Coatings World - March 2011

Opening a Door to a Bright Future

The Sherwin-Williams Company hosted a career day for 59 Chicago State University (CSU) science students who came to learn about the requirements of R&D based careers with the 144 year old global paint and coatings company and its chemical suppliers. The gathering was co-sponsored by TH Hilson, Cabot Corporation and the CSU Department of Chemistry and Physics. The event’s purpose was to identify potential recruits for the coatings industry and be supportive to the next generation of scientists.

Several elected leaders were on hand to inspire the students who have committed to an intense course of study. Dignitaries included Alderman Anthony Beale (9th Ward, Chicago), Illinois State Senator James Meeks (15th District), Illinois State Representative Constance Howard (34th District) and Illinois State Representative Thaddeus Jones (29th District).

In addition to offering formal presentations and tours, a delegation of current employees interacted with the science majors regarding career requirements, responsibilities and local and global opportunities.

Tiffany Garrett, a scientist with Sherwin-Williams for 14
years, expressed enthusiasm for her research and development
work. “Each day brings new technical challenges to be met, al-
lowing me to dig deeper into the chemistry of coating products,”
she said. “The process of innovation is exciting for me. I get a
charge out of seeing formulas I’ve worked on enhance the con-
sumer’s overall experience and sense of quality.”
The students also met John Griffin, a Chicago State University
graduate, who has been a Sherwin-Williams chemist for 32 years.
Griffin majored in music with a minor in chemistry. “I’ve built a
great career at Sherwin-Williams because the company invests in
well-trained people and provides excellent resources for research
and development. That combination makes for an extremely stim-
ulating work environment.” Griffin pointed out that Sherwin-
Williams retains many of its employees for decades. The company
has been recognized as one of the best employers in the nation.

Pictured in front center, from left, in green jackets are student representatives and TH Hilson president Lori Hilson Cioromski, Sherwin-Williams vice president Gale Murphy and Charles Kowalewski of Cabot Corporation.