Cal Poly Graphic Communication Receives $2.3M Gift to Preserve Printing Industry History

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif.—November 20, 2015—Well-known printing industry expert Raymond J. Prince has donated $2.3 million to Cal Poly’s Graphic Communication Department to preserve the history and knowledge of the printing and imaging industry.

The gift—the largest ever to the department—will fund four areas. The first is a named endowed scholarship honoring Cal Poly Professor Emeritus Gary Field, a highly regarded imaging scientist, professor, writer and speaker on issues of color management and related topics.

The second is a named endowed scholarship honoring Professor Brian Lawler for his lifelong work advocating for the importance of print as a creative and influential communication medium surviving more than six centuries.

The third area is a cash donation to supplement funds already raised to support what has become the world’s largest library on graphic arts technology and management. The library, already named the Raymond J. Prince Graphic Arts Collection, is housed in Cal Poly’s Graphic Communication Department and includes more than 30,000 volumes.

The fourth is a bequest that will perpetuate the ongoing growth and development of the library’s collection and graphic communication education at Cal Poly.

In announcing the donation, Prince acknowledged the role the university has played in preparing the graphic communication industry’s future leaders and in providing services to the industry through research and training. Prince noted that Cal Poly is the go-to place for graphic arts technical and management information that dates back hundreds of years.

"Having seen what Cal Poly has done with my earlier gifts, I have complete confidence in the Graphic Communication Department, College of Liberal Arts, and university leadership to use this latest donation to preserve and enhance the largest graphic communication technology library in the world and to support faculty excellence in the department," Prince said. "The gift will help the department continue to be the leading department of its kind while providing important support to a dynamic industry. I take special pleasure in also being able to create student scholarships in the names of Emeritus Professor Gary Field and Professor Brian Lawler as a way of honoring their many contributions and supporting student success."

Ken Macro, chair of the Graphic Communication Department, also noted, "Ray Prince’s commitment to our industry is unprecedented, and his passion for education is exemplary. Because of Ray and others who continue to donate to the collection, our students, faculty, scholars and industry personnel can access the world’s largest collection of graphic arts resources and materials. We are honored and absolutely grateful."

The gift was presented to Douglas Epperson, dean of Cal Poly’s College of Liberal Arts. "Ray Prince is an outstanding advocate for the industry and a tremendous friend to Cal Poly," Epperson said. "His generous gifts, reflecting his trust in the department, college and university, ensure that Cal Poly remains at the forefront of the industry and produces the industry leaders of the future. We are deeply grateful for his gift and trust."

More than 80 named contributors have donated cash, books and related publications to the graphic arts library. The collection is used by students for research and class assignments and by faculty for books and articles, literature searches for industry, and prior art searches for patent development and challenges.

Individuals and companies wanting to be part of the named contributor list should contact Macro at kmacro@calpoly.edu or (805) 756-2257 for information on how to participate and receive industrywide recognition as an advocate of graphic arts education.

About Cal Poly's Graphic Communication Department
The Graphic Communication Department was founded in 1946 and is one of the largest and best-known programs of its kind in the U.S. It 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 grants and endowments and with equipment, supplies and software for the department’s more than 33,000 square feet of modern laboratories. The department has national accreditation from the Accrediting Council for Collegiate Graphic Communications. The Graphic Communication Institute at Cal Poly focuses on services for industry, including research, testing, product evaluations, consulting, training, seminars, workshops, conferences, publishing and literature searches.

Source: Cal Poly.