Wingate University extends its condolences to the family of Leon Levine, who passed away on April 5, 2023, at the age of 85.
Mr. Levine enrolled at Wingate Junior College in 1956, attending classes to refine his approach to business. At the time, Mr. Levine ran a bedspread factory alongside his brother in the town of Wingate. Mr. Levine was once quoted as saying he learned concepts at Wingate that he had an idea about from working at his family’s business, but that hearing them explained in detail helped him when he started running a business of his own.
“While maintaining a low profile on campus, Leon was called ‘BMOC’ by his brother, who maintains that Leon was the big man on campus because he was the only student who owned his own company,” said James Bullock, Wingate’s senior vice president for Advancement.
Later in life, Levine and The Leon Levine Foundation made contributions that transformed Wingate University. A $3 million gift in 2009 enabled Wingate to build the Levine College of Health Science building. The 70,000-square-foot facility houses Wingate’s pharmacy, physician assistant studies and nursing programs. With the building’s opening in 2011, Wingate became a top provider of healthcare education in western North Carolina.
Wingate University has also benefited greatly from The Leon Levine Foundation Endowed Scholarship, which supports minority students with financial need. Over the years, numerous students have benefited from this scholarship.
In November 2022, Wingate recognized Levine as one of four donors who inspired the establishment of the University’s Philanthropist of the Year award.
“Few Wingate students have left a greater legacy on the Charlotte region than Mr. Levine, who was one of the most determined people to pass through the Gate,” said Dr. Rhett Brown, Wingate’s president. “We are proud to call him an alum and grateful for his giving spirit. His legacy will live on through our healthcare graduates and scholarship recipients.”
