Kristin Werner, a student at Hennepin Technical College in Minneapolis, Minn., has been named recipient of the 2018 Richard C. Ryan Packaging Education Scholarship, funded by Dorner (dornerconveyors.com).

The $2,000 scholarship is awarded to a student enrolled in a two- or four-year program at any of PMMI’s partner schools. The scholarship was established in honor of Richard Ryan, the former president and CEO of Dorner, who passed away suddenly in September 2012. Ryan was a member of the PMMI Board of Directors and encouraged lifelong learning. His commitment to education inspired the creation of this memorial scholarship.

Werner just completed her first year at Hennepin Technical College, where she earned a 4.0 GPA studying Automated Robotics Engineering Technology. “My goal is to be someone who can offer solutions to existing or future problems as they relate to packaging and automation,” Werner wrote in her scholarship’s essay. “I know there will be many challenges and opportunities with the upcoming Baby Boomer generation retiring, and I would like to help address some of those challenges and use the opportunities to enrich their lives.”

“Ms. Werner’s story embodies many of the elements that Rich would have wished us apply during the selection process: resilience, demonstrated need, a desire to learn and a genuine interest in self-improvement,” said Matt Jones, vice president of Sales and Marketing, Dorner. “We wish Ms. Werner the best as she looks forward to new opportunities in both personal and professional growth.”