Zünd powering hands-on graphics & packaging education

For more than a century, Riverside City College (RCC)has been preparing students for careers in graphics, print, and visual communication. First launched in 1922, the Printing Program recently celebrated its 100-year anniversary with a transformative upgrade made possible through the extraordinary generosity of longtime industry champion and RCCD Foundation Board Member Jan Steiner. Her personal donation of more than $1 million funded a complete remodel of the print shop, ensuring RCC students can obtain professional training using the most advanced technology available.  

Today, the Applied Digital Media & Printing Program offers hands-on education across large-format, offset, digital, and apparel printing. Students pursue associate degrees and certificates in graphic design and communications, commercial printing, and related fields, gaining real production experience in a fully equipped print facility. As a state-funded college, RCC continues to grow its programs through grants, industry partnerships, and philanthropic support. 

A cornerstone of RCC’s recent expansion is the addition of a Zünd S3M-800 Digital Cutting System, a gift made possible through Steiner’s continued support. This advanced cutting system opened the door to launching a brand-new Packaging Design Course led by Professor Alda Escobar. Using Zünd technology for the cutting/finishing portion of the process, students can now take their packaging concepts from screen to shelf—from creating the design to cutting, finishing, and assembly. This enables them to develop professional-quality prototypes of boxes, labels, and custom shapes. 

Besides being an essential teaching tool, the cutter has also become indispensable to the in-house RCC Printing Services, which functions as in-plant print provider to the three schools in the Riverside Community College District—Riverside City College, Moreno Valley College, and Norco College. Student workers use it to produce signage, stickers, display materials, and other creative printed pieces for departments across all three campuses. These are all skills they will take with them into the workforce. 

Riverside City College serves more than 30,000 students annually and is recognized statewide for its outstanding career education programs. The Applied Digital Media & Printing Program embodies that mission—providing industry-relevant training that prepares students for meaningful careers. With the addition of Zünd digital cutting and workflow technologies, RCC is strengthening the connection between design, technology, and real-world production. It ensures the next generation of graphic communication and packaging professionals enter the industry with the skills, experience, and confidence to succeed.