Scranton Saddened by Loss of Ray Burd

The in-plant industry lost a devoted manager on January 1 when Ray Burd, director of Printing and Mailing Services at the University of Scranton, was killed in an accident, just a month after his 63rd birthday. Mr. Burd had overseen the 15-employee in-plant for 24 years, while also serving as an adjunct facility member and teaching courses in communications. He was planning to retire in two years.

Well-respected at the Scranton, Pa., university for his publishing and printing expertise, Mr. Burd was often consulted by faculty, staff and designers for advice on their publications.

"His knowledge gave him the capability of looking at something and heading off a big problem before it started," recalls Kevan Bailey, who has been asked to serve as interim director.

Mr. Burd oversaw the merger of print and mail at Scranton in the'90s, took over and managed the campus copier fleet program, and brought the concept of variable data printing to the university, Bailey says. He fought to centralize all university printing under the in-plant's control and then oversaw the procurement of outside printing from qualified printers.

"The staff loved him. He was always fair," lauds Bailey, who worked with him for more than two decades and considered him a mentor. "He never held grudges, and he didn't let the small things bother him."

Mr. Burd was passionate about education and helping others advance in their careers. He attended the last two Association of College and University Printers conferences and was actively involved with the ACUP Education Committee, working on a certification program for members.

Mr. Burd served in the U.S. Air Force from 1971 through 1975, including a tour of duty in Panama. He was very active in veterans affairs on campus and was presented with the Department of the Army’s Commander’s Award For Public Service in November.