There are two things immediately apparent about Dr. Norman Levan. He is dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge, and he has no intention of dying rich. "I have absolutely no need for anything other than simple needs. I'm 95 now and don't expect to live more than 15,20 more years, if I have anything left at the end of it, I'm sure that BC and St. John's College and USC will be the recipients."
Through the decades the good doctor has given $20 million to his alma mater, St. John's College in New Mexico. "His gifts include a building that now houses the graduate institute in his name, a professorship and an endowment for student scholarships," says Jim Osterholt, vice president st. john's college, Santa Fe new Mexico.
"The college and Santa Fe community wanted to honor Dr. Levan, college vice president Jim Osterholt came to Bakersfield to present this certificate of thanks."
St. John's college isn't the only institution to benefit from Dr. Levan's generosity. "He has given close to $20 million to BC," says Jack Hernandez, director, Norman Levan center for humanities at BC.
His donations funded things like the Norman Levan Center for Humanities, the Levan Institute for Lifelong Learning, and millions of dollars in scholarships. "I think BC is the pearl of the valley," says Levan.
"People like Dr. Levan are critical to the future of higher education." A lifetime of giving, allowing others the gift of lifelong learning.
The 95-year old Levan amassed a fortune as a physician and investor.
