Queens University joins the entire Charlotte community in mourning the loss of Leon Levine, founder and former CEO of the Family Dollar chain of retail stores and The Leon Levine Foundation. In addition to supporting numerous humanitarian efforts across the Carolinas, Mr. Levine and his beloved wife, Sandra, have been dedicated supporters and visionary leaders of Queens University for many years.

An honorary alumna, Trustee Emerita, and Life Trustee, Sandra Levine has worked tirelessly with her husband to elevate the campus environment and to improve the educational experience for all Queens students, faculty, and staff. In 2012, Mr. and Mrs. Levine were awarded the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award, Queens’ highest community recognition, honoring their excellence of character and humanitarian service.

Their commitment to Queens’ mission and their generosity have transformed the landscape of the campus, including the 1,000-seat Sandra Levine Theatre and the Levine Center for Wellness and Recreation, a 145,000-square-foot athletics center for students, faculty, staff, and community members which provides state-of-the-art indoor competition facilities for Royals Athletics. The Levines were also founding members of the Queens Learning Society which was established to bring national thought leaders to Queens and the Charlotte community, and, as champions for college access, dozens of students have also benefited from the Sandra Levine Scholarship.

“Mr. Levine leaves behind a deep and lasting legacy that will forever touch the hearts and minds of everyone at Queens University,” said Dan Lugo, president. “We extend our deepest condolences to the entire Levine family and our friends at The Leon Levine Foundation and hope that they know that their Queens family joins them in mourning and celebrating the incredible legacy of Mr. Levine.”

The Levine Foundation has supported several initiatives in health care, education, arts, social services, and Jewish causes across the region. The establishment of the Levine Cancer Institute, Levine Children’s Hospital and Levine Avenue of the Arts were all made possible through the support of their charitable donations.

*Photo credit: The Leon Levine Foundation