KU News Release

Students in new PhotoMedia program to utilize high-end equipment from Nikon

LAWRENCE — Nikon Professional Services will support the new PhotoMedia program at the University of Kansas by providing a substantial loan of high-end photo equipment, including a range of sophisticated cameras, lenses and lighting.

“Nikon is proud to be a partner with the KU Department of Design,” said William Pekala, general manager of Nikon Professional Services. “Photography plays an important role in any design program, and we are happy to provide Nikon’s latest equipment for the students to use. We support many college photo programs across the country, but this is the first design program we’ve agreed to support.”

Greg Thomas, chair of the Department of Design, said Nikon will donate equipment for approximately a year. The equipment will be used by PhotoMedia students, returned to Nikon at the end of the year and then replenished at the beginning of the next term. Thomas said this type of arrangement is typically referred to as a “locker of loan equipment.”

Thomas added that Nikon usually lends its equipment to select schools and KU’s design program was chosen because of the potential of the new photo program. With the addition of PhotoMedia, KU has become the only school in Kansas to offer a comprehensive and professional-based photography and media program.

The new equipment will allow the students to take photos in various formats. The flexibility is due to the high-end nature of the cameras and accessories. To prepare students to properly use this equipment, Thomas said, there will be in-class training provided to all PhotoMedia students.

“We are extremely grateful for the generous loan of equipment and tools and the support provided by one of the world’s finest photo equipment companies,” said Thomas.

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