The John Berthelsen Award, established in 2022, is given each year to a deserving individual or organization that exemplifies John’s ideals and practices over his many years of dedicated service to the industry and affiliated organizations.
John Berthelsen is the retired CEO of Suttle-Straus, a printing and distribution services provider that serves companies mainly located in the midwest. John 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 also expanded it from a small commercial printer into an organization that provides sheetfed, web, digital and large format imaging as well as e-commerce, mailing, fulfillment and distribution services.
In retirement, he has been active with The Foundation for Graphic Communication Education (The FGCE). He has served as development officer and board member. The Foundation raises funds in order to provide scholarships to students who are pursuing a career in the graphic arts. Currently it awards over $500,000 to approximately 200 students annually.
In 2021 he was elected to the board of directors of Sun City Summerlin in Las Vegas for a three year term. In 2023 he was elected and served as president of the HOA. SCS is an 7800 home community with approximately 12,000 residents.
In 2024 he joined SCORE as a mentor to clients who are considering starting a business or are seeking guidance in operating a business.
The award will be given out each year to a deserving individual or organization that exemplifies the ideals and practices of John over his many years of dedicated service to the industry and affiliated organizations.
The FGCE is proud to announce Paul Foster as the recipient of the 2025 John Berthelsen Award, recognizing his outstanding dedication to advancing graphic communications education and supporting the next generation of industry professionals.
2024 – Pat Klarecki
2023 – Mrs. Bernadine (Bernie) Eckert
2022 – John Berthelsen
