The Gevirtz School laments the passing of alumnus Dr. Michael (Iggy) Loewy on February 7, 2023. Loewy (Ph.D., CCSP, '94) was a beloved member of our community, known for his warmth, generosity, and unwavering commitment to justice and equity. He made significant contributions to the field of counseling psychology as a scholar, activist, advocate, and educator. Michael was known for his dedication to mentoring students and promoting social justice in counseling psychology.
Dr. Loewy served as an associate professor and program director for the Alliant University in San Francisco doctoral program in clinical psychology. Earlier in his career, he taught multicultural counseling at San Diego State University (1995-2001); counseling psychology at University of Missouri (2001-2002); and then went to the University of North Dakota where he served as program director of the doctoral program in counseling psychology and then chair of the Department of Counseling and Community Services (2002-2009).
Dr. Loewy was born in 1952 and raised in Los Angeles, then earned his BA in sociology from UNLV (1987) before moving to Santa Barbara for graduate study in counseling psychology.
His professional interests spanned a wide range of topics, including body size, physical appearance, sexual orientation, race, gender, gender expression, religion, age, and social class.
Dr. Loewy was a recipient of several awards during his career, including the Counseling Psychologist Major Contribution of the Year award from the Society of Counseling Psychology (SCP; Division 17) for his work as one of the co-authors of the Counseling Psychology Model Training Values Statement Addressing Diversity. He was also chosen to participate in the "Issues in Higher Education" program, which prepares faculty for administrative roles in the academy.
In addition to his academic accomplishments, Dr. Loewy was recognized for his outstanding service to the Southern Nevada community, receiving the Community Foundation Award and Congressional Recognition for being one of the 25 most influential leaders of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender communities in the history of Southern Nevada.
He also received the High Flyer Award for excellence in teaching from the College of Education at the University of Missouri-Columbia.
In addition to his numerous professional accomplishments, Dr. Loewy was a passionate advocate for antiracism and was a consistent participant in conversations within the Society of Counseling Psychology focused on white people and antiracism. He was also one of the founders of and most consistent participants in the More Pie Initiative, which brought together counseling psychologists across identities to engage in dialogue about current events, controversial topics, and community building – and also to share some pie.
Michael's community engagement was as admirable as it was deep. He had a nuanced sense of humor and a propensity for fun. His laughter was infectious and he was known for his kindness, patience, and the warmth he extended to everyone he met. Michael was a devoted father to his daughter Hannah, and took great pride in her accomplishments; he spoke about her often with great delight, and his consistent support of her was evident to all who knew him. Michael was a loving partner to his husband Nat, who were inseparably together for 21 years. His passing is a great loss to his family, friends, colleagues, and all those whose lives he touched.
Michael is survived by his husband Dr. Nat Pyle, his daughter Hannah Loewy, and countless members of his chosen family who will miss him dearly.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to Michael's family, friends, colleagues, and students. He will be greatly missed, but his legacy will continue to inspire and guide us in our work.
A celebration of life will take place on March 25, 2023 (12-4 pm) at The Sea Star, 2289 3rd Street, San Francisco, CA 94107.
A celebration of life for Michael is currently being planned for April 1, 2023 (12noon-3:30 pm) at SOhO Restaurant and Music Venue in Santa Barbara, CA.
Friends of Michael will gather during the APA Convention in Washington, DC in August (date and time TBD) to celebrate his life, share loving stories, and hold space in community.
You can find Michael’s Story on CaringBridge where updates about a planned celebration of life will be located, and friends and family can receive and provide words of hope and encouragement.