Partnerships Help Build a Better Tomorrow

By Carl Taylor, VP Marketing, OKI Data

Back in 1984, Apple® and Drexel University in Philadelphia partnered to help create a new educational experience for all incoming students. Drexel made a progressive move to issue all incoming freshman their own Macintosh computers1. Both Drexel and Apple saw this as an opportunity to put cutting-edge technology into the hands of college students at the beginning of their new journey.

Collaboration is important to any organization’s success. The creative thinking that comes out of a partnership is the fuel that drives the organization to continually succeed. Similar to the Apple and Drexel example, Microsoft® and the School District of Philadelphia joined forces to design, develop and launch West Philadelphia’s “School of the Future” – a school that utilizes technology to help prepare students for a changing world2. Both partnerships had the same goal in mind – create awareness of innovative technology and change the face of education in the city for the future.

Our current collaboration with The Art Institute of Philadelphia has been a rewarding experience for both organizations; however, the students are the true benefactors. With OKI’s C941dn digital color printer, the students at The Art Institute of Philadelphia now have access to innovative printing technology and the chance to showcase their creativity with the use of the white and clear toner. With this being such an influential time in the students’ development, this opportunity gives them a chance to use their imagination, stepping outside of the box to showcase their talent and originality.

The Art Institute of Philadelphia’s Art Show: Pictured from left to right – Hiro Fukushima of OKI Data Americas;
Christine Shank and Erin McConche of The Art Institute of Philadelphia

Similar to the Apple and Drexel and Microsoft and School District of Philadelphia examples, OKI Data’s collaboration with The Art Institute of Philadelphia was formed to facilitate the creation of something extraordinary. By giving students hands-on access to leading-edge technology, OKI was given the chance to see what their creative minds were capable of. That, in itself, is what has made our relationship so special. We look forward to what the future will bring as the students and instructors at The Art Institute of Philadelphia continue to embrace the technology and explore the ways in which they can utilize and expand upon the printer’s capabilities.