Celebrating Mike Haws, Eric Ouderkirk, and Ned Dwyer

At the Syracuse Pulp & Paper Foundation (SPPF), one of the most rewarding parts of our mission is watching students grow into leaders who help shape the future of the industry.

That is why we are proud to celebrate three SUNY ESF Paper Engineering alumni whose careers exemplify the opportunities this profession can provide: Mike Haws (’85), Eric Ouderkirk (’84), and Ned Dwyer (’86).

Recently featured in these accomplished alumni reflected on the experiences that launched their careers and the impact that SUNY ESF and SPPF had on their professional journeys.

An Education Built for Industry

For decades, the Paper Engineering program at SUNY ESF has stood apart because of its unique combination of engineering fundamentals, hands-on learning, and direct industry engagement.

Eric Ouderkirk describes the program as “thorough, rigorous and second-to-none,” noting that many faculty members brought real industry experience into the classroom. Combined with access to working pilot paper machines, students gained practical knowledge alongside engineering theory.

Ned Dwyer recalls being drawn to ESF because of its strong industry backing, cooperative education opportunities, and focus on preparing graduates to contribute immediately upon entering the workforce.

“The educational focus was, from the beginning, focused on preparing me to enter the industry with competence allowing me to immediately contribute,” Dwyer said.

For both alumni, the value of the program extended beyond the classroom. Through SPPF events, industry meetings, internships, and networking opportunities, students were introduced to professionals from across the pulp, paper, packaging, and allied industries long before graduation.

Support That Opens Doors

SPPF was established to help students succeed, and alumni stories continue to demonstrate the impact of that support. For Ouderkirk, financial assistance played a pivotal role.

“The financial support from SPPF was key to me finishing with a strong engineering degree debt-free,” he said. “Through their industry connections and support, SPPF was instrumental in getting employers to campus for interviews for both paid internships and permanent engineering positions.”

Dwyer’s path to ESF was similarly shaped by opportunity. After serving as a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force, he was considering a different engineering discipline before learning about the Paper Engineering program, its scholarship support, and its outstanding career placement record.

The decision proved transformative.

“When senior year arrived and it was time to look for a job, there was an extraordinary number of companies recruiting graduates,” Dwyer recalled. “I had six job offers to choose from in January.”

Those outcomes are not unusual. Through scholarships, grants, internships, mentorship, and industry partnerships, SPPF helps connect students to meaningful careers while reducing financial barriers to earning a degree.

Careers That Evolve with the Industry

One of the most compelling aspects of the pulp, paper, and packaging industry is its diversity of opportunities.

Over the course of his career, Dwyer worked across coated publication papers, food packaging, specialty papers, transformer insulation, and newsprint, eventually serving in executive leadership and CEO roles for multiple organizations.

His experience reflects a broader truth about the industry: it continually evolves alongside society’s needs.

“The nature of the products produced continues to change,” Dwyer said, “but the need and impact of the paper business continues to be essential to life in a modern world.”

Ouderkirk points to the growing need for engineering talent across numerous disciplines, including sustainability, process controls, artificial intelligence, product development, manufacturing, and supply chain management.

“The paper industry needs engineering talent,” he said. “That talent need is broad-based, covering pulp and papermaking operations, environmental and sustainability, process controls including AI, product design, and raw material supply chain, to name a few.”

Investing in the Future

The stories of Mike Haws, Eric Ouderkirk, and Ned Dwyer illustrate what happens when talented students are given the education, support, and opportunities they need to succeed.

For generations, the partnership between SUNY ESF and SPPF has connected students with more than a degree. It has connected them with mentors, internships, professional networks, and careers that make a meaningful impact on the world around us.

As the industry continues to advance renewable materials, sustainable packaging, and innovative manufacturing technologies, the need for talented engineers has never been greater.

At SPPF, we believe investing in students means investing in the future of the industry itself. Seeing alumni thrive in leadership roles, drive innovation, and contribute to their communities reinforces why this mission matters.

We are grateful to Mike Haws, Eric Ouderkirk, and Ned Dwyer for continuing to represent the SUNY ESF Paper Engineering community so well—and for demonstrating the lasting impact that education, opportunity, and industry support can have over a lifetime.