Ben-Gurion University of the Negev Confers Honorary Doctoral Degree Upon Philanthropist and Businessman Gustave S. Levey
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev Confers Honorary Doctoral Degree Upon Philanthropist and Businessman Gustave S. Levey
July 11, 2008
Alternative Energy, Press Releases
HOUSTON, August 4, 2010 — Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) is presenting philanthropist and businessman Gustave S. Levey with a prestigious honorary doctoral degree at a ceremony taking place Sunday, August 8, 2010. The Greater Texas Region of American Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (Americans for Ben-Gurion University) is hosting the event at the Houston Intercontinental Hotel.
Gus Levey, both lawyer and inventor, has been a longtime proponent of solar energy initiatives, which have helped position Ben-Gurion University as a global leader in alternative energy technology. In addition to his foresight as a major supporter of BGU’s initiatives in this area, he has also been instrumental in securing important patents for BGU in the solar energy arena.
“Many years ago, Gus saw that alternative energy technology would become an important strategic asset to Israel and provided immeasurable support in establishing BGU in this field,” says BGU President Prof. Rivka Carmi. “He is a brilliant, generous and humble man who has been a longstanding philanthropic supporter of Israel, as well as the Houston community and is most deserving of receiving the University’s highest honorary award.”
Gus is president of GSL Investments, Inc., a Houston real estate company. He also founded Speeflo Corporation, which manufactured gas, electric powered paint sprayers. He sold the company and secured 19 patents, some of which have revolutionized the spray-painting industry.
Gus Levey has been able to combine his philanthropic interest in education with his real estate acumen, converting several Houston commercial buildings into schools. Gus and his wife Marjorie also underwrote the Marjorie and Gustave Levey Dormitory located on the American Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (Americans for Ben-Gurion University) Dormitory Complex in Beer-Sheva.
Levey began his education at Wichita University and then served as a navigator in the U.S. Army Air Corps. After his service, he earned a B.S. in economics and a law degree from the University of Houston.
For event information contact Americans for Ben-Gurion University Regional Director Deborah Bergeron at [email protected] or (713) 522-8284.
ABOUT AMERICANS FOR BEN-GURION UNIVERSITY
By supporting a world-class academic institution that not only nurtures the Negev, but also shares its expertise locally and globally, Americans for Ben-Gurion University engages a community of Americans who are committed to improving the world. David Ben-Gurion envisioned that Israel’s future would be forged in the Negev. The cutting-edge research carried out at Ben-Gurion University drives that vision by sustaining a desert Silicon Valley, with the “Stanford of the Negev” at its center. The Americans for Ben-Gurion University movement supports a 21st century unifying vision for Israel by rallying around BGU’s remarkable work and role as an apolitical beacon of light in the Negev desert.
About Ben-Gurion University of the Negev
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev embraces the endless potential we have as individuals and as a commonality to adapt and to thrive in changing environments. Inspired by our location in the desert, we aim to discover, to create, and to develop solutions to dynamic challenges, to pose questions that have yet to be asked, and to push beyond the boundaries of the commonly accepted and possible.
We are proud to be a central force for inclusion, diversity and innovation in Israel, and we strive to extend the Negev’s potential and our entrepreneurial spirit throughout the world. For example, the multi-disciplinary School for Sustainability and Climate Change at BGU leverages over 50 years of expertise on living and thriving in the desert into scalable solutions for people everywhere.
BGU at a glance:
20,000 students | 800 senior faculty | 3 campuses | 6 faculties: humanities & social sciences, health sciences, engineering sciences, natural sciences, business & management, and desert research.
For all press inquiries, please contact:
James Fattal, J Cubed Communications
516.289.1496
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