SPPF Unveils a Fresh Brand Identity to Reflect Its Vision, Values, and Impact

For more than six decades, the Syracuse Pulp & Paper Foundation (SPPF) has empowered students, advanced the pulp and paper industry, and championed careers grounded in environmental purpose and technical innovation. Today, we’re proud to introduce a new chapter in that journey with a refreshed brand that better reflects who we are, what we believe, and where we’re going.

At its core, this rebrand is about clarity and connection. Through conversations with students, alumni, and board members, it became clear that our story—of industry, innovation, and impact—deserved to be told more boldly. Our new identity helps do just that.

It showcases what makes SPPF unique: a student-centered model built on financial support, mentorship, career access, and hands-on experience in a field that’s actively reshaping how we make and sustain the materials that move us forward.

Seth Walters, President of the SPPF Board and Vice President at Nalco, captured the spirit of the change best. “We knew it was time to evolve the way we tell our story,” he said. “The world needs more engineers who understand both the technical and environmental challenges ahead, and that’s exactly who SPPF prepares. This refreshed brand reflects the caliber of our students, the strength of our alumni network, and the opportunity this field offers. It’s not just a new look, it’s a recommitment to our mission.”

Empowering Students Today to Drive Innovation Tomorrow

That message is now front and center in our work. Our new tagline, Empowering Students Today to Drive Innovation Tomorrow, reflects the heart of our mission: preparing the next generation of engineers to lead the pulp, paper, and allied industries to new heights of innovation and sustainability.

What’s New

• A clearer message: We’ve defined three brand pillars—Rooted in Support, Built to Connect, and Driven by Impact—that capture the essence of what we do and why it matters.
• A distinct identity: Our updated look and language are designed to stand strong in both academic and industry spaces, while complementing our close relationship with SUNY ESF.
• A stronger connection to sustainability: From replacing plastics to reducing waste, our graduates are solving real-world problems with lasting environmental benefits.

What Hasn’t Changed

While the brand has evolved, our mission remains the same. We are still here to remove barriers, open doors, and empower students through mentorship, financial aid, and career connections. And we remain deeply committed to an industry that’s built on renewable resources and constant innovation.

We’re excited about what’s ahead and grateful to the community that makes this work possible. Together, we’re not just building careers; we’re building a better future.

Welcome to the new SPPF. Empowering Students Today to Drive Innovation Tomorrow.