networking session I was blissfully unaware of the attendance of the event. For the first time, I saw the scale of the event and just how ‘big of a deal’ it was. After finding my seat, introductions commenced and I was delighted to get to know those around me. At our table was Jesse Swanner, an alumna of the PSE program. She traveled from Georgia Pacific’s location in Savannah, Georgia. The table learned some interesting facts about her position and about the tissue and towel industry as a whole. Some of us, myself included, were quite jealous when she revealed her plans to travel to Paris after the event. By the time dinner arrived, the table had already gotten to know each other fairly well and conversation continued throughout the meal. I found it hard to decide whether to focus on the delightful conversation or the tasty food. Either way, the time flew by and the event had officially begun. We heard words about the program, its connections and learned about the new scholarships. The continual investment is proof to me that this program is as loved by alumni as by me. It also showed just how much they want to see it succeed.

Inspiration from 57 Seniors

The highlight of the night, however, was the seniors introducing themselves to the banquet attendees. A total of 57 seniors introduced themselves, and I was impressed with their accomplishments. I was not the only person who thought so. Allie Temple, a Junior in PSE put it this way, “I loved watching the seniors cross the stage at the end of the night. It was inspiring to hear where they were going after graduation, and I could see their radiance and feel the pride around the banquet hall.” For me, the night of the event marked 621 days until what Dr. Med Byrd lovingly calls “Oh, happy day”, or more commonly known by “graduation.” The testimonies from the seniors continue to motivate me to do better, knowing one day I’ll be on that stage too. And as the ending of my first (in-person) banquet approached, I couldn’t help but feel lucky knowing I’m a part of this program. 

Enjoy our photo gallery.