About the Levys
About the Levys
The Levy family’s multigenerational commitment to and legacy of leadership at UW-Madison includes philanthropic support of myriad university initiatives and programs, as well as volunteerism and support for community-development activities in educational, medical, religious and community organizations that enrich lives in Madison and across Wisconsin.
Along with their brother, Phil, who passed away in 2021, Marv and Jeff have been successful investors in both public and private companies and, over many years, have generously supported UW-Madison in areas that include the College of Letters and Science, athletics, the Law School, the School of Human Ecology, UW Hospital, UW Children’s Hospital, the Carbone Cancer Center, and the School of Medicine and Public Health. Additionally, they have supported Meriter Hospital, St. Mary’s Hospital, and the Mayo Clinic.
They also have been significant supporters of the Madison nonprofit community, including the Madison Rotary Foundation’s prestigious scholarship program, the United Way; Madison’s symphony orchestra, children’s museum, public library, and Museum of Contemporary Art; and temples Beth El and Beth Israel.
Experiencing tragedy, poverty and financial success in their lifetimes, the brothers’ parents, Irving and Dorothy Levy, and their aunt and uncle, Edith and Lewis Phillips, inspired their commitment to helping others by giving of their time and resources. Established in 1958, the Irving and Dorothy Levy Family Foundation is among the largest in Wisconsin. The family’s legacy also includes reinvigorating National Presto Industries, a defense contractor and manufacturer of small appliances that has benefited from innovation and engineering over its history.