PPAB Spring Celebration Banquet: Students’ Perspectives
By: Angelina Finnie with contributions from Owen Gearren
As a third-year student pursuing dual majors in Chemical Engineering and Paper Science & Engineering, with a Business Administration minor, the Pulp and Paper Advisory Board (PPAB) events are highlights of the year. Affectionately known as the “love fest,” the banquet is so much more than just a free dinner—it’s a powerful reminder of the strength and heart of our community. It’s a chance to connect with the past, present, and future of the paper and allied industries—how awesome is that?! Every year, Angelina is reminded of how far she’s come. Thinking back to her first banquet, clutching the ubiquitous PSE 201 paper in nervous, sweaty hands, overwhelmed by a room full of unknown faces. Now, she walks in with excitement, fueled by the energy of familiar smiles and thrilled to spend nearly five hours in such lively company.
The PPAB Spring Banquet is a beautiful gathering of students, alumni, faculty, and industry professionals to celebrate the growth and future of the paper and allied industries. It’s also a boost of motivation as she braves the challenges of a high level, technical education. The chance to network with such a diverse group—from seasoned industry veterans to curious first-years—is incredibly fulfilling. There’s truly nothing like being surrounded by people who are wholeheartedly invested in your success and ready to offer guidance every step of the way. Allen Sanders shared a future vision for PSE as developed with Department Head, Jingxin Wang, including planned investments and renovations for the building/grounds.
Owen Gearren, a first year engineer, had this to add, “We are all truly grateful for everything the PPAB does for us, and I can not wait to see where some of these new projects and ideas go. Some information was shocking, such as high school graduation rates decreasing due to birth rate declines post 2008. However, with a board as proactive as ours, we were able to hear the initiative we will take to bolster our enrollment. Fitting with our theme of sustainability, I am happy to say the College of Natural Resources will be adding a new degree pathway focused around sustainability in the Paper Science & Engineering program beginning for the ’25-26 academic year!”
Angelina enjoyed hearing from PPAB President Bart Nicholson, whose thoughtful words set the perfect tone for the evening. Dean Floyd’s energy was contagious, and Dr. Byrd’s trademark humor had the crowd in stitches. Celebrating the seniors and their accomplishments was a heartwarming moment, and to top it off, the meal was incredible—especially the flavorful chicken dish and that rich chocolate dessert!
Earlier in the day, the general session was just as impactful. The keynote on Sustainability in the Paper and Allied Industries by Palace Stepps was wonderful. The audience was fully engaged, asking great questions about how Sonoco designs for recyclability and continues to innovate in handling today’s materials. (And one day—hopefully soon—someone will finally be able to answer Dr. Byrd’s question about alternatives to plastic coatings on paper!)
Sonoco’s technology uses at its Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs). It’s amazing how they can identify and sort through a jumble of crushed, unrecognizable items. This increases our excitement to tour the Sonoco Recycling MRF in Raleigh and see these systems in action.
Owen “was excited to make new connections with the alumni and company representatives. In addition, it was nice to see alumni catching up, many of them being long-time friends. Networking is, in my opinion, the most important part of the banquet. It helps all attendees, not just students, reconnect or make new connections, learn new ideas and perspectives on a company or a certain part of the industry, and is what keeps these banquets so successful and makes everyone want to attend.”
Attending the PPAB Spring Banquet and General Session reminds Angelina why she choose PSE and serves to cement Owen’s choice as a first year. Students, are blessed with such amazing support that visibly translates to future success in an innovative, environmentally conscious industry. Angelina effuses, “I am proud to be part of this vibrant network and already looking forward to meeting and reconnecting with everyone next year!”