Sandra and Leon Levine

Among Charlotte's most prominent couples, Sandra and Leon Levine reflect all that is good about this dynamic North Carolina city and region. Successful in business, community and family endeavors, the Levines are a shining  example of outstanding citizenship and personal integrity. Demonstrating an extraordinary interest in service to their fellow man, the Levines have established an enviable legacy of philanthropic support benefiting the people of the Carolinas.

As a teenager, Leon Levine perfected his retail skills in the family store in Rockingham, N.C. In 1959, at age 22, he founded a single store in Charlotte which would emerge into one of the largest retail chains in the country. Considered among one of the nation's most impressive business success stories, Family Dollar Stores is now recognized among America's most profitable discount retailers. In appreciation of his vision and outstanding leadership in developing and advancing the company, the Family Dollar Board of Directors honored Mr. Levine with the honorary title, Founder and Chairman Emeritus upon his retirement in 2003.

A native of Anderson, S.C., Sandra Poliakoff Levine graduated from Myers Park High School in Charlotte and attended Women's College University of North Carolina - Greensboro. Active in numerous community activities, Mrs. Levine serves in key leadership positions benefiting education, arts and religious organizations throughout the Charlotte community. Mrs. Levine has served on the Board of Commissioners at Carolinas HealthCare System.

The parents of three adult children, and six grandchildren, Sandra and Leon Levine maintain a strong sense of pride in their family. Friends who know them best confirm that Sandra and Leon have always maintained a passion for their children and grandchildren. The Levines' belief in strong family ties also extends to other family members and associates.

Equally important to Sandra and Leon Levine is their sense of responsibility to community. Defining community in rather broad terms, their legacy includes international and national commitments, religious facilities, medical science research facilities, arts facilities and educational facilities. Institutions that proudly acknowledge the Levine name include the Levine Children's Hospital, Duke University, Shalom Park and Temple Israel in Charlotte, the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte Country Day School, The Levine Museum of the New South, and Central Piedmont Community College.

Biography Courtesy of Levine Children's Hospital

Overview of the Levine Scholarship Program at UNC Charlotte

The Levine Scholars Program takes the brightest, most capable students and gives them the tools, resources and environment they need to connect, transform and make a difference in the world. The four-year scholarship includes full tuition, room and board, a grant to implement a service project of the Scholar’s own design, and four summers of experiences that will develop leadership skills, social awareness, and an international perspective. The total value of this four-year package is estimated at $90,000 per in-state student and $137,000 per out-of-state student.

The Scholars value the benefits of the rigorous academic programs at UNC Charlotte, the state’s only urban research university noted for its innovative interdisciplinary programs and opportunities for student research. To complement classroom learning, Levine Scholars participate in rich and varied opportunities in the vibrant commercial and cultural center of Charlotte, North Carolina the state’s largest metropolitan region.

A passion to make a difference is a defining attribute of a Levine Scholar. All Scholars receive access to a service grant to implement a project of their own design in the community. The grant and the service project transform the lives of the Levine Scholars, the lives of the individuals and the families with whom they work, and the communities where Scholars extend their energy and creativity. Upon graduation, Levine Scholars move into their chosen careers fully prepared as talented scholars, gifted leaders, and passionate humanitarians.

For more information on the Levine Scholarship at UNC Charlotte can be found here.