The Steve Standifer Memorial Scholarship Endowment
This scholarship supports the student manager of University Graphic Systems — a role Steve invested in deeply and personally. It ensures that every student who steps into that role carries a little of Steve's encouragement with them, just as so many students did when he was here.
Support HereAbout Steve
Steve Standifer lived by a simple conviction: the best lessons come not from instruction, but from doing. Raised in New Mexico, he spent countless hours on his grandparents’ ranch, where “Learn by Doing” was a necessity. When something broke, you fixed it—an early lesson in practical, self-reliant thinking that shaped everything that followed.
Steve’s career began in mechanical engineering and expanded into information technology, multimedia production, and business ownership. He found the perfect final chapter in Cal Poly’s Graphic Communication Department, joining in 2020 during the COVID pandemic. As an essential employee on a quiet campus, he developed hands-on mastery of the department’s computer systems and complex machinery.
Steve paired his technical expertise with a deep commitment to students, faculty, and staff. Through University Graphic Systems, he mentored student managers, solved problems, built confidence, and strengthened instruction and innovation throughout the department.
Support Other Endowments
Donors may also consider supporting other endowments within the Graphic Communication Department. These gifts expand student opportunities, strengthen hands-on learning, and support the faculty, programs, and resources that shape the department’s future.
More EndowmentsLearn more about our other endowment opportunities
E/I Terry Bell Faculty Development
To be used for Faculty and Staff development including training at vendor sites, attending seminars, workshops and conferences, and for related development.
T.B. Endow/Comm Management Labs
To support and enhance laboratories for the Printing and Imaging Management concentration.
E/I T.B. Endow/Annual Lecture
To fund an annual lecture conducted by prominent individual in the Graphic Communication profession.
E/I GRC-Student Learning Enhancement Sp
To enhance and improve the "hands on" learning experience received by students participating in University Graphic Systems, the Graphic Communication Institute, or any similar student enterprise activity supportive of the Graphic Communication Department.
E/I W.E.Deming-Total Quality Management
To support education and teachings of W. Edwards Deming and Total quality management.
E/I Professors From Industry
to support the "Professors From Industry" program in the
Graphic Communication Department.
CLA
This account has been established as a memorial endowment in honor of Graphic Communication Professor Hank Apfelberg who taught at Cal Poly for more than 30 years.
Harvey Levenson Excellence in Graphic Communication Scholarship
Waiting on Information
Quad/Graphics Eric Steinbach Memorial Graphic Communication Scholarship
At the direction of the Graphic Communication Department Chair, and in consultation with the Executive Director of Financial Aid or designee, recipients of the Quad/Graphics Eric Steinbach Memorial Graphic Communication Scholarship shall be selected in accordance with University policy. The scholarship is open to eligible Graphic Communication students of any class level, and endowment earnings may support curriculum development, laboratory improvements, and professional development to maintain a high-quality program for students and the graphic communication profession.