On Dec. 2, Georgia-Pacific, a large manufacturing company that specializes in making products ranging from paper to building products, donated $10,000 to the Auburn chapter of Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI). As the students prepare for next year's national summit in Birmingham, Alabama, the donation will support the Auburn students in TAPPI.
Founded in 1915, TAPPI elevates professionals in the pulp and paper industry and focuses on enhancing the next generation of employees with drive and passion. The industry concentrates on paper production where workers use wood that is processed into pulp and dries into paper.
Efforts to grow the industry come from using resources like industry standards, disseminating technical information and publishing papers.
Tanner Stogner, sophomore in chemical engineering and president of TAPPI, shared the significance of collaborating with manufactures in the industry.
"We are incredibly grateful for Georgia-Pacific's generous $10,000 investment in the Auburn TAPPI student chapter and future of the pulp and paper industry. The partnership between our student organization and one of the leading companies in our industry inspires our members to dream bigger and do more," Stogner said. "Georgia-Pacific's support will cover travel, lodging, and registration costs for the largest group of Auburn pulp and paper students to ever attend the TAPPI Student Summit in our own backyard: Birmingham, Alabama."
Through this donation, Auburn's TAPPI student chapter will continue to carry the mission by encouraging ambitious students with a focus in the pulp and paper industry.
"This opportunity will empower our members to network with industry professionals and showcase the excellence of Auburn’s pulp and paper program. We’re also proud that this year’s summit is being chaired by our Vice President, Michael Reuss, under the guidance of our advisor, Naomi Gehling,” Stogner said.
Georgia-Pacific shared that they are proud to sponsor Auburn's TAPPI student organization and will continue to support the next generation of pulp and paper professionals.
Tyler Hart, vice president of engineering for Georgia Pacific and president of the Auburn Pulp and Paper Foundation (APPF), shared his approval and admiration of the student group.
"Through this donation, Georgia-Pacific is making sure that these students have the means and connections to succeed as they navigate our industry. In the fast-paced and ever-advancing world that we live in, being able to support a group of students who are focused, excited and well-versed in our industry is a great way in which Georgia-Pacific and our employees can support the next generation of pulp and paper professionals," Hart said.
Georgia-Pacific also donates to events hosted by the APPF, which was founded to provide engineering education for pulp and paper mills in southeastern states. Working to meet the needs of both pulp and paper professionals and engineering students, APPF's vision focuses on supporting, encouraging and employing.
APPF also strives to connect students to a co-op or internship experience and, eventually, a full-time employment position after graduation.
Throughout the year, Georgia-Pacific hosts mock interviews, mill tours and other engagement opportunities for students interested in learning more about the industry.
Georgia-Pacific is among the world's leading manufacturers, with notable consumer brands like Quilted Northern, Angel Soft, Brawny, Dixie, Sparkle, enMotion, Vanity Fair and more. They are a long leading supplier of building products to lumber, building material dealers and larger DIY warehouse retailers.
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