January 12, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Contact: Harvey Levenson
Cal Poly Graphic Communication
(805) 756-6151; hlevenso@calpoly.edu
Cal Poly Announces the Paul B. Kissel “Philosopher of Printing” Endowment
SAN LUIS OBISPO - Cal Poly is honoring the late Paul B. Kissel (1917 – 2009) by establishing the “Philosopher of Printing” Endowment as a perpetual memorial for the longest living active editor in the graphic arts field. Kissel died Oct. 11, 2009, one month prior to his 92nd birthday.
Having served as editor of PRINT-EQUIP News for 30 years, Kissel was the most senior working industry journalist in the nation.
Chris Jacobson, president of Cal Events in Tustin, Calif., will chair the endowment. The effort will support the growth and development of graphic communication education including educational program development and the “Paul Kissel Philosopher of Printing Scholarship” awarded annually. The scholarship will be given to deserving students committed to management, technology, leadership and communication in the graphic arts profession.
“Paul has been a close personal friend of mine and of our family’s for about 35 years,” said Jacobson. “It wasn’t long after we met that he was honored as PIASC’s Pioneer of the Year. He was singularly responsible for breaking new ground in developing and uniting our industry. It is truly my privilege to be able to chair this endowment through which Paul’s legacy will live on in the lives of the students and programs it will fund, so he will continue to develop and unite our industry for many years to come.”
“The printing industry lost an icon, a giant of a man in spirit, action, deed and dedication. Paul Kissel was also one of the most ethical, thoughtful and pleasant people to have embraced our industry. He had a long and prestigious career. He was a journalist, scholar, mentor and philosopher. We like to think of him as the ‘Printing Philosopher,’” said Harvey Levenson, head of Cal Poly’s Graphic Communication Department.
“Paul meant a lot to the graphic arts industry. He was committed to professional education and served on the Cal Poly Graphic Communication Department Advisory Board for many years,” continued Levenson. “Through his editorials and reporting, he helped shape and define the wonderful institution of printing that has meant so much to the progress of humanity and to the promotion of literacy in the twentieth century.”
Donations can be made to the endowment by contacting Levenson at 805-756-6151 or hlevenso@calpoly.edu
About Cal Poly’s Graphic Communication Department
Cal Poly, located in San Luis Obispo, California, has become one of the most selective universities in the United States. The Graphic Communication Department (www.grc.calpoly.edu) was founded in 1946 and is one of the largest and best-known programs of its kind in the nation. The department includes concentrations in graphic communication management, web and digital media, design reproduction technology, graphics for packaging, and individualized study. The program is strongly supported by industry with equipment, supplies and software for the department's more than 33,000 square feet of modern laboratories, and with grants and endowments. The Graphic Communication Institute at Cal Poly (www.grci.calpoly.edu) focuses on services for industry including research, testing, product evaluations, consulting, training, seminars, workshops and conferences. The department is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Collegiate Graphic Communication. (ACCGC).
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