Speaker fund developed to honor longtime UM-Dearborn professor Don Levin

Don Levin is a legend at UM-Dearborn. He is remembered by faculty, staff and alumni for the great discussions he was always having in the classroom, in hallways, during meetings or at lunch. Everyone knew that if you wanted a good debate on an issue you could talk to Don.

This memory is one shared by Don Levin's family. His son, Mark, has fond memories of time spent on the UM-Dearborn campus with his father. And he remembers that Don loved to hear and consider differing points of view, always encouraging his students, colleagues and even his children to exchange ideas.

That's why when he passed away in 2009, his colleagues and family came together to develop the Dr. Donald Levin Memorial Speaker's Fund in his honor. The Fund will bring the kind of lively discussions that Don appreciated most to campus, those that provoke emotion and have a meaningful and insightful impact.

"When my father's colleagues approached us with the idea of the Fund we were struck by what a perfect way it was to honor and show love for him," says Mark Levin, Don's son. "Beyond that, the speaker series will provide a unique opportunity to bring people with interesting backgrounds and points of view to campus which will enrich the student experience while also impacting the entire community."

Don joined UM-Dearborn in 1969; during his career at the University he spent an unprecedented 18 years as the chair of the Department of Behavioral Sciences in the College of Arts, Sciences, and Letters (CASL).

"My father had a deep love for UM-Dearborn, he took great pride in the place," says Levin. "It was so special as a child to have a father that had so much passion for his profession and his place of work."

He was chair of the department when Nancy Wrobel, the current department chair, joined the University. "Don had such an impact on me, I often look back on his wisdom and guidance with a great deal of respect," Wrobel says. "Now as department chair I often ask myself what Don would have done, when I am met with a particularly difficult issue or topic."

Jeff Stern, a longtime colleague of Don's, remembers many debates with his friend, as their views and teaching styles often had them positioned as the "odd couple." When told about the Dr. Donald Levin Memorial Speaker's Fund Jeff was immediately supportive, simply saying, "Don deserves this."

If you are interested in contributing to the Dr. Donald Levin Memorial Speaker's Fund please contact Diane Gulyas, development director at [email protected].