PISMO BEACH, CA–Harvey Levenson, 83, professor emeritus and long-time head of Cal Poly’s Graphic Communication Department, who retired just a few short years ago, has passed away.

Levenson served as department head from 1983 to 2023, the longest continuous department head tenure in the history of Cal Poly. During that time, Cal Poly’s graphic communication program became one of the largest and best-known programs of its kind in the nation and included studies in printing, publishing, packaging, website development, Internet publishing, digital imaging, and related areas of graphic communication technology and management.

During Levenson’s tenure, the department built an industry support program that includes an advisory board of industry leaders from across the U.S.; an institute for industry research and testing, product evaluations and training; and a large endowment program.

“The Graphic Communication Department was his legacy, and he was truly instrumental in shaping the department into what it is today: the top-ranking college program,” pointed out Colleen Larkin Twomey, Cal Poly professor and Graphic Communication Department chair, in a letter notifying advisory board members of Levenson’s passing.

“His commitment to student success was unwavering — he worked tirelessly to establish scholarships, build industry relationships, and secure the resources and equipment our students needed to thrive.

“To say that Harvey’s impact in industry was huge is an understatement,” Twomey added. “Harvey knew everyone! He built relationships and connected people. Even after his retirement of 30 years at Cal Poly, he continued to author books, articles, and contribute to the industry. He mentored thousands of people and helped as many in their careers ‘behind the scenes.’”

Prior to joining Cal Poly, Harvey founded and chaired the Division of Graphics, Design, and Communication at La Roche College in Pittsburgh, before which he was Associate Director of Technical Services for the Graphic Arts Technical Foundation.

Notified of his death, industry leaders like Frank Romano, a colleague and professor emeritus at Rochester Institute of Technology, exclaimed, “Dr. Harvey Levenson was the quintessential teacher — he was always learning. And he passed that learning on to his students and his industry. …Harvey and the printing industry were indistinguishable. He volunteered for innumerable associations and trade groups and shared his knowledge with everyone. His books, articles, and his students will keep his memory alive. He truly made a difference.”