Media Contact:
Tilla Fearn, CNR Communications, 919/513-4644

Oct. 31, 2003

MeadWestvaco Executive is College of Natural Resources Distinguished
Alumnus

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

James A. Buzzard

The North Carolina State University College of Natural Resources has named James A. Buzzard of Ridgefield, Conn., as its 2003 Distinguished Alumnus.

Buzzard earned a bachelor’s degree in pulp and paper technology from NC State in 1976 and an MBA in finance from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. He is currently president of MeadWestvaco with responsibility for the company’s operations, including packaging, coated and specialty papers, consumer and office products, specialty chemicals, forestry, technology, and corporate services.

“Jim Buzzard is a great example of the leaders and professionals we count among our alumni,” said Dr. Larry Nielsen, dean of the College of Natural Resources. “He has risen steadily in his company, adding managerial expertise to the strong technical base provided at NC State. His lifelong commitment to learning and professional growth has made him a Renaissance man within the industry. Recognition of that depth and breadth propelled him to the presidency of MeadWestvaco, one of the premier forest products companies in the world. He is the kind of man whom all of our students can look up to, both as a professional and as a person.”

Through his various positions on the executive team at MeadWestvaco, said Nielsen, Buzzard has been a major supporter of the paper science and forestry programs in the College of Natural Resources. MeadWestvaco is a significant player in the forest-products industry, and through Buzzard’s efforts has contributed to the college through active involvement with the college’s foundations and faculty. Buzzard and his wife Vivian have pledged a $50,000 endowment to the Paper Foundation.

MeadWestvaco is a leading global producer of packaging, coated and specialty papers, consumer and office products and specialty chemicals with 153 operating and office locations in 29 countries.

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