Design alumnus Paul Leibowitz ’84 establishes award for visual communication and digital design

Communications design students in Syracuse University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) now have a chance to compete for a new honor in the program: the Paul Leibowitz Award for Visual Communication and Digital Design.

Leibowitz, a 1984 design alumnus and owner of the New York City branding and design agency Leibowitz Communications, established the annual award for one or more communications design seniors who exemplify expertise in web navigation via cutting-edge interactive design and use of emerging technology in contemporary communications design.

“There is nothing more rewarding than to see the great success our graduates enjoy after leaving the program,” says Robert Cooney, associate professor and coordinator of the communications design program, which is based in VPA’s Department of Design. “We are extremely proud of Paul’s accomplishments and delighted that he has found a way to enhance our program with this generous award. This kind of gift ensures the continued success of our students and provides a great example for their professional possibilities.”

Communications design students will receive information about the Leibowitz Award competition in their junior year. Entries will be submitted to and evaluated by the faculty in the students’ senior year. The winning student or students will receive a cash prize. For the inaugural Leibowitz Award, which will be presented in the spring 2013 semester, students have been asked to present a portfolio with a minimum of three projects based on digital media that may be derived from work in class and/or projects outside of class.

As the owner of Leibowitz Communications for more than 20 years, Leibowitz oversees integrated brand, print, digital and e-marketing strategies for a variety of clients in the financial services, pharma and media industries, including TIAA-CREF, New York Hospital Queens, Paradigm Capital Management and Pfizer. He has lectured on entrepreneurs and business practices at Columbia Business School and SU and on social media for business for Gotham Media Ventures. He recently visited VPA’s Department of Design to lecture and visit the communications design studios. He is currently a director of Investment Managers & Advisors Alliance (IMAA) and is a past chair of the American Institute of Graphic Arts’ (AIGA) Design and the Environment Special Interest Group.

Modeled on professional practice, the communications design program explores the creative process, communications theory and design history and the organization and management of complex design projects, in addition to illustration, photography, typography and production processes. Classes also address advertising, marketing, communications and business.