The Mutual Benefits of Supporting the Next Generation of Brandeisians

Steve I. and Madeline Geltman Levine established a charitable gift annuity because “it’s good for Brandeis and it’s good for us.”

Madeline G. Levine ’62 and Steve I. Levine ’62 Steve I. Levine ’62 and Madeline G. Levine ’62 both came to Brandeis looking for new experiences, in search of something beyond the borders of their shared hometown of New York City. 

Once on campus, they found much more than a change of scenery. 

As students, the two found their intellectual passions in Russian literature, international relations, and history. They became involved in political activism, first in the anti-war movement, and then in the Civil Rights Movement. They met each other at Brandeis, married soon after graduation, and both went on to become educators themselves. Today, the pair are retired professors residing in North Carolina. 

“My experience at Brandeis was a time of the mind and of the heart,” says Madeline. “As a professor today, I can see Brandeis has held true to those values that made it such a special place for us to begin with.” 

That’s why they’re now giving back to Brandeis through a charitable gift annuity. By giving to Brandeis through a CGA, they’re able to support the university long into the future and at the same time receive income for life. That was important, says Steve, as the CGA allowed them to “give what we can, within our means.”

“Our grandkids are getting ready for college now. I want them, and everyone in the younger generations, to have the same kinds of opportunities we received,” he says. Adds Madeline, “Looking at what we could do, this seemed like an important way for us to make a large enough contribution, one we could handle, but one that was also mutually helpful at this time of our lives.”

They were especially motivated to get involved now, they say, because many of the same issues pertaining to social and political justice they fought for as students continue to exist today. 

“There’s been progress, but not enough,” says Steve.“The world needs educated people with critical thinking skills. A Brandeis education is very important, to inspire graduates to get out there the way we did and get involved in causes that matter. Now felt like the right time for us, but also a very important time.”

Madeline describes their involvement succinctly: “It’s good for Brandeis. It’s good for us.”