| Avery Dennison Foundation Celebrates First Anniversary Of InvEnt "Spirit Of Invention" Scholarships |
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Shanghai; June 5, 2009 - Avery Dennison Foundation today celebrated the first anniversary of its InvEnt "Spirit of Invention" Scholarships in China. Dean A. Scarborough, President and CEO of Avery Dennison Corporation, awarded 16 outstanding students from four universities scholarships totaling US$20,800. The four universities are: Beijing Institute of Graphic Communications; East China University of Science and Technology (Shanghai); South China University of Technology (Guangzhou); and the University of Shanghai for Science and Technology. "In nurturing and encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship among university students majoring in engineering, science and technology fields, our InvEnt scholarship program is helping to groom the future leaders who will ensure China's continued economic and technological success," said Scarborough. "Since 1994, when Avery Dennison established its first operation in China, in Kunshan, we have been committed to helping the growth of China's labeling and packaging industry through continued investments, technological advancements and talent development. As we celebrate our 15th anniversary in China, we are pleased that our Foundation's scholarship program underscores our Company's commitment to this country’s future." Launched last year, the InvEnt "Spirit of Invention" Scholarship program is Avery Dennison Foundation’s first initiative outside the United States and provides scholarship recipients more than just financial support. The program includes a one-and-a-half-day "Spirit of Invention" workshop at Avery Dennison's Neal Research Center in Kunshan, where the students are trained in the innovation process, learning how to discover opportunities to innovate and develop their inventive and entrepreneurial skills. In addition, throughout the year, the Foundation sponsors "Discover Innovation" workshops on the campuses of the selected universities, where promising undergraduate students participate in interactive lectures with Avery Dennison scientists and experimental team projects that foster invention and innovation. These activities further Avery Dennison Foundation's goal to inspire innovation and entrepreneurship and develop the next generation of business leaders in China. Dagang Li, Vice President and General Manager of Roll Materials China for Avery Dennison, said, "Avery Dennison has always believed that people are a company's most precious asset. By continuously investing in training, personnel development and the InvEnt Scholarship, not only are we nurturing human capital to further strengthen our own growth, but we are also helping to build the Chinese labeling industry as a whole." "While Avery Dennison started up in China with only a handful of employees in 1994, its 20 facilities in the country now employ over 14,000 people - approximately 40% of the company's worldwide workforce", said Dagang Li. "We always encourage our employees to be creative and to think 'outside the box.' Innovation remains one of our company-wide commitments, because it enables us to develop pioneering, industry-first products and services that will meet our customers' needs for many, many years." "After 15 years in China, we continue to have high expectations for the growth of this important market, and we will continue our efforts to develop China's labeling industry", Dagang Li added. Each of the 16 InvEnt scholars received a US$1,300 scholarship and was chosen for his/her high academic standing and potential to think innovatively based on invention proposals submitted during the scholarship application process. The 2009 InvEnt Scholars in China
Spirit of Invention Workshop
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