Gary Levine, a longtime member of Ashland University’s English department, passed away Sunday (Nov. 1) night following his battle with stage four Gliobastoma.

Gliobastoma is the most common and most aggressive malignant primary brain tumor.

Levine taught multiple courses in the English department, including English Grammar and Usage, Bible as Literature, Literature and Film, American and British Literature, and all of the English Composition courses.

“I remember one day Dr. Levine came in with a ridiculous hat on,” said junior Allie Newhouse, who had Levine for English Grammar Usage in fall 2014. “It was a giant Jamaican costume-looking hat with fat, fake dread locks flowing down from the back.  Everyone was laughing, and the stress anyone had brought into the classroom that day disappeared.  He loved to make us laugh and feel comfortable at all times.”

In addition to serving as the director of English composition, Levine had a history of engaging in university service. Over the past 15 years, he served on the Faculty Senate Curriculum Committee, the Faculty Senate Executive Committee, the Core Assessment Task Force, the Honors Steering Committee, and the Retention Committee. He also served as Editor of the North Center Association Self-Study.

“He had a real intellectual range,” said Hilary Donatini, chair of the English department. “He had a range of interests and areas of expertise. But his greatest legacy is our composition program because he built that program from the ground up.”

The Gary M. Levine Benevolent Fund has been created at First Merit Bank to receive contributions. All funds will be used to defray the cost of medical care, hospice and related expenses.

Contributions of any amount are very much appreciated and can be made to the Gary M. Levine Benevolent Fund Account Number 901021148561 at any First Merit branch of your choosing, or it can be sent to neighbor Megan Harbath, 41 Squires Ct., Medina, OH 44256 for deposit to the First Merit Gary M. Levine Benevolent Fund account.