Donors support the arts and honor family through their philanthropy

When the University鈥檚 nationally recognized ceramics program in the Chaddock + Morrow College of Fine Arts began this fall, its facilities bore a new name. Formerly known as the Sculpture Studio, the newly dubbed Levy Ceramics Studio exemplifies how philanthropy and family legacy can enable substantive change in arts education.

Although Dave Levy, BS 鈥�78, majored in math and his wife, Cathy, in computer science at Ohio State University, they jumped at the opportunity to support the Chaddock + Morrow College Capital Project, which will create an Arts + Education Green for the college鈥檚 six schools and four professional arts programs. It also features renovations on several facilities, including the ceramics building, which commemorated its new name in a grand opening ceremony on Oct. 3, 2025.

鈥淲e were looking at a naming option, and we were working with Jonathan Renard to find something,鈥� Dave said of the college鈥檚 senior director of development for major giving. Dave and Cathy鈥檚 budget put several available spaces within reach鈥攂ut when Renard made the couple aware of the Chaddock + Morrow Match program, the Levys discovered an opportunity beyond what they could have imagined.

鈥淚t was like fireworks. My mom was so passionate about pottery, so this was absolutely perfect. It was meant to be,鈥� Dave said. His mother, Harriet Levy, took up ceramics in her 50s and became a passionate amateur potter, delving into the craft and perfecting her style over the following years. 鈥淣aming the [ceramics] building was really great from our perspective,鈥� Dave added, 鈥渂ecause that fits into our philosophy about philanthropy: You need to be visible. It鈥檚 not ego-driven, to have our name on it; it鈥檚 that we want people to understand and think about it.鈥�

The Levys were no strangers to fiscal altruism, making regular, smaller-scale gifts to the University for some time before they began supporting an annual scholarship for students in the College of Arts and Sciences in the early 2000s. After endowing the scholarship and becoming more serious about their philanthropic efforts, Dave Levy was appointed as a trustee for the in 2016 for a term that concluded earlier this year. Ultimately, he said, giving back to OHIO felt like the least he and Cathy could do.

鈥淚 got everything I could have gotten out of the school academically and, from a personal standpoint, I developed so extensively and made so many good friends,鈥� he said. 鈥淸College] was a pivotal point in my life, so my connection to OU was really strong.鈥�

After becoming more involved with the University and getting to know its various programs, colleges and leadership, it was clear to the Levys that they were on the right philanthropic path.

鈥淲hen you鈥檙e around people with that kind of passion and commitment, I don鈥檛 know how you don鈥檛 get drawn in,鈥� Dave said. 鈥淭hat was what really made us feel that supporting the University financially was absolutely one of the best things we can do with our money.鈥�

Like her husband, Cathy Levy has also supported OHIO with her time and talent. As a member of the Leadership Council for the Chaddock + Morrow College of Fine Arts, she got an early look at plans for the college鈥檚 Capital Project. The enthusiasm she and Dave felt for the revitalization grew until all the pieces naturally fell into place.

鈥淸The gift] checked a lot of boxes,鈥� Cathy said. 鈥淚t helped a fabulous program that is nationally recognized, and it鈥檚 wonderful to be involved with that. That鈥檚 one of the boxes. The second was, we wanted to help the University in a substantial way with this project. Another box was Harriet, who was also a potter.鈥�

In a nod to their philosophy of giving, the Levys commissioned a plaque to hang inside the building. It reads: 鈥淟et our philanthropy serve as an opportunity to inspire others in their giving to support students and faculty in the arts at 花季传媒.鈥� The same message was seen on the ceremonial ribbon at last weekend鈥檚 grand opening celebration, which Dave called 鈥渁n amazing experience鈥攐ne I doubt we鈥檒l ever exceed in our lifetime.鈥� To him and Cathy, supporting meaningful causes is one of life鈥檚 biggest blessings.

鈥淸Philanthropy] helps us live our values, live out the things that matter to us; that, to me, is nirvana鈥� Cathy said, noting that the joy created by Harriet鈥檚 creations鈥攎any of which are displayed in Cathy and Dave鈥檚 home in Hilliard, Ohio鈥攈elped the couple develop a deep appreciation for the arts.

鈥淓ven though we鈥檙e not artists and that鈥檚 not our expertise, we have a window into the power of the College of Fine Arts and the impact that it can have on real human beings and real communities,鈥� she said. 鈥淲e鈥檙e honored to be a part of an important project that鈥檚 deeply necessary at the University.鈥�

Are you inspired to support the College of Fine Arts Capital Project? , or explore options to name a space yourself. 

Feature photo: Ribbon cutting at the Levy Ceramics Studio grand opening celebration. From left, Vice President of University Advancement Gregory Simmons, President Lori Stewart Gonzalez, Chaddock + Morrow College of Fine Arts Dean Roxanne Schroeder-Arce, ceramics instructor Stuart Gair, donors Cathy and Dave Levy, ceramics student Sam McCall and School of Art + Design Director Duane McDiarmid. Photo by Skylar Seavey, BS 鈥�27