The Nathan Levitan Scholarship Fund

Consistent giving over many years can have an extremely significant and positive impact at the University of Maine. This is well illustrated by the Nathan Levitan Scholarship Fund.

In 1900 Nathan Levitan and his family moved to the United States from Poland when he was just 4 years old. After growing up in Massachusetts, he became employed in “the needle trade” in that same state. While he was unable to attend college, he did provide financial support for his children so that they could go to college. He also provided his children with a strong ethical upbringing.

Years later, in 1959, his son, Leon Levitan, Ph.D., a member of the class of 1938 at the University of Maine, decided to honor his father through the establishment of the Nathan Levitan Scholarship Fund at the University of Maine Foundation. At the time, Dr. Levitan was just 42 years old. He established the fund to support undergraduate and graduate level students who were pursuing degrees in theoretical Economics. The initial gift was $5,000, and every year since Dr. Levitan has contributed to the fund. When the fund was established, former University of Maine President Lloyd Elliott stated that many University of Maine students “will certainly benefit through the years from this magnificent fund.”

What has been the impact of Dr. Levitan’s consistent giving to this magnificent fund? (1) a total of $51,000 in gifts given over 45 successive years; (2) a fund that is worth approximately $101,170 and growing; and (3) a total of over $133,000 in awarded scholarships to over 200 students.

Thus, consistency in giving is an ideal that, when achieved, can positively alter countless lives. Dr. Levitan’s consistent giving, coupled with his love and respect for his father, have done just that. Through consistent giving, you too can establish a magnificent fund with even a modest initial gift.

In the fall of 2004 Dr. Levitan made a very generous additional gift of $100,000.00 to the Nathan Levitan Scholarship Fund, thus ensuring that the already magnificent fund will have an even greater impact into the future.

If you would like to establish a magnificent fund, please contact the Foundation Planned Giving Staff.