SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- The heart of the Syracuse Pulp and Paper Foundation's work is its student scholarship program. With college enrollment declining and education costs rising nationwide, the need to entice top-notch talent to our industry is paramount to its survival and prosperity.
By providing scholarships to dedicated student leaders, the Foundation has strengthened the college's Paper and Bioprocess Engineering faculty and increased enrollment of top students from around the nation and the world.
As expressed in its bylaws, the Foundation goals are:
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To encourage students in the study of paper science and engineering;
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To provide financial assistance in the form of scholarships, grants, and loans, including loans without interest or other charges, for students who enroll in paper science and engineering;
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To provide an opportunity for alumni and interested leaders of the pulp and paper and allied industries to strengthen the paper science and engineering curriculum;
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To further fundamental and applied research of importance to the pulp, paper, and allied industries through special grants and fellowships;
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To provide a means of liaison and communication between paper science and engineering academic personnel and the pulp, paper, and allied industries
Paperitalo Publications interviewed senior Levi Arnold and we asked him about his experiences at Syracuse.
What attracted you to the Paper & Bioprocess Engineering program?
What drew me to the Paper & Bioprocess Engineering program at SUNY ESF was the strong career potential and the hands-on nature of the field. Growing up, I also had a unique connection to the college--my dad is an ESF alum of the paper program, and hearing how his degree opened doors for him to work in Indonesia, China, and across the U.S. made a lasting impression on me. It showed me that this program could lead to exciting opportunities, both professionally and personally.
Were you looking into pulp and paper when you were in high school?
Not at first. I knew I wanted to study engineering, like my father, but I hadn't zeroed in on pulp and paper until I explored the options at ESF. Once I learned more about the program's small class sizes, close industry ties, and the sheer demand for young engineers in the field, I realized it was a great fit--especially considering my dad's success after graduating from the same program.
Tell us about the internships and/or co-ops you have had.
I completed a co-op with PCA (Packaging Corporation of America) in Jackson Alabama, where I worked directly in a mill environment and gained valuable experience in process engineering, maintenance, and operations. It gave me a real taste of the industry and confirmed that this is the type of work I enjoy. That co-op helped me land a full-time position with PCA after graduation in North Carolina, which I'm really looking forward to.
What does this program mean to you?
This program means more than just a degree. It's a legacy in my family, and it's also a launchpad for my own future. The community at ESF, the practical training, and the career support have all helped me grow as both an engineer and a person. I've created many bonds with different people in my time at ESF, which I hope will last a lifetime.
Where do you see yourself in five and 10 years, and what are your career aspirations?
In five years, I see myself advancing within PCA, taking on more responsibility in operations or project leadership. In 10 years, I hope to be in a senior management role or possibly leading a facility. Classmates and I plan to invest in real estate and build a private investment company, leading to our financial independence.
What would you recommend to anyone who might be interested in getting into pulp and paper?
Don't overlook the industry. It's a hidden gem for young engineers--there's job security, good pay (+$80,000 per year), and a tight-knit community. Go to TAPPI events, connect with professors, and get involved early. Once you're in, you'll see the industry is full of opportunities for innovation and growth. Additionally, SPPF, Syracuse pulp and paper foundation, pays $15-20,000 for you to graduate with a bachelor. This is a great nest egg for investing, moving locations, or traveling before your real work begins.
Please let us know of anything else of interest about your experiences in the program.
The program is incredibly hands-on. From working in the pilot plant to building relationships with professors and industry contacts, you get a level of experience here that's hard to find elsewhere. You're not just learning--you're doing.
Please tell us what year you are in the program, your hometown, and anything interesting you might do in your free time.
I'm in my final year, graduating in December 2025. I'm from Newark Valley, NY. Outside of school, I'm really into fitness and cars, and I'm planning to start a YouTube channel centered around those passions. I also spend a lot of time learning about personal finance and investing--I'm serious about building a solid future both in and outside of my career.
