Howard R. Levine Foundation awards $25 million to Atrium Health

December 24, 2021

Atrium Health Foundation has announced a $25 million commitment from the Howard R. Levine Foundation, a donor-advised fund at the Foundation for the Carolinas, in support of the Wake Forest University School of Medicine - Charlotte.

The gift is the first publicly announced major commitment in support of the new medical school, for which Atrium Health plans to break ground in 2022 and eventually raise at least $500 million. In recognition of the gift, the school’s signature academic building will be named the Howard R. Levine Center for Education. In addition to the medical school, the building will house Wake Forest University’s School of Business and School for Professional Studies, as well as the Carolinas College of Health Sciences.

“The Howard R. Levine Center for Education will literally change the trajectory of young people’s lives for decades to come,” said Atrium Health president and CEO Eugene A. Woods. “Specifically, it will enable us to equip future health clinicians with the curriculum, tools, and facilities to create an educational experience that is constantly on the cutting edge of the latest science. As importantly, it will enable us to expand career pathways to underserved populations through targeted pipeline programs in coordination with the other educational institutions in this region.”

“People say it’s easy to give away money. But to do it right, you’ve got to be thoughtful,” said Levine, former CEO and chair of the Family Dollar retail chain, which was founded by his father, Leon Levine. “I approach this as an investment. We look at the leadership and funding of the organization and, in turn, what they are doing with the services they’re providing. As a Charlotte native, I’ve been a part of this community for almost my whole life — it has shaped a big part of who I am. I was deeply moved to see such a show of support from the city council and county commission for the broader vision surrounding the campus and how it can positively benefit the entire community.”

(Photo credit: Atrium Health)
Source: PND

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