In 2024, as Opportunity Vanderbilt celebrated its 15th anniversary, Trustee Robert “Bob” Levy, BA’72, and his wife Diane S. Levy demonstrated their continued commitment to student access through a transformative $1.1 million matching gift initiative.
The program, which inspired 22 alumni from the graduating classes of 2000 to 2025 to make their first endowed gifts to the university by establishing Opportunity Vanderbilt scholarships, reached its goal more than four months ahead of schedule by August 2025.
“It’s exciting to build momentum by inspiring the next generation to get involved,” Bob Levy says. “If these new donors enjoy the experience as much as we have, they will hopefully continue to support Vanderbilt for years to come, investing in areas where they want to make an impact.”
The match builds upon decades of the Levys‘ thoughtful philanthropy at Vanderbilt, guided by their philosophy that education is a long-term solution to social issues. Their support has evolved from focusing solely on opening the door to a world-class education to ensuring student success at every stage. In 2017, the Levys announced a gift of $10 million to continue support for their scholarship fund, which provides need-based aid to undergraduate students as part of Opportunity Vanderbilt, a program that has awarded more than $3.16 billion in need-based undergraduate aid to over 17,280 students since its inception. Currently, 65 percent of current undergraduates are receiving some type of financial assistance. The no-loan financial aid program is a key initiative of Vanderbilt’s historic Dare to Grow fundraising campaign and has played a significant role in amplifying the university’s academic excellence and fueling Vanderbilt’s upward trajectory.
In 2022, Bob and Diane contributed $5 million for the university to provide internship stipends for deserving undergraduate students, enabling them to pursue their passions without being concerned about financial barriers.
The couple has now expanded their impact through the Levy First View Program for First-Generation Students in support of the First View transition program, designed to offer holistic support and skill development for first-generation college students as they prepare for the academic rigors of Vanderbilt, laying the foundation for personal and professional growth and success.
“No one will remember you for the things you had. You will be remembered by the things you did for others,” Bob Levy reflects, encapsulating the couple’s philanthropic vision. “Being involved is really rewarding. When you take the time to talk to these young people, they remind us that the future is bright.”
The Levys’ comprehensive approach to student support has helped transform Vanderbilt’s ability to attract and nurture the best and brightest students regardless of their financial background. Through their purposeful involvement and many meaningful contributions, they are inspiring a new generation of alumni donors while also directly furthering the campaign’s fundamental goal of increasing student access and success by actively breaking down financial barriers and expanding educational opportunities.
“No one will remember you for the things you had. You will be remembered by the things you did for others.”
“Giving is not about writing a check, it’s about the thrill of seeing your gift in action,” Bob Levy says. “When a scholarship recipient says, ‘Thank you. I would not be at Vanderbilt without your help,’ it doesn’t get any better than that.”
Voices of the Levy Match
Hear from Vanderbilt alumni who utilized the Levy match to make their first endowed gifts to their alma mater, sharing why they give back and their hopes for future generations who will benefit from Opportunity Vanderbilt. Through their gifts, they are not just providing financial support but are actively investing in the potential of Vanderbilt students to create meaningful change. These donors embody the spirit of Opportunity Vanderbilt, as well as Bob and Diane Levy’s personal belief in creating pathways for talented students to pursue their dreams.
“My scholarship to Vanderbilt changed the entire trajectory of my life. It made it possible for me to attend a university I otherwise could not have afforded, and it opened my world—introducing me to new perspectives, new possibilities and ultimately a path to law school and a deeply fulfilling legal career. It’s also where I met my husband, Bruce, which shaped both our lives in ways we could never have imagined. Because of that experience, we believe that financial circumstances should never stand in the way of a student’s potential. Through this scholarship, we hope to extend the same transformative opportunity to future Vanderbilt students. We believe Opportunity Vanderbilt doesn’t just remove financial barriers—it opens doors to a lifetime of growth, discovery, and impact.” —Dawn Steinhoff Walker, AS’06
“Supporting Vanderbilt means widening access to transformative experiences and investing in students whose potential can shape the future. Even a single act of support can alter someone’s trajectory and create opportunities that strengthen Vanderbilt for generations.” —McCall M. Cravens, EN’03
“Enjoy your time at Vanderbilt – work hard but make time for fun and do your best to take advantage of the many opportunities you’ll find at this amazing university. Go Dores!” —Jordan Thorne Bayersdorfer, AS’02