The Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute (PMMI), Reston, Va., organizer of the PACK EXPO tradeshow, and the PMMI Education & Training Foundation (PEF) are pleased to announce they will administer the Richard C. Ryan Packaging Education Scholarship, funded by Dorner Manufacturing Corp., Hartland, Wis.

Dorner established the scholarship in memory of its president and CEO, Rich Ryan, who died suddenly in September 2012. Ryan, a member of the PMMI board of directors, had an intense dedication to lifelong learning. “Rich was a lifelong learner, committed to absorbing intelligence in many forms, and he placed a premium on learning how things got done,” says Matt Jones, Dorner’s director of sales. “A scholarship in his name is a great way to honor Rich’s memory and keep his spirit alive.”

Eligible applicants will be currently enrolled as a student at a recognized PMMI partner school, majoring in packaging engineering or a related area, and hold a grade point average of at least 3.0.

The scholarship will be awarded based on academic achievement, faculty recommendation and demonstrated extracurricular involvement in areas including, but not limited to, the arts, athletics and special interests. Applications will also include an essay that describes the applicant’s interest in the field of packaging and his or her career goals. Students who live or attend PMMI partner school packaging programs in Wisconsin are encouraged to apply.

“Rich had passion for learning how things get done and for being fully engaged that made him a valuable, active leader in the industry, PMMI and his community,” says Charles D. Yuska, president and CEO, PMMI. “This scholarship will recognize students who share that passion. It’s a very fitting tribute to who Rich Ryan was.”

Donations to the Rich Ryan Scholarship fund are also being accepted. Please make checks out to PMMI Education & Training Foundation and send them to: Maria Ferrante, vice president, Education & Workforce Development, PMMI, 11911 Freedom Drive, Suite 600, Reston, VA 20190.

For more information, contact Ferrante at mferrante@pmmi.org or 703-243-8555.