San Luis Obispo, CA – Cal Poly is honoring the late Paul B. Kissel (1917 – 2009) with the establishment of the "Philosopher of Printing" Endowment. Having served as editor of PRINT-EQUIP News for 30 years, Kissel was the most senior working industry journalist in the nation. He died Oct. 11, 2009, at age 91.

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 and will include the "Paul Kissel Philosopher of Printing Scholarship." The award will be given annually 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," Jacobson said. "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."

Harvey Levenson, head of Cal Poly's graphic Communication Department, called Kissel an icon in the printing industry.

"Paul Kissel was also one of the most ethical, thoughtful and pleasant people to have embraced our industry," Levenson said. "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.'

"Paul was committed to professional education and served on the Cal Poly Graphic Communication Department Advisory Board for many years. 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."