Dr. Norm Levan’s generous gift to Bakersfield College has yielded many benefits, to students, to faculty and to community members. The Levan Institute offers engaging and enriching workshops and classes that are open to the community. Many students have received Levan Scholarships and are able to continue with their education.  Through the Levan Center faculty scholars have a forum to pursue and share their research and passion for their disciplines.

Dr. Norman Levan

Dr. Levan’s love of the humanities and the classics brought him to St. John’s College in Santa Fe, New Mexico to study.

One of the welcomed but perhaps unintended consequences of Dr. Levan’s gift, is the partnership that has developed with St. John’s and Bakersfield College.

Several St. John’s scholars have been guest lecturers at the Levan Center. And this past month, Dr. Reggie Williams, Philosophy Department Chair, became the second Bakersfield College scholar to give a Levan Lecture at St. John’s.

“Reggie’s very contemporary lecture, “Feminism and the “New” Ampersand Problem”, was something of an anomaly for a college community focused on the classics. However, Reggie’s ability of making his scholarly research both accessible and relevant to any audience was evident. He was in his element deftly answering questions and engaging the audience in dialogue. I have been to Santa Fe many times and the city and culture has much to offer. But, this visit wills always standout in my memory. It was a privilege and a pleasure to be there for Reggie’s presentation. and to share the experience with Jack Hernandez, Director Levan Center and Mike Stepanovich, Foundation Director.” — Nan Gomez-Heitzeberg, Vice President Academic Affairs.

Nan Gomez-Heitzeberg, Reggie Williams,
Jack Hernandez and Mike Stepanovich

Tagged: Bakersfield College, Levan lecture, Reggie Williams