Carl R. Ice College of Engineering names Hallmark as 2020 Company of the Year
Monday, Aug. 31, 2020
MANHATTAN — The Kansas State University Carl R. Ice College of Engineering is honoring Hallmark Cards Inc. as its 2020 Company of the Year. This annual selection is based on exhibited commitment to engineering education, as well as high standards and quality performance in the engineering profession.
Hallmark Cards Inc. is a private, family-owned American company based in Kansas City, Missouri. Founded in 1910 by Joyce Hall, Hallmark is the oldest and largest manufacturer of greeting cards in the U.S. Its portfolio of businesses employ approximately 30,000 people worldwide and generate revenues of approximately $4 billion a year.
"Hallmark has been a strong partner and we truly appreciate their investment of both time and finances in support of engineering education," said Matt O'Keefe, dean of the Carl R. Ice College of Engineering. "It is a privilege and honor to recognize them as our 2020 Company of the Year."
Hallmark is an Engineering Leadership and Innovation, or ELI, corporate partner in the college, taking part in the investment opportunity that includes hosting an annual Career Spotlight Day on campus and student tours at corporate sites, as well as mentoring and interacting with ELI Scholars throughout the school year.
The company also contributes to the Engineering Program Enhancement Fund that supports activities essential for growth and enhancement of the college. Hallmark executives have actively engaged with students and faculty in the industrial, mechanical and electrical engineering departments by speaking in classes and serving as mentors, as well as through its hiring practices. They also have served on advisory councils of industrial and electrical engineering, the Multicultural Engineering Program and the Carl R. Ice College of Engineering Advisory Council.
"Hallmark is thrilled to be named 2020 Company of the Year by K-State's College of Engineering. It's a tremendous honor and a reminder of our ability to make a positive impact in a year where there's been so much to overcome," said Beth Ward, senior vice president of supply chain at Hallmark.
"We take pride in our longstanding relationship with the College of Engineering and in our efforts to support so many of the program's bright students. We are consistently pleased with the quality of K-State interns and new hires who join Hallmark to help solve complex challenges and uncover a variety of new opportunities. It's a privilege to invest in young talent and we look forward to doing so for years to come," Ward said.
