PGSF Honors John Berthelsen with Annual Recognition Award

The Print and Graphics Scholarship Foundation (PGSF), an industry-directed scholarship organization that dispenses assistance to youth interested in graphics communication careers, announces the inauguration of an award honoring the service of John Berthelsen to the education of students in the graphic arts.

According to the organization, the award will be given out each year to a deserving individual or organization that exemplifies the ideals and practices of Berthelsen over his many years of dedicated service to the industry and affiliated organizations. The recipient of the inaugural award for 2022 was presented to Berthelsen at the fall PGSF board meeting.

John Berthelsen

Berthelsen is the retired CEO of Suttle-Straus, a printing and distribution services provider that serves companies mainly located in the Midwest. Berthelsen has over 50 years of experience in the graphic arts field and is recognized for his activities in the industry and the community. He grew Suttle-Straus from a company of six employees in 1979 to over 200 in 2014. He has served for over 20 years on the Print & Graphics Scholarship board and has been the chair of the board twice.

“John has been a leader, supporter, and partner in PGSF for many years as well as a mentor for me,” shares Jules VanSant, PGSF board chair. “Our entire board is thrilled to honor his service and passion with this award!”

Among the awards and recognitions Berthelsen has received in the printing and graphics industry, he has been a first-place winner in the Vocational Industrial Clubs of America (VCIA) U.S. skill olympics, was recognized by his peers to become one of the youngest inductees into the Printing Industry Hall of Fame, named among the Graphic Arts Leaders of America by the Graphics of the Americas, and more.

“I am humbled and honored to receive this unexpected recognition,” states Berthelsen upon receiving the award. “I have simply tried to give back to an industry that has blessed me with a remarkable career along with many friends and associates. I look forward to continuing to contribute to supporting our workforce of tomorrow.”