UM Foundation

Matching Gifts—a Company Benefit that Benefits UM or the five Levitan siblings. Matthew Levitan ‘73 of Chappaqua, New York, established the first one in 1995. An executive with UBS PaineWebber, he followed that scholarship with additional awards honoring his brothers Mark, Charles, and Robert and recently created the fifth award in honor of his sister, Sara.

Motivation for establishing the scholarships, Matthew says, was both his interest in the biological station and out of gratitude for a scholarship he received as a UM student. When he transferred to UM for his final two years in political science and history, he was awarded a Watkins Scholarship. It made such a difference to him that he vowed to create similar opportunities for future students and felt the biological station was a particularly important area to support.

The Levitans all grew up in Helena, where they developed a love and appreciation for the state, and Matthew believes scientific investigation, such as the work being done at the Flathead Lake facility, holds the key to preserving Montana’s physical and spiritual environment. “Growing up in Montana developed us into the people we’ve become, and I want to help preserve the state in its best nature,” he says.

The UM Foundation manages 581 scholarship funds and in fiscal year 2002 turned over $2.4 million for awards to graduate and undergraduate students. Scholarships and fellowships are ongoing fund-raising priorities for the University. Call the Foundation, 243-2593 or (800) 443-2593. We can help you help worthy UM students.