Donors support the arts and honor family through their philanthropy

When the University’s 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 ’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’s 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.

“We were looking at a naming option, and we were working with Jonathan Renard to find something,” Dave said of the college’s senior director of development for major giving. Dave and Cathy’s budget put several available spaces within reach—but when Renard made the couple aware of the Chaddock + Morrow Match program, the Levys discovered an opportunity beyond what they could have imagined.

“It was like fireworks. My mom was so passionate about pottery, so this was absolutely perfect. It was meant to be,” 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. “Naming the [ceramics] building was really great from our perspective,” Dave added, “because that fits into our philosophy about philanthropy: You need to be visible. It’s not ego-driven, to have our name on it; it’s that we want people to understand and think about it.”

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 Ohio University Foundation 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.

“I 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,” he said. “[College] was a pivotal point in my life, so my connection to OU was really strong.”

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.

“When you’re around people with that kind of passion and commitment, I don’t know how you don’t get drawn in,” Dave said. “That was what really made us feel that supporting the University financially was absolutely one of the best things we can do with our money.”

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’s Capital Project. The enthusiasm she and Dave felt for the revitalization grew until all the pieces naturally fell into place.

“[The gift] checked a lot of boxes,” Cathy said. “It helped a fabulous program that is nationally recognized, and it’s wonderful to be involved with that. That’s 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.”

In a nod to their philosophy of giving, the Levys commissioned a plaque to hang inside the building. It reads: “Let our philanthropy serve as an opportunity to inspire others in their giving to support students and faculty in the arts at Ohio University.” The same message was seen on the ceremonial ribbon at last weekend’s grand opening celebration, which Dave called “an amazing experience—one I doubt we’ll ever exceed in our lifetime.” To him and Cathy, supporting meaningful causes is one of life’s biggest blessings.

“[Philanthropy] helps us live our values, live out the things that matter to us; that, to me, is nirvana” Cathy said, noting that the joy created by Harriet’s creations—many of which are displayed in Cathy and Dave’s home in Hilliard, Ohio—helped the couple develop a deep appreciation for the arts.

“Even though we’re not artists and that’s 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,” she said. “We’re honored to be a part of an important project that’s deeply necessary at the University.”

Are you inspired to support the College of Fine Arts Capital Project? Make a gift of any amount today, 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 ’27